Married a Secret Billionaire novel Chapter 1266

Zuko took a step forward but held Lina's hands tightly.

"Desiree, there are some things I must clarify with you. We had a childhood connection, but we've grown up now." Zuko paused and enunciated each word. "There's a difference between men and women!"

"You—"

"Also, I don't have any 'bros' or 'buddies', only one younger brother, Toph. I do have a few close friends, but they're all male."

Zuko smiled. "Do you understand what I mean now?"

Desiree could not help the twitching of her lips.

"Zuko, I know you're dating Lina, but you can't not be friends with the opposite sex just because you have a fiancee, right?"

"Are you trying to say that pure friendships exist between men and women?" Zuko smirked. "But I think that's the most irresponsible thing to do in a relationship!"

"Zuko…"

"Of course, normal interactions are completely reasonable, but anything that exceeds the normal range…" There was a pause before Zuko uttered heavily, "Have some self-respect!"

Desiree took two steps back and looked at Zuko in disbelief.

Growing up in a family like the Harpers, Desiree was used to seeing elders who had families outside their marriages. The legitimate wives had to endure and coexist peacefully with their husbands' mistresses.

In Desiree's view, men were bound to cheat. Even the most dominant legitimate wife had to bow her head before her husband. If a woman liked a man, she could just snatch him away regardless of his engagement.

Desiree didn't even think there was anything wrong with this behavior.

However, Zuko delivered a decisive blow that shattered her lifelong beliefs today He confronted her directly, challenging her views on relationships and exposing them as rubbish.

"I've said everything I needed to say." Zuko hugged Lina tightly. "I think I've made it clear. Don't blame me for falling out if you continue to bother us."

"You—"

"I won't be having a drink." Zuko smiled. "Lina and I have other things to attend to. Goodbye."

Zuko led Lina out of the bar without looking back.

As Lina let him hold her hand, she felt his palm's warmth and knew she had everything she needed in the world. She tried to walk steadily but was so excited she wanted to jump up and down and laugh out loud.

After leaving the bar, Lina stopped and looked at Zuko.