?Chapter 41:


    Christina let out a dry, bitterugh, barely holding back her fury. Brendon had paraded around with Ynda without a care in the world, ignoring every judgmental nce thrown their way. But she, his ex-wife, was still expected to y the role of a dutiful Dawson and guard their reputation simply because their divorce hadn’t been made public? What kind of nonsense was that?


    “Then hold a press conference tomorrow to announce our divorce,” Christina said, her voice sharp with mockery. “Better yet, call the reporters right now. Make it public today.”


    Brendon’s jaw tightened, a vein throbbing at his temple. “Is that how desperate you are to sever all ties with me?”


    Christina met his re with one of her own. “Absolutely. Being connected to you is nothing but a disgrace.”


    “You—” Brendon was so enraged that he couldn’t find the words to respond. How had he never noticed before just how sharp-tongued Christina could be? Her words hit like punches—hard, fast, and impossible to dodge.


    “I owe your family nothing, Brendon,” Christina said, her tone like ice. “The moment we signed those divorce papers, I was done with all of you.”


    Christina had refrained from retaliating against the Dawson family for only one reason: Bethel, the woman who had once saved her life. She wasn’t the type to forget a debt. But if the Dawson family kept pushing her, she wouldn’t hold back anymore.


    “Christina, do you really have to act this way?” Brendon asked, frowning deeply.


    Christina gave a coldugh, eyes narrowing. “This way? Don’t pretend to be the victim. You started this.”


    “You know things weren’t that simple,” Brendon insisted. “None of us chose this situation. Not me, not Ynda, not even you. I never meant to hurt you. Can’t we at least be civil? I’ve always tried to treat you fairly. Plus, didn’t Ipensate you enough for the divorce—”


    “Enough!” Christina snapped, lifting a hand to silence him. “I don’t want your justifications. I’m tired, Brendon. I want to go home.”


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    He stepped in front of her, blocking her path. “You’re not leaving until you answer me. Who were you withst night?”


    He then pulled out his phone and showed her a photo—grainy, taken from a distance. It showed her stepping out of a sleek ck car. The license te was…


    cropped out, and the driver’s identity hidden, but it was enough to fuel his suspicions. He’d been restless ever since he saw it.


    “Brendon, why are you wasting your energy on her?” Katie scoffed, striding forward with a sneer. “She’s just starving for attention.” Her tone grew nastier with every word. “She’s throwing herself at any guy who’ll look at her—”


    Brendon shot Katie a re so cold it made her flinch. Her crude words made his stomach turn. How could someone from such a respectable background talk like that? Who had she been hanging around?


    Brendon turned back to Christina, his voice lower but firm. “Just tell me who you were withst night. If you exin, I’ll believe you’re innocent.”


    Christina let out a sharpugh, tilting her head as though she’d just heard the most absurd thing imaginable. “I don’t owe you any exnations, Brendon. We’re divorced. You have no right to question how I live my life.”


    Brendon’s face darkened. “So this is what you’ve be? You’ve lost all sense of dignity?”


    Christina raised an eyebrow, a small, mocking smile curving her lips. “Dignity? If you’re looking for shame, maybe try searching your own family first.” Her eyes flicked to Katie—just for a second—but it was enough.


    Katie flinched. Her spine went rigid, and her breath caught in her throat. “W-Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked, her voice trembling. “I haven’t done anything wrong!”


    Christina gave a soft chuckle. “Maybe you haven’t. Or maybe you have. Only a proper investigation can say for sure.”


    Christina hadn’t nned on involving Katie. But Katie had been asking for it—poking and insulting her. She had only responded in kind.


    “Brendon, don’t listen to her!” Katie cried, panic creeping into her voice. “She’s just trying to cause drama. I’ve always followed our family’s values—I swear!”


    Brendon turned to her slowly, his gaze unreadable. “Are you absolutely certain about that?”


    “Of course!” Katie replied too quickly. “I’m your sister, Brendon. Are you really going to take her word over mine?” She pointed at Christina usingly. “She’s just jealous. She can’t stand seeing us happy. She mocks Ynda every chance she gets…”


    That struck a nerve. Brendon hesitated, thinking back to Christina’s cold remarks about Ynda. The suspicion in his eyes began to fade.


    “That’s enough, Christina,” he said, his voice firm. “I don’t believe a word you say. You’re not going to drive a wedge between me and my family.”


    Christina gave him a cold look. “Believe whatever helps you sleep at night.” Then, with a sudden shove, she pushed him aside. “You’re in my way.”


    Brendon stumbled back, caught off guard by her strength. His foot slipped, and he nearly fell.


    “Brendon!” Katie rushed to his side, grabbing his arm to steady him.


    By the time he regained his bnce, Christina was already walking away—her head held high, her steps light and sure, as if she didn’t have a care in the world.


    “Christina! Stop right there!” Brendon shouted, frustration crackling in his voice.


    But Christina didn’t stop. She didn’t even nce back. Divorce hadn’t dimmed her. If anything, it had unleashed something stronger, something untouchable.


    Brendon’s heart ached with something he couldn’t name. A hollow feeling gnawed at him as he watched her disappear into the distance. His chest tightened, and without thinking, he took a step forward, striding after her.


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