?<strong>Chapter 89:</strong>


    The rumor that the Thomas family was considering a partnership with the Adams family had been well-known among their tight-knit circle. However, just recently, the Thomas family had shifted course dramatically, searching for a new coborator.


    Ryan nearly let slip a curse at Belinda, catching himself with a nce at Lucas. He took a deep breath, his frustration evident. “I really misjudged Belinda. How could someone like her—an outsider to the Thomas family, really—sway the Thomas family to her side?”


    Vincent inquired, “Is there nothing you can do to turn this around?”


    With a heavy sigh, Ryan replied, “Mrs. Thomas made it clear that my family should forget about the coboration. What more can I try?”


    Yet, as he spoke, a new idea seemed to dawn on him. He looked hopefully at Lucas. “Lucas, could you help me out here?”


    Lucas turned to face Ryan as Ryan continued, “Belinda always listens to you. If she could speak to Mr. Thomas on my family’s behalf, perhaps my family could still salvage this deal.” Ryan was also hoping to demonstrate to his father the real advantages of his ties to Lucas by doing this.


    Lucas, pausing only to sip his drink, responded decisively, “I’m staying out of this.”


    Ryan’s face clouded with disappointment. “Lucas—” He was about to continue when Vincent interjected, “Let’s not get stuck on this. Let’s just enjoy our drinks now.”


    Though dissatisfied, Ryan knew better than to express his displeasure in front of Lucas. Reluctantly, he lifted his ss and clinked it with the others.


    Meanwhile, at Belinda and Bethany’s table, an unexpected group of visitors approached them.


    Three men in fancy suits, though looking a bit shady, walked over to Belinda and Bethany’s table.


    The leader, Boyce, tried to smile charmingly at the two women. “How about joining us for a drink?”


    One of the men put two drinks down in front of Belinda and Bethany as Boyce spoke.


    Belinda, looking uninterested, said, “Sorry, I don’t drink.”


    Boyce justughed and replied, “That’s not an issue.”


    He turned to his friend Aldo. “Get two sses of water for them instead.”


    “Sure thing, boss,” Aldo responded.


    Belinda added, “I mean, I’m not drinking anything at all.”


    Boyce chuckled, trying to persuade Belinda. “Come on, don’t be like that.”


    Belinda didn’t say anything.


    Bethany, sitting next to Belinda, also showed no interest in the group of men.


    Boyce’s face turned dark as he saw theirck of interest. “Today, you’re going to drink with us, whether you want to or not.”


    Belinda stood up, eyebrows raised. “You think you can force me or something?”


    Boyce smirked and then instructed Aldo, “Make these twodies drink, but try to be nice and gentle, okay?”


    Aldo smiled creepily. “Don’t worry, boss; we’ll be very gentle.” He reached out to touch Belinda’s chin, but she quickly grabbed his wrist.


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