Chapter 179
Chapter 179: But before she could send it, a text from Fred popped up. “Belinda, I got the message. Your ex-husband? Is he giving you trouble? Do you need my help?”’ Belinda hesitated for a second, about to type a reply, when Kristopher, seated across from her, sneered. “Let him come over.”’ He lifted his head defiantly. “Didn’t he want you to take him out to eat? Just let him come and have a sandwich, and that’s enough.”’ Belinda recoiled and cast a dismissive glance at Kristopher. “How dull,”’ she murmured, promptly shifting her attention back to her phone to text Fred a response. “No need. Thank you for your concern.”’ However, Fred was clearly not convinced by her words. Without hesitation, he dialed her number. The sharp ring of her phone made Belinda jump. As she regained her composure and reached to disconnect the call, a strong, defined hand swiftly snatched the phone away from her. The small table in the breakfast diner made it easy for Kristopher, with his long limbs, to reach across and take her phone. Belinda instinctively reached out to retrieve it, but Kristopher, sitting opposite her, deftly kept it out of her grasp. Meanwhile, he managed to hit the answer and speaker buttons. Fred’s anxious voice filled the air. “Belinda, where are you? I’m on my way. Your ex-husband keeps harassing you, and I know his intentions aren’t good. I can’t relax until I know you’re safe. I”¦”’ “Young man,”’ Kristopher interrupted coldly. Fred was abruptly cut off by Kristopher’s dismissive tone. “Do I really need to remind you that Belinda and I are still married?”’ Silence enveloped the other end of the line as soon as Kristopher spoke. After a pause, Fred’s voice returned, tinged with displeasure. “You’ll end up divorcing one way or another.”’ “Belinda and I were actually talking about having another child. We’re very much in love,”’ Kristopher retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Our marriage status is our business, not yours, Fred.”’ Kristopher’s tone was icy and commanding, resonating with an almost palpable authority. Even over the phone, Fred felt as if Kristopher were right there, his dominating presence making him feel cornered and helpless. Fred began, his voice rough with emotion. “Listen,”’ Kristopher cut in before Fred could continue. His tone was calm but firm. “I understand what’s going through your mind. But let me make one thing clear. Don’t get ideas about things that aren’t meant for you.”’ “And don’t long for someone who doesn’t belong to you.”’ With those final words, Kristopher didn’t wait for a reply; he simply ended the call. The conversation that unfolded infuriated Belinda. Watching Kristopher hang up, she swiftly grabbed her phone back from him, her voice sharp with indignation. “What gave you the right to take my call?”’ As she hurriedly typed a message to Fred, her expression soured further. “Since when did we discuss having another child?”’ Kristopher raised an eyebrow, observing her furrowed brow. “I mentioned it in the elevator earlier.”’…