Chapter 209
Chapter 209: Belinda’s frown deepened at their words, and she quickly shook off Maggie’s grip. Before she could defend herself, Cathy’s gentle voice cut through the tension. “Maggie, Helen, that’s enough.”’ She looked at Belinda not with scorn, but with a touch of pity and understanding. “Let’s not forget about Miss Nelson’s humble beginnings. She probably couldn’t resist taking such a nice car out for a joyride. It doesn’t mean she intended to steal it.”’ Cathy offered Belinda a polite smile. “Miss Nelson, I understand. You don’t need to worry. As long as”¦”’ Her gaze briefly shifted to the car. “As long as the car is intact, it’s all fine by me.”’ Her seemingly reassuring words carried an undertone that subtly diminished Belinda’s modest upbringing, implying that Belinda might indeed have taken the car without permission. This provided Maggie and Helen with new ammunition. “Yes!”’ Maggie clapped her hands eagerly. “We should check for any damage to the car!”’ Helen nodded vigorously. “Exactly, does she even have a driver’s license? I’ve never seen her behind the wheel!”’ Maggie gestured for one of her bodyguards to inspect the car, a smirk playing on her lips. “Just because she knows how to drive doesn’t mean she’s qualified to handle a sports car. If there’s so much as a scratch, someone who walked away from a marriage empty-handed couldn’t possibly cover the repairs.”’ Her words were calculated to undermine Belinda’s dignity. As the bodyguards began examining the vehicle, Cathy maintained a gracious demeanor toward Belinda. “If the car is fine, I won’t ask you to compensate, Miss Nelson. However, if there’s any damage, an apology would be appropriate, don’t you think?”’ Belinda pressed her fingers against her throbbing forehead. Had she known this diversion would follow her divorce celebration, she would have stayed home with Madisyn. Elliott shifted uncomfortably. His decision to lend the car without authorization had not only embarrassed Belinda but also threatened his own reputation. He approached Kristopher, who stood apart, his gaze fixed on Belinda with an unreadable expression. g’±¯lnÏνð’ð’s”¤com delivers what you seek “Kristopher,”’ Elliott said softly, clearing his throat. Kristopher snapped out of his reverie and turned to him with cool detachment. “What is it?”’ “Please check on Cathy and the others. Let’s not drag Belinda any further into this. If anyone is responsible for the car, it’s me. We shouldn’t escalate the situation.”’ Kristopher studied Belinda, who stood with calm resolve, and narrowed his eyes. “Hold on a second.”’ He wanted to see how Belinda would handle this latest challenge. Just then, one of the bodyguards inspecting the car cried out, “What’s this?”’ The entire room’s attention was abruptly captured by the unfolding drama. A bodyguard clutched a small black box, adorned with a blue satin ribbon. Maggie surged forward, seizing the box from the bodyguard. She turned around, her gaze cold as it fell on Belinda. “What’s this? Why is there a distinctly masculine gift box in the car Kristopher bought for Cathy?”’ Belinda’s expression soured as she stared at the box. “I have no idea.”’ Earlier that afternoon, Madisyn had been inspecting the car and stumbled upon the box tucked in the glove compartment. Both Belinda and Madisyn had assumed it belonged to the car’s owner and had refrained from touching it again, leaving the glove compartment unopened….