?<strong>Chapter 201:</strong>


    Lucas’ gaze darkened as he watched her retreating figure, a storm brewing behind hisposed facade.


    A few secondster, he smoothed his expression into an unreadable mask, got into his car, started the engine, and drove off into the night.


    That evening, Belinda stayed with Holley. While her mother slept soundly, Belinda found it difficult to getfortable and only managed to drift off after two in the morning.


    The next day, after preparing for work, Belinda left the house, her mind already upied with the tasks ahead.


    Holley, meanwhile, enjoyed a quiet morning. After freshening up, she sat down to a simple yet thoughtful breakfast Belinda had prepared for her.


    Just as she was savoring her meal, her phone rang, the screen lighting up with a call from Baker…


    At noon, in a private dining room at a restaurant, Holley stepped inside, only to freeze in her tracks when she saw the people in the room.


    Baker sat at the table with Madonna and her family.


    Holley’s expression shifted immediately. Baker had only mentioned having lunch with her—he hadn’t said a word about Madonna and her family being here. If she had known this, she never would havee.


    As Holley hesitated in the doorway, unsure whether to leave or stay, Baker gave Madonna a pointed look. “Go ahead,” he said.


    Madonna’s face twisted with displeasure, her reluctance obvious. But with no other choice, she rose from her chair and approached Holley. Her expression was dark as storm clouds, and as she came closer, Holley instinctively stepped back, putting some distance between them.


    “Holley, don’t be afraid,” Baker said quickly.


    Stopping a few feet from Holley, Madonna bent stiffly at the waist, her entire demeanor radiating reluctance. Through clenched teeth, she forced out a begrudging apology. “I’m sorry,” she said, her words clipped and strained.


    Holley’s eyes widened, shock flooding her features. What on earth was going on here?


    Madonna was actually apologizing to her now? Was this even real?


    Before Holley could process what had just happened, Madonna straightened up abruptly. Fixing Holley with a sharp re, Madonna let out a dry, mockingugh. “Well done, Holley,” she sneered, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “You’ve really raised a good daughter.”


    It was hard to tell whether her words carried more anger or envy, but the edge in her voice was unmistakable. Without waiting for a reply, Madonna turned sharply on her heel and returned to her seat immediately.


    Hearing this, Holley blinked, her confusion evident in the furrow of her brows and the mix of shock and puzzlement in her expression.


    “Holley,e here and sit down,” Baker said, gesturing toward an empty chair.


    After Holley settled into the seat, Baker leaned forward, his voice steady as he exined, “It was Belinda. She went to Madonna yesterday and asked her to apologize to you.”


    At his words, Holley’s face shifted into a look of realization. So that was why Madonna had suddenly changed her attitude toward her—it was all because of Belinda.


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