Chapter 169
Chapter 169: Belinda nibbled on her lower lip, her hands curling into tight fists at her sides. “It’s my fault again”¦”’ she murmured. With a heavy sigh, she turned her gaze back to the bold letters adorning the emergency room entrance, her voice laden with fatigue. “Anthony has had so much trouble because of me in the past. And now, even though I’m hardly a Cox anymore, I’ve landed him in the ICU once more”¦”’ She bowed her head, fingers threading through her hair as she hunched over, overwhelmed by guilt. The swirling rumors online hadn’t really affected her. She could still find humor in them, plotting with Fred to expose those responsible and promising him a meal in return for his help. It wasn’t until Allen’s call that she realized her profound impact on Anthony. “You shouldn’t blame yourself,”’ Allen insisted, his tone soothing as he watched her despair. “You’re not the one spreading those lies online. None of this is your fault.”’ He shot a pointed look at Kristopher. “The ones who ought to feel guilty are the ones maligning you with those rumors.”’ Still, Belinda kept her head down, her hands now covering her face. Kristopher leaned against the wall opposite her, his brow furrowed as he observed her intently. From the moment he’d stepped out of the elevator, she’d glanced his way just once before turning her attention elsewhere. They hadn’t exchanged a single word; she didn’t even acknowledge his presence. To her, he was as good as a stranger. Irritably, Kristopher adjusted his tie. There had been a time when he’d longed for Belinda to give him space, to stop monitoring his every move. He’d wanted her to concentrate on her own life rather than his. Now, however, as her gaze skipped over him without a hint of recognition, a sharp pang of tightness clutched his chest. is where your journey begins Unable to bear the stifling quiet of the corridor any longer, he spoke up. “Belinda,”’ he began, moving to sit next to her. “I’ve read the nonsense they’re spreading online. All of it is just fabricated stories.”’ Belinda looked up, her expression icy. “Yes, it’s utterly absurd.”’ Fred had shown her the payment records for his roommate’s side job, all linked to a studio called Kristopher and Cathy. The name echoed in her mind. The mere mention of the names implied they were at the helm, their personal interests dictating operations. It seemed plausible that the disparaging online comments and rumors had been instigated by them. Now, Kristopher, one of the conspirators, had the nerve to confront her with these rumors directly! Facing her detached and indifferent response, Kristopher’s irritation mounted. His brow furrowed, and he spoke in a hushed tone, struggling to mask his frustration. “On the day of your miscarriage, apart from the hospital staff, who else was aware of it?”’ Belinda arched an eyebrow, her response sharp with biting sarcasm. “And why is that information important to you?”’ Her frosty, uninvolved demeanor only intensified Kristopher’s annoyance….