?Chapter 46:


    The living room fell into a brief, tense silence.


    All eyes turned to Kristopher, except for Belinda’s.<fn6e9d> This content belongs to fin?novel</fn6e9d>


    From where Cathy sat, the seriousness and resolve in Kristopher’s eyes were unmistakable. It was clear he meant every word.


    Cathy’s expression darkened as she bit her lip and nervously wrung her hands, her gaze shifting resentfully towards Belinda.


    Feeling the gravity in her brother’s voice, Maggie furrowed her brow in confusion. “Kristopher, what are you getting at? Belinda has already filed for divorce. Why do you suddenly object?”


    “Didn’t you hear?” Anthony interjected sharply, his tone firm. “Kristopher ims Belinda was just upset!” Hismand over the room was evident as he dered, “This matter is none of your concern!”


    He emphasized each word with a piercing look toward Cathy.


    Cathy’splexion grew even paler.


    “You might be onto something, Dad,” Carol chimed in, adept at gauging the mood. She cast a knowing look from Anthony to Belinda and Kristopher, her smile reassuring. “Kristopher and Belinda, three years into marriage. I’ve witnessed how strong their bond is. They’ve been inseparable since they arrived, hand in hand. Does that really seem like a couple ready to part ways?”


    Her observation seemed to lighten the mood, prompting a heartyugh from Anthony, who affectionately stroked his beard.


    “Seriously! What couple on the brink of divorce still holds hands like that?”


    Belinda felt Kristopher’s grip tighten, her fingers protesting the pressure.


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    “But…” Cathy interjected softly. “Last night, Belinda announced she was divorcing Kristopher. Everyone heard it.” She paused, biting her lip. “I haven’t known Belinda long, but she strikes me as rational, kind, and gentle. Yet,st night… she boldly dered her intention to divorce, seemingly careless about her own and the Cox family’s reputations. She even shed with Rosie and Maggie…”


    Cathy’s eyes, wide and innocent, fixed on Belinda in bewilderment. “Belinda, were you just upset at Kristopher?”


    Belinda arched an eyebrow, but before she could reply, Rosie interjected with a scoff. “Upset? In all my years, I’ve never seen ady of Nawrin’s high society throw such a fit, demanding a divorce and striking her inws in the presence of all their friends and family.” Rosie’s temper red. “For three years, she’s beenuded as poised, gentle, and graceful, the ideal daughter-inw. But her actionsst night were nothing short of irresponsible! She didn’t just announce a divorce. She hit me and Maggie. She no longer belongs in the Cox family.” Her eyes narrowed sharply. “Divorce is inevitable now! She must answer for her actionsst night.”


    Belinda couldn’t suppress a chuckle at Rosie’s outraged performance. Seizing a moment when Kristopher was momentarily distracted, she deftly slipped her hand from his.


    “ying the victim, are we?” she remarked coldly, shooting a frosty nce at Rosie while crossing her arms. “Yes, I pped Maggiest night, but I neverid a hand on you. Have you so conveniently forgotten how you and your daughter pinned me down and pped me?”


    Rosie’s expression darkened. “I’m your mother-inw, and Maggie is your sister-inw. It’s our duty to correct you when necessary. Don’t you think so?”


    Ever since Belinda married into the Cox family, this had been Rosie’s prevailing attitude.


    For three years, Belinda had silently borne this treatment.


    Belinda chuckled bitterly. “Oh, so it’s your right to hit me, but if I dare retaliate, you runining to Anthony?”


    Previously, she had always believed in maintaining peace, choosing to swallow her grievances rather than confront them directly.


    However, she hade to realize that her tolerance had not only failed to garner respect but had also led them to treat her as if she were inherently inferior.


    “What is happening here?” The sudden roar of Anthony’s voice as he mmed the table made everyone turn. His eyes zed as he confronted Rosie and Maggie. “Did either of you hit Belindast night?” Caught off guard, Rosie’s face nched, and she found herself without words.


    Maggie merely frowned, choosing to remain silent.


    Anthony then turned his wrath towards Kristopher. “And you! Did you just stand there and watch as your mother and sister abused Belinda?”


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