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Chapter 31

Chapter 31:
After hanging up, Belinda stepped out of the room. Despite Holley’s offer to cook, Belinda did not let her enter the kitchen. Instead, Belinda prepared the lunch herself.
As they sat down to eat, Holley expressed her pleasure, saying, “I can’t remember the last time I had your cooking, Belinda. Your cooking skills are as good as always.”
“Then have a little more,” Belinda said with a smile.
“Okay, I will.” Holley returned the smile and then raised another topic, looking intently at Belinda. “So, you’ve formally recognized Santino and Mollie as your godparents, right?”
“That’s right,” Belinda responded nonchalantly.
Holley continued, “I heard the Thomas family has just purchased some land for a resort development project?”
Belinda fixed Holley with a steady look. “Mom, where are you going with this?”
Holley smiled at Belinda. “You know, the Thomas family is seeking business partners for the new venture. Maybe our family could be their business partner?”
Belinda maintained her composure. “I prefer not to get involved in the Thomas family’s business dealings.”
Holley said, “I’m not suggesting you meddle, just that you could mention it to your godfather. He’d likely listen to your suggestion.”
Belinda suddenly scoffed. “Is this coming from Dad? Did he ask you to talk to me about this?”
“Um…” Holley hesitated before Belinda cut her off, saying, “Tell him I won’t mention the matter to Mr. Thomas. If Dad is really interested in partnering with the Thomas family, he should approach them directly instead of trying to use me.”
Holley’s face fell slightly. “Belinda, you—”
But Belinda interjected again, “Mom, let’s not discuss this further, please.”
Belinda then added more softly, “Can we focus on enjoying our meal together in peace?”
Holley was about to say something but eventually chose to remain silent.
After the meal, as Belinda loaded the dishwasher, her phone rang.
It was Harold calling.
“Hello, Harold,” Belinda said.
“Belinda, do you have a moment?” Harold inquired.
“Just finished lunch. What’s going on? Anything you need?” Belinda replied.
Harold said, “I was wondering if you could bring some homemade food to Lucas at his office?”
He sighed and continued, “You don’t know how it has been these past three years. Ever since you left, no one has cared about whether he eats or not. Lucas neglects his meals when he’s buried in work, and his stomach problems have gotten worse. I’d appreciate it if you could help me this time.”
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