?Chapter 235:


    “Understood!” The subordinate hastened away, invitation in hand.


    Every invitation was logged meticulously in the system. Authenticating one was a matter of moments. If the document proved counterfeit, Christina’s attempt to enter would be swiftly halted at this first checkpoint.


    Meanwhile, Katie paraded with triumphant arrogance, strutting like a victor unting her conquest, head held high, chest thrust forward, dripping with contemptuous pride. She was already envisioning Christina’s disgrace—dragged out in ignominy, her reputation shattered for daring to offend the formidable Hubbard family.


    “If you lower your pride and offer an apology now, I might consider speaking on your behalf,” Brendon said, his eyes clouded with a patronizing pity—one more suited to a noble tossing crumbs to a beggar than a genuine offer of kindness. He never regarded Christina as an equal. Instead, he looked down on her from his self-appointed throne of superiority.


    “You should focus on yourself,” Christina responded with a chilling smile, calm but cutting.


    Brendon’s fury nearly choked him. “You!” Her ingratitude was infuriating beyond measure.


    “Brendon, why waste your sympathy on someone like her?” Katie snapped, irritation clear in her voice. “Whatever fate she faces is well deserved.” In Katie’s eyes, it was because of Christina that poor Ynda couldn’t attend the Hubbard family’s celebration. Compared to that, being tossed out and reprimanded was a light punishment for Christina.


    “What a disgrace!” Joselyn muttered, her expression twisted in revulsion. “How could my son—so exceptional—have ever been married to such a despicable woman?”


    Despite the scornful looks thrown her way, Christina merely offered a faint,posed smile, patiently awaiting the return of the security guard with the results of the verification.


    New chapters now on .c?m


    Onlookers murmured among themselves.


    “Security has been alerted—her fate is sealed.”


    “The audacity to sit there smirking as if she’s fearless. Does she crave disaster, attempting to deceive them with a counterfeit invitation?”


    “Her reputation is ruined. To cause chaos on such a momentous asion for the Hubbards—she’s finished.”


    Murmurs swirled around Christina like a storm, yet her expression remained steady, unshaken. When the security guard finally hurried back, her smile deepened—more rxed, more radiant than before.


    A tense silence fell over the crowd as everyone held their breath, eyes locked on the security guard’s every move. Spections ran wild among the onlookers, yet most were certain this was the end of the line for Christina.


    “State your name,” the security guard who had justpleted the invitation check demanded, his gaze sharp and probing as he looked at Christina, carrying an unspoken gravity.


    Unflinching, Christina met his stare with steadyposure, a faint, unwavering smile ying at the corners of her lips. Her soft, crimson lips parted slightly as she answered clearly, “Christina Jones.”


    After hearing her response, the security guard turned to the lead security guard and confirmed, “Everything matches.”


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