?Chapter 160:


    Belinda’s smile was slight but determined. “Of course not.” Gone was the woman who used to yield without a fight.


    She took a leisurely sip of her tea and fixed her gaze on Darren. “Darren, remember, you’re the one who started this mess…”


    “Don’t worry,” Darren cut her off before she could continue. “Belinda, if you need any help, just let me know.”


    He locked eyes with her and dered, “I’ll stand by you till the end.”


    Darren’s words were subtly ambiguous.


    Madisyn cleared her throat and looked away. “Hey, both of you, remember I’m here. Maybe dial it back a little?”


    Belinda caught the deep affection in Darren’s gaze and her brow furrowed. “Fluffy’s been really clingytely.”


    Darren’s face clouded over at the mention of the cat.


    He understood Belinda was gently chiding him for his previous mistake of losing her cat.


    He dropped his eyes, avoiding her stare. “A clingy cat… that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”


    “Yeah.” Belinda sighed heavily and stood. “Well, Darren, I’m heading out now. I’ll get in touch if I need anything.”


    She paused at the door, a warning in her tone. “And please, no more rash decisions.”


    Darren’splexion turned pale, and he nodded vigorously. “Understood.”


    As they stepped out of Darren’s apartment, Madisyn’s phone rang. A colleague was calling, mentioning that everyone was gathered and waiting for her at dinner.


    “Belinda, how about joining us?” Observing Belinda’s subdued mood, Madisyn offered a gentle suggestion. “You know, the models at our studio are absolutely stunning!”


    Belinda dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. “No, thanks. These days, my face is too well-known online. It would just bring trouble being recognized in public.”


    Madisyn shed a yful wink. “Why not just wear a mask? I’m quite the expert at helping people stay low-key. I’ve got years of practice!”


    As Belinda began to walk toward her apartment, she exined, “If I show up, I’ll just draw attention away from the festivities. I don’t want to be the subject of gossip or spoil your event.”


    She gave Madisyn a knowing look. “You go on without me. I’ll be fine getting home on my own.”


    Madisyn sighed in resignation when Belinda insisted on going alone, since Darren’s ce was close by in the same neighborhood. “Alright then. But give me a call if you need anything, okay?”


    With a farewell wave, Belinda watched Madisyn drive off. She then took a deep breath and started her leisurely walk home, the moonlight and streemps casting a serene glow around her.


    Upon reaching her building’s entrance, she encountered Kristopher once again.


    He was there by his car, casually leaning against it while smoking. The cluster of cigarette butts around him suggested he had been waiting for a while.


    .<fn3818> Fresh chapters posted on find?novel</fn3818>


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