?<strong>Chapter 257:</strong>


    After finishing work, Belinda drove to Vera Vis to pick up Kenia, and together, they headed to the restaurant.


    On the way, Kenia looked at Belinda with a curious expression.


    “Belinda, why did this friend of yours suddenly decide to invite me for a meal? I don’t even know him,” she said, her tone tinged with confusion.


    Belinda smiled and replied, “Grandma, Johnson is one of my closest friends, just like Bethany.


    When I was in Chixdon, he helped me a lot.”


    Kenia nodded thoughtfully, her expression softening. “Then we should definitely enjoy a good meal with him and thank him for taking care of you before,” she said, her tone warm and approving.


    By the time they arrived at the restaurant and met Johnson, Kenia’s good impression of him had deepened.


    Johnson’s handsome appearance, respectable demeanor, and warm enthusiasm only endeared him further to her.


    “Johnson, thank you for looking out for Belinda before,” Kenia said with a kind smile, reaching out to pat Johnson’s hand gently.


    Johnson returned her smile with equal warmth. “There’s really no need for thanks!” he said earnestly. “It wasn’t just me looking out for Belinda—she helped me a lot, too.


    That’s what friends are for, right? Belinda and I should always support each other.”


    g?lnσν????s is your storytelling haven


    Kenia nodded in agreement, her smile widening. “Yes, that’s exactly what friends are for! You’re absolutely right, Johnson.”


    Just as Johnson opened his mouth to speak again, a gentle but unexpected voice cut in.


    “Oh! Johnson, Mrs. rk.


    You two are here.”


    The interruption made Belinda furrow her brows slightly.


    The familiarity of the voice triggered a sense of difort within her.


    Turning her head, she saw Verena approaching them with a bright smile.


    Trailing behind her were Ryan, Vincent, and…


    Lucas.


    When Belinda’s gaze fell on Lucas, she found his eyes already fixed on her.


    The moment their eyes met, an unspoken tension passed between them, a flicker of some strange and fleeting emotion mirrored in both their gazes.


    Belinda quickly turned her head away, breaking the connection as if it hadn’t happened at all.


    Lucas’ eyes shifted to the table where Kenia and Johnson sat beside Belinda, and his expression changed ever so slightly.


    What was this? Belinda and her grandmother were having a meal with Johnson?


    Without hesitation, Lucas strode over.


    His steps were steady, his gaze briefly flicking to Kenia before he greeted her in a soft, respectful tone.


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