?Chapter 264:


    With tense determination, Christina mapped out her next steps in her mind. They couldn’t risk waiting for an ambnce. She’d have to stabilize Eloise’s heartbeat and draw out the poisoned blood right here, right now, before it was toote.


    Christina’s fingers worked swiftly, pressing a series of pressure points on Eloise’s limbs—steadying her pulse, keeping her heart safe for the moment.


    Just then, Katie barged in, shoving Christina out of the way. “Get away! Don’t touch Miss Hubbard!” she barked, shooting daggers at Christina. “You’re the one who pushed Miss Hubbard! And now you’re pretending to be helpful? Who do you think you are—the legendary healer King?”


    Straightening up, Christina’s expression sharpened. She met Katie’s re head-on. “You’re saying you saw me push her?”


    Katie’s lips curled into a scornful sneer. “Exactly! You were the only one near Miss Hubbard moments earlier. If it wasn’t you, who else could it be?” Katie’s lie rolled off her tongue smoothly, brazen and unflinching. She deliberately made this scene to dy any prompt treatment for Eloise. If Eloise died and Christina was believed to be the culprit, it would be perfect—two obstacles erased in one stroke.


    A few bystanders piped up, echoing Katie’s usation.


    “Miss Dawson is right. Miss Jones was the only one next to Miss Hubbard. If Miss Jones didn’t do it, then who did?”


    “Did anyone else catch what happened? Who made Miss Hubbard copse? If you point out the culprit, the Hubbard family will definitely reward you.”


    “Miss Jones, if you’re the one who pushed Miss Hubbard, just own up to it. If the Hubbard family finds out that you did, your fate will be worse.”


    Murmurs tangled as the spection swelled into a roar. Some even began urging Christina to confess, certain she was guilty.


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    With a steady gaze, Christina retorted, “Why should I admit to something I didn’t do? I have nothing to hide.” Her voice was clipped, and her expression cial, utterly unshaken by the crowd’s hostility.


    Fixing the crowd with an authoritative stare, Christina spoke. “Step back, all of you. Give Miss Hubbard some space—there’s no air flowing in here, and you’re only making things worse for her.”


    The guests bristled, unused to taking orders from someone with no standing among them—or so they thought.


    “Who do you think you are, barking orders at everyone? We’re all people of status—what makes you think you know better than us?” Katie quickly pushed her way to the front, her voice full of righteous indignation as she rallied to defend the group’s dignity.


    Christina lunged and seized Katie by the throat, her fingers cold and unyielding. A razor-sharp glint shed in her eyes, her entire presence radiating an icy, predatory danger.


    Katie’s breath hitched, paralyzed by the shock of Christina’s attack. Christina’s grip wasn’t tight, but panic wed at her chest, stealing the air from her lungs. “I can save Miss Hubbard. That’s why!” Christina barked, her tone cutting, her stare drilling straight through Katie.


    Katie’s shock curdled into scorn. She jerked her chin up and spat, “Oh,e on! You’re just a vet. What’s your n—gonna treat Miss Hubbard like she’s one of your furry patients?”


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