?Chapter 274:


    “Kristopher.”


    After a long and heavy silence, Belinda spoke first, her voice rough with emotion. “Can you help me?”


    She reasoned that since he had criticized her n to involve the police, he might have a better strategy. Considering theteness of the hour, seeking help from anyone else would likely be futile or too dyed. The man standing before her might indeed be her best recourse.


    Kristopher raised his eyebrows, a challenge in his gaze. “Asking for help requires a certain humility.”


    Belinda’s lips tightened. She straightened her posture, meeting his eyes firmly. “And how would you propose I ask?”


    In the dim glow of the stairwell, light danced yfully in Belinda’s dark eyes. Moonlight streamed through the skylight above, casting her slender face into sharp relief, entuating her delicate features. Kristopher watched her, feeling an unfamiliar emotion stir deep within him.


    Noticing his prolonged silence, Belinda exhaled with urgency, her rosy lips parting slightly. “Kristopher, tell me, how should I plead with you? I will agree, as long as it’s within reason.”


    Kristopher’s attention returned to the present, his gaze captured by her moist, red lips. He remembered their softness, the sweetness of past kisses. Looking at her lips, his throat tightened slightly. “What do you think?” he asked, his voice rough with emotion.


    This husky tone was all too familiar to Belinda. She paused, taken aback, herplexion turning pale. But with thoughts of Fred and the urgency of their situation pressing on her mind, she took a deep breath, steadied her thoughts, and suppressed the turmoil within her. “Okay, I understand.”


    Lifting her head, she met his gaze directly, her eyes clear and determined. “It’s eleven o’clock now. If we can manage to rescue Fred tonight, I will fulfill your request. If not, you can approach me anytimeter. I will not go back on my word.”


    Though they were referring to something intimate, her tone and demeanor were as serious and businesslike as if they were discussing a formal partnership.


    G  a lno  ve ls . is where the magic begins


    Kristopher studied her changed expression, his brow furrowing. Previously, whenever he broached the topic of intimacy, she would blush and avert her eyes. Now, her approach was strictly business,pletely devoid of the shyness she had shown before.


    Reflecting on this change, a wave of irritation inexplicably surged through him. He tugged at his tie irritably and began to walk past her, heading down the stairs. “Boring,” he muttered.


    In reality, he had no intention of cing any real demands on her. His insistence on her showing a willingness to ask for help stemmed from his feeling that she was not giving him the attention or passion he craved.


    As he observed her earnest pleading, Kristopher felt a confusing mix of emotions stir within him.


    However, Belinda’s response quickly extinguished his interest.


    Listening to Kristopher’s footsteps receding, Belinda allowed a sarcastic smile to curl her lips. “Boring, huh?”


    She had lowered her dignity to agree to such an excessive request, and yet, he found it boring.


    Leaving the hospital, Belinda slid into the driver’s seat of Kristopher’s car, and they set off toward Nawrin University. Belinda took the wheel again.


    .


    .


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