Chapter 1554
Belinda lifted her shoulders in a casual shrug and provided her explanation without hesitation. “We simply wanted to create more opportunities for Johnson and Catherine to spend more time together and get closer to each other.”
“I suspected as much,” Lucas responded with a knowing chuckle that revealed his understanding of their matchmaking intentions.
Following a brief pause that allowed him to gather his thoughts, he continued with a more serious tone. “Well, here’s something I need to tell you—when you called me earlier to tell me about the matter, Faye happened to be present in my office. Consequently, she became aware of our plan to go to Mount Tuky. She expressed a strong desire to join us, but I didn’t agree at the time. What are your thoughts on this?”
When Belinda heard this, her eyes flickered slightly. If the decision rested entirely within her control, she would have preferred to exclude Faye from their planned outing.
However, two significant factors complicated the situation considerably—firstly, Faye had already gained knowledge of their plans; secondly, she had made a promise to Faye that she would eventually take her out for some enjoyable activities.
So, given the current situation, she couldn’t refuse to let Faye join them. After all, Faye was Lucas’ niece.
Before Belinda could deliver her response, Lucas said, “If you don’t find genuine enjoyment in spending time with her, don’t feel pressured to let her join us. I can find a reason to decline her request.”
Belinda shook her head decisively and replied, “That won’t be necessary; she can join us on the trip.”
She caught her lower lip between her teeth in a gesture that revealed her underlying anxiety, then added, “I’m simply worried that Faye might figure out our…”
“True intentions behind this trip. If she manages to discover the matter about Johnson and Catherine, I’m genuinely afraid that…”
Lucas nodded. “I understand your concerns,” he said, his voice low and raspy. “Don’t worry. If Faye figures out anything, I’ll make sure she keeps it a secret.”
His words reassured Belinda well enough. She said, “All right, then there’s nothing to worry about. You can let her tag along with us.”
“Okay.”
With that out of the way, they finalized the last details and were all set to head to Mount Tuky in two days.
In Kylee’s room…
Kylee looked up when Baker stepped through the door. “Dad? What brings you here?”
Baker’s eyes were twinkling with barely contained excitement. “I finally got my hands on the blood sample of Elwood!”
Kylee’s face lit up. “Really? How did you manage that?”
Baker grinned with pride. “I honestly thought it would be difficult to pull off, but the man I hired to tail him reported back today to say that Elwood just had an appointment with a neurosurgeon at the Grand Plains General Hospital. The doctor conducted a comprehensive physical examination, which naturally included a blood test. I was able to bribe one of the doctors working in the hospital lab to give me part of his blood sample.”