Chapter 31
Chapter 31: The room grew quiet. Rosie began to speak but quickly realized she had revealed too much. She attempted a reassuring smile. “No, you misunderstood.”’ Anthony had no patience for her clarification. “Belinda,”’ he said, turning to her. “Why do you look so unwell and thin?”’ His question seemed rhetorical, his gaze suggesting he already held the answers. Belinda dropped her gaze, her voice barely a whisper. “Grandpa, I’ll explain later”¦”’ She was reluctant to spoil his birthday celebration. “Why wait?”’ Anthony’s hand thundered down on the table, his eyes piercing Kristopher. “Is it because you were seen with Cathy, causing Belinda distress, leading to her miscarriage?”’ “Grandpa,”’ Kristopher interjected, his brow creased with concern. “Try to calm down, please”¦”’ “How can I remain calm?”’ Anthony’s face flushed with fury. “I’ve been looking forward to a great-grandchild for three years! Belinda was finally expecting, and then she lost the baby! What kind of partner does that make you?”’ Anthony’s voice rose, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. Belinda, eager to deflect further scrutiny, remarked, “Anthony, please don’t blame Kristopher. It was my carelessness that led to the fall and”¦ the loss of the baby. We can discuss this tomorrow. The baby’s gone, and one more day won’t change that. Today is your birthday; we have all our relatives and business partners here. Let’s not bring this up now, alright?”’ Her voice trembled with a plea, her eyes brimming with earnestness. Anthony’s hands balled into fists, his chest heaving with a sigh as he regarded Belinda with deep sadness. “I know it’s not the place to air our grievances,”’ he started, his voice trailing off. “But, Belinda, don’t you ever feel unfairly treated?”’ Over the years, she had tolerated so much, only to face further neglect and scorn from Kristopher. “It’s alright,”’ Your escape is on g ln ð’s”¤com Belinda reassured him, a smile gracing her lips as she served some food into his bowl. “Today is all about celebrating you. We can talk later.”’ Watching her composed demeanor, Anthony exhaled a heavy sigh, his frustration evident, yet he chose to remain silent. Perhaps overwhelmed by the situation, he soon announced his fatigue and exited with Stanley’s assistance. With the guest of honor gone, several business partners also excused themselves. Gradually, only family and close friends of the Cox family remained. Once the outsiders had left, murmurs began circulating among those who stayed. “Poor Belinda. Kristopher and Cathy were so overt in their actions, yet she held back Anthony from defending her.”’ “What do you know? That’s how a true lady of stature behaves. She must always carry herself with poise and generosity.”’ “She was just a country girl before. Now, she’s putting on a show, trying to act refined.”’ “Exactly. She married Kristopher just to get her hands on the Cox family fortune. She wouldn’t bat an eye if she caught Kristopher and Cathy together.”’ “All she cares about is the money. It’s so disgraceful.”’ Despite the hushed tones, everyone at the main table could hear the whispers. Kristopher frowned, casting a glance at Belinda. She sat next to him, maintaining her composure and eating as if the whispers were meant for someone else. “Ah, finally, Grandpa has left!”’ Maggie exhaled in relief, beckoning Cathy. “Cathy, come here!”’ “Do you need me?”’ Cathy quickly made her way to the main table. “Yeah!”’ Maggie eagerly took her hand, drawing her closer. She then shot a sharp look at Belinda. “Aren’t you finished yet? I want some time with Cathy. Could you give us some space?”’ “Excuse me.”’ Belinda got up with elegance. “I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again?”’…