?<strong>Chapter 389:</strong>


    Worry flickered across Ryan’s and Verena’s faces as they exchanged concerned looks. Ryan paused briefly and then made his way to check the corridor outside the hospital room. It was empty. Lucas had indeed left just like that.


    Returning to Verena, he said, “Lucas is already gone.” Verena gnawed on her lower lip, her forehead creased with concern. “Ryan, do you think that… Does Lucas trust my word, or does he side with Belinda?”


    “He definitely trusts you,” Ryan assured her in a soft voice. “Otherwise, he wouldn’t have left the banquet with you and hurried you to the hospital.”


    “You might be right,” Verena said with a slight nod, her features softening somewhat. She thought about Lucas sweeping her up in his arms in front of all their friends, a spark of joy lighting up her face. She felt certain of her ce in Lucas’ heart—she was the most important person to him.


    “But…” Ryan’s voice faltered as if a thought had just struck him. He moved closer to Verena, speaking in a hushed tone. “This time, you might have pushed the boundaries too much. How could you allow yourself to get so severely injured?”


    Verena’s gaze intensified as she responded resolutely, “Without significant injuries, how could I evoke such deep guilt and rage in Lucas?”


    “But now, you are left with stitches on your forehead that will scar,” Ryan said, sounding resigned.


    Verena’s lips twisted into a subtle smile. “If it leads to Lucas divorcing Belinda and choosing me, then I don’t care about the scar. I’m not bothered by it at all!”


    Ryan found himself speechless. For the moment, it appeared things were unfolding to their advantage.


    ???? ??d???? ?? g????????.????


    At the rk family’s residence, the banquet had already ended. Seated on the sofa were Harold, Norma, and Belinda, with the maid who had been involved earlier standing before them.


    “Describe exactly what you witnessed!” Haroldmanded sharply.


    Too scared to withhold any details, the maid said truthfully, “I had just finished tending to the flowers on the balcony on the second floor and was about to go downstairs at that time. However, as I stepped outside, I overheard Belinda and Miss Reed having a heated argument. I chose not to eavesdrop and returned to the balcony. After the noise had ceased, I assumed they had gone elsewhere, so I ventured out again. And then… Then, I saw Miss Reed tumbling down the stairs, and… and…” She paused, her eyes darting nervously towards Belinda. Then, she gulped. “Belinda’s hand was still extended.”


    Harold’s expression turned dark immediately. “Then why did you say you saw Belinda push Verena? What exactly did you witness? Did you directly see Belinda push her?”


    “I…” The maid hesitated, overwhelmed by the interrogation.


    “Who gave you the right to publicly use Belinda of pushing Verena, particrly when you didn’t see the whole incident?” Harold eximed, his face contorted in fury.


    In a state of panic, the maid hurried to say, “I am sorry! I was terrified at that moment. And… And seeing Belinda’s hand extended, I… I just…”


    “I apologize! I swear I won’t speak out of turn again!”


    Harold let out a cold chuckle and said, “You think you’ll have another opportunity to do that? Someone, settle her wages and have her leave at once. My family will not hire someone like her!”


    The color drained from the maid’s face. She bowed frantically before Harold, begging for mercy. “I’m deeply sorry! I assure you, I won’t repeat this mistake. Please, I implore you to give me another chance!”


    She then turned to Belinda, bowing even lower, and continued her plea. “I deeply regret my careless words about you pushing Miss Reed without knowing the whole truth before. It was my mistake entirely! I will go to each guest to rectify your reputation. Please, give me another opportunity to work here!”


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