?<strong>Chapter 742:</strong>


    Belinda’s brows knitted tighter. “I understand,” she said curtly.


    Without waiting for Caiden’s response, she turned and left the office.


    Lucas quickly followed her, his footsteps quickening to keep up.


    As they walked down the hallway, Belinda suddenly stopped and turned to him.


    “By the way, why did youe here to see me today?”


    Lucas’ lips curved into a slight smile as he leaned closer. “Let’s have dinner together tonight. I have something important to tell you.”


    Belinda raised a skeptical brow. “You can just tell me now.”


    “This isn’t the right ce for that conversation,” Lucas replied with a soft sigh, his tone tinged with mild frustration. “Belinda, it’s just dinner. Are you really that against spending a little time with me?”


    Upon hearing Lucas’ words and observing the subtle yet telling expression on his face, Belinda felt an inexplicable difort in her heart.


    Suddenly, a memory flickered in her mind. She recalled what Catherine had told her that day…


    The words of rejection she had prepared suddenly felt hard to say.


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    Taking a gentle, steadying breath, she remained silent for what felt like an eternity before finally saying, “I havemitments tonight. Let’s reschedule the dinner for tomorrow.”


    Lucas’ eyes sparkled with excitement at her words, an infectious enthusiasm lighting up his face. “Alright! I’lle by to pick you up after work tomorrow night.”


    Belinda, however, shook her head gently. “No need for that.”


    Lucas looked somewhat resigned, even a touch aggrieved. “But… If I don’t pick you up, how else will I be able to contact you?”


    Belinda found herself momentarily at a loss for words, realizing the truth in his statement.


    That was indeed correct! She had blocked Lucas’ number a long time ago. “Fine, you cane and pick me up tomorrow,” she said reluctantly.


    With that, she turned and made her way toward the Cardiac Surgery Department, her heart a tumult of emotions.


    Lucas watched her figure vanish down the corridor, his lips curling into a faint smile.


    At the Hoffman family’s residence, in Johnson’s room, the sound of knocking echoed.


    Johnson approached the door and opened it.


    Catherine was standing outside the door.


    “Johnson! I prepared this soup just for you. Please don’t squander my efforts!” Catherine held up the steaming bowl in her hands, tilting her head slightly as a radiant smile lit up her face.


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