Chapter 223
Chapter 223: She glanced at Belinda, then at a stunned Kristopher, and said, “That explains why Kristopher thought she looked familiar.”’ Eyeing Belinda’s short hair, Kristopher asked, “Didn’t you promise your friend you wouldn’t cut your hair?”’ If not for her short hair, he might have recognized her sooner. Belinda took a deep breath. With her identity revealed, there was no point in pretending any longer. She removed her hat and mask, showing her lean, sharply contoured face. “She hasn’t come to see me in four years. I don’t want to keep my long hair anymore.”’ When Cathy heard Kristopher mention Belinda’s friend and the “four years,”’ she gripped Kristopher’s arm tighter, her face losing color. But she quickly regained her composure and, with a forced smile, changed the subject. “Miss Nelson, you look lovely with short hair.”’ Kristopher narrowed his eyes at Belinda. Before, she was always seen in elegant, expensive dresses, her long hair adding to her demure appearance. But now, dressed in pink casual wear with her short hair and angular face, she appeared cool, somewhat intellectual, and liberated. Indeed”¦ She looked even more beautiful than before. “It’s really you.”’ As Kristopher’s gaze lingered on Belinda, Maggie voiced her displeasure, saying, “No wonder you deliberately hurt Cathy when you were taking off the necklace. You are targeting Cathy, using your position to harm her because you hold a grudge.”’ Belinda stared at Maggie with a sharp gaze. “Do I need to repeat myself? Miss Miller moved while I was assisting her with the necklace, and that’s how she got hurt. I have already apologized.”’ She walked past Darren, who was standing in her way, approached Kristopher, snatched the necklace from his hand, and declared, “I’ve been at your service all day, handling delicate areas like your neck and ears. If I had any intention of retaliating against you publicly, you wouldn’t still be unharmed.”’ With that, Belinda turned, carefully placed the necklace back in its box, and said, “Darren, we’re leaving.”’ Fresh stories here Snapping back to reality, Darren nodded. “Okay.”’ Before they left, he threw a cold look toward Kristopher and Cathy, saying, “Had I known you’d be here at today’s magazine shoot, I wouldn’t have let Belinda come!”’ Kristopher found Darren’s protective stance somewhat amusing. “I thought Ryland Moreno was the boss of the studio. When did you become the boss here?”’ Darren’s expression darkened at the comment. He clenched his fists and retorted, “I may not own the studio, but as a long-standing employee, I won’t let my friend be mistreated. That gives me a right to defend her.”’ “Is that so?”’ With a sneer, Kristopher picked up his phone and dialed a number. “Let’s arrange for Wildfield Design Studio to provide all jewelry for Cathy and Maggie at public events. Make sure the new assistant, Belinda, is assigned to them, or we’ll end the partnership.”’ He then set down the phone and looked disdainfully at Darren. “Do you think Ryland will agree to that?”’…