His unwanted wife, the world’s coveted genius by Derk Blaylock

Chapter 232

Chapter 232:

“Lucas,” Verena said gently, her tone laced with concern, “is something on your mind?”

Lucas’ expression remained calm, his voice clipped and indifferent. “No. Just eat.”

“If you're busy,” Verena said hesitantly, “you don’t have to go out of your way for me. I'm fine on my own.” Her

cautious gaze lingered on him, as though afraid that her words might upset him.

Lucas frowned, frustration and resignation rising within him. He knew he shouldn't bring his negative emotions to

the table, especially since he was the one who had invited Verena to the meal. With effort, he softened his

expression. “It’s fine,” he said in a low, gravelly tone. “Just eat.”

Verena nodded, offering a small smile. “Alright. You should eat too.” She picked up a piece of salt-and-pepper rib

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and placed it on Lucas’ plate.

Lucas stared at the rib, lost in thought. The dish reminded him of something he knew he shouldn't think about. It

was Belinda’s favorite.

The last the and Belinda had chere, she had devoured nearly the entire plate, leaving him with just one

piece. The thought of Belinda made his chest tighten. He wondered where she was now and what she was doing.

By the tthe meal ended, the rib remained untouched on Lucas’ plate. Lucas stood up first, moving toward

the door of the private room. As he opened it to leave, the door to the room across the hallway swung open.

“Grandma, how do you like the food here? Isn't it delicious?” A sweet, familiar voice echoed in the hallway.

Lucas froze for a moment. His pupils contracted sharply as he turned toward the sound.

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From that room, Belinda stepped out, her attention focused on an elderly woman beside her. She finished

speaking and looked up, her gaze suddenly meeting Lucas’.

For a heartbeat, tseemed to stand still. Their eyes locked across the hallway.

Belinda froze, her breath caught in her throat.

Of all the people she could have run into, she hadn't expected to bump into Lucas here.

Before she could say a word, another voice—light and unmistakably familiar—broke the silence. “Lucas, the

shrimp today was amazing. We should chere more often.”

A figure emerged from behind Lucas: Verena.

Tseemed to stop for a moment.

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Belinda’s gaze locked on Lucas and Verena. Her mind raced, searching for an appropriate response, but none

came.

Her lips parted slightly, yet no sound escaped. Instead, a cold lump rose in her throat, and her face paled just a

little.

Lucas had told her that he was too busy—too busy to have a meal with her family. But now, it was clear he

wasn't too busy for Verena.

The realization hit Belinda like a punch to the gut.

Maybe it didn’t matter who Lucas was with; what stung was that he had chosen not to spend twith her.

As this thought lingered, Belinda couldn't help but laugh bitterly at herself.

Lucas felt his chest tighten as he noticed Belinda’s pale complexion.