Chapter 46:
Belinda recalled, from her understanding of Harold, that his reservations about Verena extended beyond mere background issues. If background were Harold’s only concern, she believed his reaction to Lucas bringing her home—given her own less prestigious origins—wouldn’t have been as accepting. Harold had welcomed her, despite her being an illegitimate daughter with less-than-favorable looks. So why the harsh stance towards Verena, whose only disadvantage was a deceased father and poor familial circumstances?
Besides, Verena’s aunt’s husband was the chairman of the Adams Group.
Belinda had assumed that Ryan, as Verena’s cousin, would be more informed about the matter. But it turned out he was equally in the dark.
Ryan’s gaze landed on Belinda, a new thought dawning on him as he hurriedly said, “Ms. Thomas, please don’t get the wrong idea. My cousin isn’t the villain here. She and Lucas share a genuine romance. It’s that ugly woman who is the intruder in their relationship.”
Belinda’s expression hardened, and a vein on her forehead throbbed when she heard this. With a cool, measured tone and narrowing eyes, she looked at Ryan and said, “Mr. Adams, repeatedly labeling someone as ugly is quite unbecoming of a gentleman.”
Ryan’s demeanor shifted. He looked awkward as he chuckled. “Well, I do hold quite strong opinions about that woman. Ms. Thomas, you might not be aware, but that woman, born outside of wedlock, is not just unattractive and overweight—she also completely lacks self-awareness. She believes Lucas married her out of affection, so she assumes control over the household, meddling in his business, monitoring his every move, and even resorting to deceitful maneuvers behind the scenes.”
After a pause, he continued, “She has interfered with any woman who has conversed with Lucas or shown him any kind of affection. Absurd, isn’t it? Lucas was thoroughly fed up with her behavior! Frankly, we all were.”
Ryan’s contempt was evident as he scoffed, “She’s merely an illegitimate daughter of a modest family. Does she think marrying Lucas elevates her status? That’s utterly laughable!”
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Belinda sighed inwardly, her emotions a whirlwind. As she observed the disdain and mockery on Ryan’s face, her own expression turned cold. Then, she suddenly flashed a subtle smile and said casually, “I understand… Mr. Adams, wasn’t your mother once a destitute student sponsored by your father?”
Ryan momentarily stiffened but quickly masked it with a nod and replied, “Yes, indeed.”
Maintaining her smile, Belinda added, “And isn’t it true that when your mother was expecting you, your father was still legally married to his first wife?”
When she was younger, Ainslie Adams had reached out to Ryan’s father, Matias Adams, under the guise of expressing her gratitude. Over time, she had skillfully charmed him, eventually becoming his mistress and sustaining the secret relationship for several years.
Matias had initially had no intention of leaving his wife, viewing Ainslie only as a concealed affair. Tragically, his wife developed a severe illness and passed away not long after. Around the same time, Ainslie discovered she was pregnant. Once an ultrasound confirmed the baby was a boy, Matias decided to marry her.
