?Chapter 178:


    “Christina, how bad is the damage?” Chloe asked, her voice quivering with worry as she struggled to understand what was happening due to her sight issue.


    A gentle smile touched Christina’s lips. “It’s nothing serious. We’ll get it fixed.”


    Truthfully, the damage was nearly total—whoever had done this clearly wanted the car beyond saving. Recement would have been the easy route. Most people would have demanded payment and found a new toy.


    But not Christina. Even if she imed damages, she wouldn’t swap it out—this was the first time she’d ever received such a cute little gift. Teasing about deducting the car costs from her sry had only been half-serious. The sentimental value of the car was what truly mattered. A faint tremor ran through Christina’s hand as she pressed her thumbnail into her finger, holding back her frustration.


    “The culprits have already been turned over to the police,” Brad said, his voice cutting through the silence.


    The manager of INQ Mall had assured them that the mall would take full responsibility for Christina’s loss, regardless of whether the culprits could afford thepensation.


    “What did they say? Is there someone behind this?” Christina asked, her tone edged with curiosity.


    A quick shake of Brad’s head followed. “Nothing like that. They insisted it was just about the car—they trashed it because they hated the way it looked.”


    Chloe asked, “Christina, do you believe someone hired them to do so?”


    “Just a passing thought,” Christina replied smoothly. “Let’s head back now.”


    “Alright,” Chloe agreed. “I would ask the driver to pick us up.”


    “Let me give you a lift,” Brad suggested, his eagerness to help clear in his voice.


    epting Brad’s offer without hesitation, Christina gave him a polite nod. “Thank you for your kind offer. Sorry to trouble you.”


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    “No trouble at all! Really, it’s an honor,” Brad said eagerly, grinning from ear to ear.


    With practiced enthusiasm, he escorted them to a sleek ck SUV, holding the door open with a small, respectful bow. “Please.”


    Helping Chloe settle in, Brad made sure the wheelchair was folded and stored with care before climbing into the driver’s seat.


    Rolling out of the INQ parking lot, he could hardly contain his excitement. Not only did he get to be their temporary driver, but he’d also managed to get Christina’s number. The thrill nearly had him pressing the gas too hard.


    “If there’s anything you ever need, Miss Jones, just let me know,” Brad said earnestly.


    Her response was short and unruffled. “Alright.”


    Brad wasn’t the least bit bothered by her aloofness—if anything, he found it fitting for someone of her stature.


    When the ck SUV finally arrived at Bayview Estates, Brad watched as Chloe and Christina made their way up to a vi perched partway up the hillside. The choice of neighborhood matched everything he’de to suspect—Christina was a person of influence, someone who belonged in the city’s upper circles.


    Only after Christina disappeared through the door did Brad pull away, feeling luckier than he had in years, Christina’s contact details saved safely in his phone.


    Elsewhere, a pink convertible roared down the street, wind whipping Thea’s hair. A scowl creased her face.


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