?Chapter 88:


    Christina feigned a stumble the moment Katie tried to trip her, her body pitching forward as she acted like she was wavering before steadying herself, deliberately stomping on Katie’s leg several times in the process.


    “Agh, that really hurts!” Katie gasped sharply, her face contorting as she swiftly withdrew her foot, the pain unmistakable.


    “Christina, that’s too much!” Ynda rushed over, helping steady Katie with an exaggerated expression of concern. “Katie only said a few harsh words—did you really have to hurt her on purpose?”


    Christina turned slowly, her eyes cold as ice. “Hurt her on purpose? Are you serious? Should we pull up the hospital’s security footage and see who started what? I nearly fell because of her, and I didn’t hurt her on purpose.”


    Ynda faltered. “But… I saw you just now—you stepped on her.”


    “Exactly! This spiteful woman hurt me deliberately!” Katie’s voice cracked with anger.


    Christina’s expression remained unchanged. “I didn’t. But if you’re so confident, I can ask the hospital director to pull the surveince footage. Better yet, we can upload it and let the public decide.” Her eyes swept over the two women, cold and fearless.


    Katie’s indignation surged, certain that Christinacked ess to the surveince footage. She opened her mouth to argue, but Ynda grasped her arm firmly.


    “Let it go,” Ynda whispered under her breath, her voice soft but pointed. “Your brother and grandmother are both hospitalized. And don’t forget—Christina is still your brother’s ex-wife. There’s no need to stir up trouble.” She deliberately emphasized the word ex-wife, her tone sweet butced with venom.


    Katie snorted, regaining herposure swiftly, and then leveled a sharp re at Christina. “Don’t mistake me for someone who’s intimidated by you. Once my brother is discharged, you’ll pay for this.”


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    Christina didn’t respond. She simply turned around and walked away, heading straight to Bethel’s ward.


    As soon as Christina entered, Bethel’s face lit up. “Christina, seeing you makes my day!”


    “How are you doing?” Christina responded gently, seating herself beside the bed and enveloping Bethel’s hand in hers. “Has your condition improved?”


    “Much better now. Had it not been for your careful care, I might have passed away long ago,” Bethel said with a soft chuckle.


    Christina frowned slightly, replying, “Bethel, don’t speak like that. You still have many years ahead—full of life and happiness.”


    Bethelughed softly, her expression peaceful. “At my age, I’ve already lived more than enough. Even if I left now, I’d have no regrets. But if I could live long enough to see your childe into this world, that would be a blessing.”


    “Bethel…” Christina lowered her eyes, her voice faltering. “You know that Brendon and I are no longer…”


    Bethel reached out and gently stroked Christina’s head with her thin, wrinkled hand. “I know. Brendon didn’t cherish you the way you deserved. You’re a remarkable woman, Christina. Brendon will regret the way he treated you one day. But when I said I wanted to see your child, I never meant it had to be Brendon’s. Since being with him didn’t bring you joy, then go your separate ways. I just want you to be happy.”


    To Bethel, Christina had long since be more than just her grandson’s former wife. She was family.


    “Bethel…” Christina whispered, her throat tightening. Emotion swelled in her chest.


    “Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Bethel said gently, giving her hand a firm squeeze. “Even though Brendon turns his back on you, I never will.” Bethel paused and then added quietly, “I’ve already made my will. If something happens to me, all my shares of thepany will go to you.”


    Christina froze, shocked. “What? Bethel, what are you saying?”


    “I mean it.” Her tone was soft but resolute. “This is my decision. Please don’t try to talk me out of it.” Her gaze turned serious. “The Dawson Group carries generations of effort, love, and sacrifice. I cannot bear to see that legacy crumble under the hands of those ipetent ones in this family. My husband trusted me with most of the shares, and I intend to honor that trust by choosing someone worthy.”


    Bethel exhaled. “You must realize by now that no one in the Dawson family can manage the Dawson Group like you can. You’re the only one I believe in. You’re smart, calm, and kind-hearted—everything thepany’s future head needs. I don’t know how much time I have ahead of me, Christina. Life is full of uncertainties—you never know whether tomorrow or an ident wille first.”


    As her words settled between them, Bethel’s grip on Christina’s hand tightened. “Christina, promise me you’ll run the Dawson Group after my passing, will you?”


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