?<strong>Chapter 274:</strong>


    When Ryan approached Verena, his face was etched with seriousness.


    “I need to apologize to you, Verena. I’ve caused this mess,” Ryan confessed.


    “What?” Verena’s voice was tinged with confusion.


    Ryan exined, “I am the one who took those photos. I sent them to Belinda. I thought the photos would prove to her that Lucas’ heart belonged to you and that he loved you more than anyone else! I didn’t foresee them getting leaked online!”


    The repercussions had been far more severe than he had anticipated, catching himpletely off guard.


    Hearing this, Verena was visibly shocked.


    It turned out that Ryan was the one who had taken those photos!


    Once sheposed herself, Verena inquired cautiously, “Ryan, do you suspect it was Belinda who leaked the photos?”


    “Who else could it be?” Ryan responded sharply, his eyes narrowing in anger.


    “What should we do now? Ryan, everyone online isbeling me a homewrecker! My social media ounts are overwhelmed with harshments! How can my career continue if I don’t clear this up?” Verena’s voice broke as her eyes brimmed with tears.


    Ryan gently ced his hand on Verena’s shoulder,forting her as he said, “Try to stay calm, Verena.” Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he assured her, “I started this chaos, so I’ll be the one to end it.”


    With a flicker of hope lighting up her eyes, Verena asked, “How will you do that?”


    “I need to understand what’s really happening here first,” Ryan said. He stood up decisively and exited the hospital room.


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    He made his way straight to the Cardiac Surgery Department. Upon arriving, he found Belinda in a room,forting a young boy.


    Ryan paused at the doorway, struck by her gentle demeanor. The boy, anxious about his surgery scheduled for the following day, was soothed by Belinda’s calming presence. This was a side of Belinda that Ryan had never witnessed before. Her demeanor was so gentle and caring that she radiated a nurturing glow, captivating anyone who saw her.


    Ryan found himself momentarily spellbound by her presence. It was only when the boy pointed Ryan out that Belinda noticed him standing in the doorway.


    Belinda’s expression quickly shifted, her brow furrowing as a wave of impatience and displeasure shed across her face. After a few seconds, she turned to the boy and said, “Be good now. I have to step out for a while, but make sure you listen to your mom, alright?”


    The boy nodded. “Okay. But you will visit me before the surgery tomorrow, right?”


    “Of course! I promise,” Belinda smiled, tousling the boy’s hair. Then, she stood up to leave the room.


    She shot Ryan a cold nce and crisply said, “Follow me.” Without waiting for his reply, she walked away swiftly.


    Snapping back to the present, Ryan felt his frustration mounting. How had he allowed himself to be so captivated by Belinda just moments ago? With a scowl, he quickened his pace to catch up with her.


    It was only when they reached the peacefulness of the rooftop garden that Belinda stopped in her tracks. Turning to Ryan sharply, her features set in a cold demeanor, she demanded, “What do you want?”


    Ryan, his expression grave, confronted her directly. “Belinda! Did you upload those photos online?”


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