?Chapter 233:


    Christina’s eyes were like sharpened steel, icy and unwavering as they bore into Brendon’s.


    For reasons Brendon couldn’t quite grasp, that intense stare sent an involuntary shiver through him,pelling a hesitant step backward.


    “You expect me to apologize? And who do you think you are to demand such a thing? I’ve done nothing wrong—so why on earth should I bow my head and say sorry?” Christina’s voice was resolute, tinged with an unyielding chill.


    Her words struck Brendon sharply, flooding his pride with burning humiliation that contorted his features in fury. “Very well! If your intention is to provoke the Hubbards and create a spectacle, then I will let you have it!” he snapped with biting finality.


    Turning swiftly, Brendonmanded Katie, “Find security immediately. Inform them Christina is attempting to sneak in and cause disruption.”


    Katie didn’t waste time. She shot off like an arrow, her lips curled in a victorious smirk. Atst, Christina was about to face the consequences. After countless times being outwitted, this was her moment to im the upper hand, and the thrill only made her grin wider.


    Brendon’s patience thinned dangerously as he fixed Christina with ast warning. “Are you certain you won’t just apologize and leave quietly? Once security arrives, you won’t escape without repercussions.”


    Despite his frustration, something about her unyielding defiance—the proud lift of her chin, the fierce determination in her eyes—tugged at him in a way he couldn’t fully understand. Was it the remnants of their past together? Or the years she’d endured for the Dawsons? Whatever it was, he hesitated, unwilling to push too hard.


    “Never,” Christina dered fiercely, rooted firmly as if daring fate itself. An unfamiliar ache tightened Brendon’s chest—whether born of frustration or something more profound, he could not tell.


    “Fine,” he replied with reluctant eptance, “You bring what unfolds from here upon yourself.”


    g???????ν??????.??0??, ?????????? ???????? ????


    A fresh pang pierced his heart, his gaze shadowed by confusion. Why was she so stubborn? He’d offered her chance after chance, only to have them met with defiance, arrogance, and no hint of remorse or gratitude. Despite his mixed feelings, he swallowed any flicker of pity. Maybe this was what Christina needed—to be humbled, to understand the cost of refusing to yield. Perhaps only then would that relentless pride finally crack.


    Christina cast Brendon a sharp, sidelong nce before reclining effortlessly against the car seat, her demeanor cool andposed. Her gaze remained icy and unblinking, fixed steadily on the distance ahead. A faint, almost imperceptible smirk curled at the corner of her lips, a subtle spark of defiance shing dangerously in her eyes. Who would regret it when security showed up? That was still up in the air.


    Soon enough, Katie reappeared, leading two security officers behind her. A low murmur rippled through the crowd as onlookers began to whisper and crane their necks.


    “Who’s that woman in the car? What could’ve happened to warrant calling security?”


    “Hard to tell from here—she’s just sitting quietly. But someone who got closer said she’s stunning.”


    “Ask the folks up front what’s going on. This is going to be a show. Someone’s definitely getting kicked out. But who?”


    .


    .


    .