Chapter 4: The Price of Silence
Belinda and Ryan turned in unison, their eyes drawn to the man who had just spoken. The air around him shifted, becoming heavier, more commanding. Every step he took seemed to pull the room's attention toward him, his presence undeniable.
“Mr. Thomas,” Ryan said, his voice suddenly respectful, a hint of awe lacing the words.
Darren Thomas acknowledged Ryan briefly before his gaze locked onto Belinda. “Come on, Belinie. We need to join Uncle Santino and the others. Your godfather is waiting for you.”
Belinda’s breath caught, but she quickly masked it, nodding and following Darren without a second thought. As they walked away, Ryan stood rooted to the spot, his eyes wide, disbelief written across his face.
“That woman... she’s Santino Thomas’ goddaughter!” Ryan muttered to himself, hardly able to contain the excitement in his voice. “And did you hear? He called her Belinie... It sounds so... regal.”
Ryan rushed back to where Lucas and the others were, practically tripping over his words as he explained what he’d just witnessed.
Lucas’s expression darkened, his sharp eyes narrowing, but he said nothing. The tension in his body was palpable, though. He knew more than Ryan could guess.
Vincent James, who had been silently observing, finally spoke up. “Santino and his wife never had children. Despite pressure from family, they refused to adopt. Three years ago, they announced they had a goddaughter from Chixdon. I always thought she was from there... but now, she seems to be from here.”
Ryan’s excitement only grew. “I wasn’t sure if I should follow through with what my mother asked of me. But now, I’m in.” His grin was wide, nearly predatory.
“You can’t go after her,” Lucas’s voice was low, firm, and final.
Ryan froze. Confusion washed over him as he looked between Lucas and Verena, who had also stopped mid-thought. “Why not?” Ryan asked, the question coming out sharper than he intended.
Lucas’s gaze was cold, his jaw set. “Because I said no.”
The words hung in the air, a quiet command that brooked no argument. Verena opened her mouth, but Lucas was already rising from the couch before she could voice her confusion. Without a word, he walked out of the room, his footsteps steady and resolute.
Verena stood there, fists clenched, a storm of thoughts swirling inside her. Why didn’t Lucas want Ryan to go after her?
Belinda stepped out of the bathroom, the silk of her dress whispering against her skin. She straightened her posture, taking a deep breath, ready to face whatever awaited her in the living room. But just as she reached the doorway, she froze.
