?Chapter 257:


    Meanwhile, inside the Hubbard family study, Josh extended a gift to Omar Hubbard, Elliott’s father.


    “Mr. Hubbard, Mr. Scott sent over a gift for you,” Josh spoke.


    Rising at once, Omar’s expression lit up. “Mr. Scott is here already? Why didn’t anyone tell me so I could wee him myself? Let’s go—”


    A quick interruption came from Josh. “Actually, Mr. Hubbard, Mr. Scott didn’te. Mr. Samuel Graham and Mr. Ralphy Graham delivered the gift instead. Mr. Scott sends his apologies and asks for your understanding.”


    Understanding shed across Omar’s face. “Then I’ll go greet Mr. Graham personally. Please let my father know that Mr. Graham is here.” With a respectful bow, Josh replied, “Right away,” and slipped out.


    No time was wasted. Omar made a beeline for the door, leaving the study in a hurry. Entrusting the banquet’s details to Elliott had made sense, but certain guests required a personal touch. He knew that for both the Scott family and the Graham family to show respect for tonight’s banquet was a mark of deep respect for his father. It was only right for him to handle the greetings himself.


    Christina was having a st trading jokes with Eloise on the phone,pletely lost in the fun of their conversation, when Josh appeared without warning, his voice steady. “Miss Hubbard, the celebration’s about to start. Your parents are calling for you.”


    Eloise nced up and typed a quick message to Christina, her thumbs flying.


    “I have to run, but we’ll talkter.”


    “Alright.” Christina gave Eloise a nod and watched her head off.


    Out of nowhere, Christina sensed someone sneaking up behind her. She tensed up. The next second, a firm gripnded on her shoulder, and she was half a second from flipping the sneaky figure over her shoulder.


    But she stopped herself just in time when a familiar, teasing voice broke the tension. “Miss Jones.”


    ???????? ?????????????? ????????: ?????????ν??????﹒??????


    That single phrase was enough for her to recognize the speaker. She rxed, an amused smile spreading as she turned to face him. Good thing Ralphy spoke up fast, or he’d have been eating floor.


    “Dn didn’te with you?” Christina asked, scanning the room but not spotting Dn anywhere. Chloe’s eyes were still healing, so she’d skipped the party. Dn had mentioned he’d drop by once he clocked out, but oddly, he hadn’t shown up with Ralphy.


    Ralphy’s lips twitched as he asked her, “What’s this? Missing my buddy Dn already? Feeling like it’s been forever?”


    Christina just shook her head andughed lightly. “Don’t go starting rumors. People might get the wrong idea.”


    That only made Ralphy lean in, squinting at her with growing curiosity. “So you’re saying you really don’t have a thing for him at all?”


    Ralphy had never known a woman who could be around Dn and not at least secretly admire him. But he detected no deception from Christina’s face, as if Dn wasn’t even on her radar.


    Calm and collected, Christina replied, “There’s nothing between us except friendship.”


    .


    .


    .