Chapter 1630:
Lucas’ expression didn’t soften. “You saved her life, and I failed to protect her. That’s the reality. You protected the woman I love, and that debt is mine to repay.”
His words carried a weight, a promise that he would not let Belinda owe this debt to Darwin.
Darwin, of course, wasn’t oblivious to the underlying message in his words. But he wasn’t ready to step back. This favor, this connection to Belinda, was a thread he intended to hold onto. His smile deepened as he spoke again.
“Mr. Clark, formality is not necessary. I have told you, Belinda and I go way back. It is no big deal,” Darwin said.
Across the polished mahogany table, Lucas narrowed his piercing eyes. His voice was low and unyielding. “And I have told you, a debt like this demands repayment.”
“Enough!” Belinda’s voice sliced through the brewing tension before Darwin could respond.
She pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her gaze locking onto Darwin’s with fierce intensity. “Darwin, you threw yourself into danger to save me. That is a fact, plain and simple. So, we owe you for that. If you ever need anything—anything at all—you just say the word.” Her tone was serious.
A faint smile tugged at Lucas’ lips. What pleased him most was the word she used—”owe.”
Darwin’s jaw tightened for a fleeting second, a shadow crossing his face. But he quickly regained his composure and smiled. “I will hold you to that, Belinda.”
Belinda turned to Lucas, her eyes softening. “We should raise a glass to Darwin later, Lucas. A proper toast.”
Lucas nodded. “Naturally.”
When all the dishes were served, the two of them stood with their glasses and raised a toast to Darwin.
The meal unfolded in a delicate dance of civility.
Throughout the evening, Lucas’ attention never strayed far from Belinda. He placed food onto her plate when her gaze lingered on it, his fingers brushing hers as he passed the shared utensils. Each gesture was deliberate, a quiet claim staked in the presence of their guest.
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Belinda excused herself to the restroom, her heels clicking softly against the hardwood floor as she slipped out of the private room.
The air shifted the moment the door closed behind her. Lucas’ face hardened, his jaw set like stone.
He leaned forward and fixed Darwin with a stare that could freeze fire. “Mr. Lambert, I see right through you. Whatever game you are playing, it is a fool’s errand. It will not work.”
His voice was a blade, sharp and unwavering, each word carved with cold precision.
Darwin’s eyes narrowed, his chest rising with a slow, deliberate breath. Then, a low chuckle escaped him. “Mr. Clark, you’ve got the wrong idea.”
Lucas’ lips twisted into a smile, devoid of warmth. “Wrong idea or not, we both know the truth clearly. You saved Belinda, and for that, we are grateful. But if you think for one second you can reach for what is not yours…”
He paused, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “I will not hesitate to deal with you, Lambert. Is that clear?”
