?Chapter 25:


    “I mean, Belinda and I…” Darren began, his cheeks coloring slightly as he awkwardly scratched his head after hearing Cathy’s probing question. “We haven’t reached that point.”<fn519f> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? Find?Novel</fn519f>


    Cathy burst intoughter as soon as Darren finished his sentence. She wrapped an arm around Kristopher, resting her head against him and leaning heavily. With a teasing lilt to her voice, she quipped, “Haven’t reached that point? So, you’re saying there’s a chance in the future?”


    Darren couldn’t help but join in theughter. “For now, Belinda and I are just friends. But…”


    His gaze shifted to Belinda. “Once she’s free from her current marriage, I might make a move.”


    The room’s temperature seemed to drop suddenly.


    Kristopher’s expression hardened as he cast a chilling look toward Belinda, who stood behind Darren. “You’re aware she’s still married, yet you’re hovering around her?”


    Darren offered a disarming smile. “Mr. Cox, you misunderstand. My rtionship with Belinda ispletely proper. Besides…”


    He trailed off, a hint of concern in his voice. “I’ve heard her marriage has been in shambles for some time now. Her husband is hardly around, caught up with an old me, and barely notices Belinda. He even neglected her when she was ill.”


    As Darren spoke, his eyes softened with sympathy toward Belinda. “Once she’s officially divorced, someone should appreciate what her husband failed to value.”


    By the time Darren finished, the atmosphere had shifted significantly, and the expressions around the room soured.


    Even Cathy, who had been all smiles, couldn’t maintain her cheerful demeanor.


    Her face tensed up, betraying her difort.


    Kristopher scowled, his eyes cold as they swept across Belinda’s pale features.


    Was this what she conveyed to Darren about them?


    His gaze unsettled Belinda.


    Overwhelmed with embarrassment, she was at a loss for words. Thest time they had spoken, she had assured Darren that her marriage was joyful, her family ideal, and her husband’s love profound. How had he uncovered the truth?


    The tension in the room was pierced by the voice of Anthony’s butler, Stanley Baker, who approached Kristopher with a respectful demeanor. “Mr. Anthony Kristopher wants to see you.”


    Kristopher halted, his attention shifting from Belinda as he pulled his arm away from Cathy’s grip, poised to leave.


    “I’m apanying you.”


    Cathy stepped forward swiftly, reaching for his arm once more.


    “Miss Miller,” Stanley interjected with a frown, blocking her path. “Mr. Anthony explicitly stated that no Millers should attend the gathering. How did you manage to enter?”


    Color drained from Cathy’s meticulously made-up face.


    “I was the one who brought her.”


    Kristopher faced Stanley, disying an unusual calm. “It’s time we resolve the misunderstanding between Grandpa and Cathy.” He sped Cathy’s hand, turning to depart.


    Yet, Stanley obstructed their path again, his smile hollow. “I’d suggest not disturbing Mr. Anthony today. You’re well aware of whom he wishes to see.”


    With those words, Stanley shifted his focus to Belinda. “Madam, will you just stand here and observe? Mr. Anthony desires to meet both you and Kristopher.”


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