Chapter 207
Chapter 207: “Why are you here?”’ Belinda asked, her voice laced with surprise, steadying herself as she glanced at Fred. “I’m working part-time,”’ Fred explained, gesturing to his server’s uniform. “The owner hired extra help tonight someone booked the entire bar for a party. It’s a great chance to make some extra money.”’ His smile widened, revealing dimples. Leaning in, he lowered his voice so only Belinda could hear. “Plus, I might get some info on the folks spreading rumors about you online.”’ Belinda paused, a mix of emotions crossing her face before she sighed. “I appreciate the thought, but focus on your job. Don’t worry about it. Leave that to me.”’ Kristopher noticed their close exchange, his demeanor growing colder. Feeling the shift in mood, Elliott coughed to break the silence. “Ahem!”’ Belinda took a step away from Fred, putting space between them. “Isn’t this car amazing?”’ Cathy’s excited voice carried over from a distance. She had been eyeing the sleek vehicle with admiration. “I saw it featured online recently. It’s absolutely stunning!”’ She looked puzzled. “Kristopher, do you know who owns it?”’ Kristopher furrowed his brows, his tone calm. “I bought it.”’ As he spoke, Maggie and Helen immediately buzzed with excitement. Helen clasped her hands, her eyes sparkling with envy. “Cathy was just admiring this car a few days ago, and now Kristopher’s gone and bought it”¦ Is it a gift for her?”’ “Absolutely, it’s for Cathy!”’ Maggie chimed in quickly. “Kristopher has never cared for racing or red cars. Why would he buy such a flashy car for himself?”’ She crossed her arms and shot a condescending look at Belinda, her eyes full of disdain. “This car is a limited edition”expensive and rare. Some of Kristopher’s employees have been with him for years and never received anything this grand. And now, right after his divorce, he’s gifting this stunning sports car to Cathy”¦”’ She sneered at Belinda, a smug smile forming on her lips. “Doesn’t that just infuriate you?”’ Explore stories on With Maggie’s and Helen’s praise, Cathy looked down bashfully. “You two, cut it out! Kristopher hasn’t even said he’s giving me the car yet”¦”’ Maggie burst into laughter. “Then why would he bring it here tonight, if not to give it to you? A divorce present, perhaps?”’ She shot a knowing glance at Kristopher. “Come on, Kristopher, spill the beans. Who’s the car really for?”’ Kristopher’s frown deepened. Truth be told, ever since he first laid eyes on that car, he’d imagined Belinda in a red racing suit, helmet in hand, her hair flowing as she stepped off the track. After much deliberation, he had made the purchase. Originally, he had intended to present the gift to Belinda as an olive branch, hoping she’d tire of her adventures and come back to him, suitcase in hand. But now, with their divorce finalized and her firm declaration that there would be no reconciliation, that plan seemed pointless. After a few drinks, he asked Elliott to have someone drive the car to the bar, curious to see the expensive vehicle Belinda had rejected. What he hadn’t anticipated was that Elliott had lent the car to someone for racing, nor that Belinda herself would be behind the wheel….