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Chapter 24

Chapter 24: As they drew nearer, a chill crept into Kristopher’s gaze. “Belinda and that man seem to make quite the pair,”’ Cathy remarked, narrowing her eyes toward where Belinda and Darren stood. “What’s your take, Kristopher?”’ Kristopher’s expression darkened, his mind replaying Madisyn’s words from their last encounter at Peace Hospital. “Darren was the first guy you befriended in college, and he’s always been by your side”¦ I’ve always felt you two were perfect for each other. If Kristopher hadn’t come into the picture later, you might have ended up with a big happy family with Darren, right?”’ Irritation surged through Kristopher at the memory. What was Belinda playing at? Did she know he had overheard that conversation? Was she parading this guy around just to prove she could attract attention? Or perhaps to spark jealousy in him? “Mr. Cox, Miss Miller.”’ Lost in thought, Kristopher barely noticed Darren approaching, Belinda in tow. Darren greeted them with a polite smile. “I’m not sure if you remember us, but Belinda and I first met you during the partner swap dance at Rozand.”’ He introduced himself with a formal air. “I’m Darren Wright, representing Sunrise Jewelry today.”’ He gently pulled Belinda forward. “And this is Belinda Nelson, an accomplished jewelry designer as well!”’ As Darren finished speaking, Kristopher’s eyes finally fixed on Belinda. Let your mind wander with g’±¯lnσν𒒆𒓁s﹒𒓬𒓸𒗺 “An accomplished jewelry designer”¦”’ Kristopher’s gaze was playful yet edged with sarcasm as he addressed Belinda. “Miss Nelson, how long have you been in this field? Do you have any designs to show, or should I phrase it differently?”’ His tone shifted as he continued to stare at her, a mocking light twinkling in his eyes. “Miss Nelson, do you truly understand jewelry?”’ The mockery in his expression caused a pang in Belinda’s heart. She adored jewelry design, yet financial constraints had led her to study education instead. They had shared three years of marriage. If Kristopher had shown even a hint of interest, he would have known about her deep passion for design. The day before she departed from the villa, her study was still brimming with sketches, yet her own husband, who lived under the same roof, never bothered to glance at them or learn about her interests. Belinda inhaled sharply and held Kristopher’s challenging gaze. “Absolutely, I’m well-versed in jewelry design.”’ Kristopher’s eyes darkened with further scorn. “Really?”’ he sneered. “Then, could you make it clear to me”¦”’ “I don’t need to justify my expertise to someone who doesn’t matter,”’ Belinda interrupted him sharply. “If you’re curious about jewelry design, educate yourself instead of hassling a designer you barely know at your grandfather’s birthday celebration.”’ Her firm words charged the air with tension. Kristopher’s eyes narrowed, his gaze chilling into a frosty glare. Someone he barely knew? Was that truly how she considered him? “Mr. Cox,”’ Darren, picking up on the strained atmosphere, intervened. Aware of the discord at Rozand between Belinda and Kristopher, he slipped in front of Kristopher with a peace-making grin. “Belinda might not have a way with words. If you need insights on jewelry design, I can help out.”’ Kristopher shot Darren a cold look, his tone icier than before. “Speak on her behalf? And what exactly is your relationship with her?”’ “I’m curious as well,”’ Cathy added sweetly, looping her arm through Kristopher’s. “You two seem quite close. Are you dating?”’ Her voice was soft, almost soothing. Meanwhile, Belinda’s hands balled into fists at her sides, her fingernails pressing into her skin. How ridiculous! There stood Cathy, arm in arm with Belinda’s own husband, inquiring if Belinda was romantically involved with Darren….