?Chapter 29:


    “Kristopher…”


    Cathy, as pale as a ghost, slumped into Kristopher’s arms, urgency in her voice. “Why did you leave the stage? You should be up there with Belinda, helping your Grandpa make his birthday wishes and cut the cake.”


    Tears filled her eyes as she gently pushed against him. “Go back, it’s just a sudden stomach ache, nothing serious. Don’t let Belinda get the wrong idea.”


    Kristopher’s frown deepened, but he held her even tighter. “Is it very painful? Is it something serious?”


    From the stage, Belinda watched them, a heavy feeling settling in her chest.


    Kristopher tantly ignored Cathy’s plea to avoid misunderstandings with Belinda.


    Despite knowing for a long time that her feelings meant little to him, it still stung, especially today at Anthony’s birthday celebration, surrounded by family and friends. He couldn’t even feign interest in her.


    “I’m fine,” Cathy murmured, casting a smug look at Belinda. She lowered her gaze and whispered to Kristopher, “It’s nothing. Maybe the c upset my stomach.”


    Kristopher’s brow furrowed further. “You know your stomach is sensitive. Why would you drink c? That’s quite reckless!”


    Belinda offered a wry smile in return.


    She was in the advanced stages of stomach cancer, consuming painkillers by the handful daily, yet her husband remained oblivious. Meanwhile, Cathy had only juste back home, and he was already fussing over her sensitive stomach.


    The irony wasn’t lost on Belinda.


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    Bang!


    Suddenly, a loud crash resounded from the stage.


    Everyone in the hall jumped and turned to see what had happened.


    Anthony had furiously thrown a gift box onto the floor.


    “Stanley!” Stanley, who had been some distance away, hurried forward with his head bowed. “I’m here.”


    Anthony stroked his beard and fixed a stern re in the direction of Kristopher and Cathy. His tone was icy as he said, “Didn’t I make it clear that no Miller family member was to be invited? Why is she here at my birthday party?”


    Though Anthony was old, he had once wielded considerable power in Nawrin. His seasoned voice still held such authority that it silenced the room instantly.


    Stanley appeared ufortable, stealing nces at Cathy, who was in Kristopher’s arms. “We did try to intervene when Miss Miller arrived, but…”


    “I was the one who brought Cathy in,” Kristopher interjected, cutting Stanley off with a frown. “Grandpa, there seems to be some misunderstanding about Cathy. I brought her here to clear things up, especially today at your birthday celebration.”


    “Misunderstandings?” Anthony sneered. “Miss Miller feelsfortable enough to wrap herself around a married man in full view of his wife. Believe me, there are no misunderstandings on my part about her character!”


    Cathy’splexion turned ghostly pale once again.


    She nervously bit her lip and stepped away from Kristopher, her voice quivering, on the verge of tears. “I didn’t mean to…”<fn437e> Updates are released by fινdnοvel</fn437e>


    Kristopher moved to shield her, his expression hardening. “Grandpa, please, that’s not fair. Cathy’s just feeling unwell; she has a stomachache.”


    “A stomachache? And she needs to be in your arms for that?” Anthony retorted sharply. “What, do you think your embrace can heal…”


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