?Chapter 265:


    If it weren’t for Eloise’s status, Katie would have straight-up called her an animal. The word “vet” hung in the air like a p. The crowd recoiled, startled murmurs spreading in a sharp wave.


    “This woman’s lost it. Does she actually think a vet can treat a human being?”


    “She’s out of her mind! A vet daring to treat Miss Hubbard? That’s just begging for trouble with the Hubbards.”


    “Why isn’t the Hubbard family doctor here yet? What’s taking so long? If this drags out, it’ll only get worse.”


    “Somebody call 911! Miss Hubbard went down hard. If we keep waiting, it could get ugly fast.”


    “Miss Jones, you’re only a vet. Step away, or you’ll just make things worse. The Hubbards won’t forgive you.”


    Trapped in Christina’s grasp, Katie broke into a sly, taunting grin, feeding off the crowd’s panic. She had no intention of stopping Christina from “treating” Eloise—on the contrary, she was itching to see Christina dig her own grave by offering that supposed treatment. After all, what good could a vet possibly do? Christina was bound to screw up and would onlynd Eloise in even deeper danger. By then, Christina—that insufferable tramp—would be done for. The Hubbard family would destroy Christina, and she wouldn’t even have to lift a finger.


    Katie sneered disdainfully. “Christina, I know what you’re capable of. Your skills as a vet are probably garbage. What makes you think you can pull off a miracle?” Katie narrowed her gaze, her lips barely moving as she icily mouthed, “You’ll only mess this up, loser.”


    Christina caught Katie’s silent jab but didn’t flinch. Her expression stayed unreadable, not giving Katie an inch of satisfaction.


    Before Christina could p back, Brendon’s voice broke the tension. “Christina, that’s enough. Knock it off.” He stepped forward, brow furrowed, his hand closing gently but firmly around Christina’s wrist. “You’re just a vet. Don’t pretend you’re some kind of hero. Miss Hubbard’s life isn’t a game.”


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    Leaning in, Brendon’s tone dropped to a near-whisper, low and urgent against Christina’s ear. “Just chill. Admit you’re wrong for pushing Miss Hubbard and back down now. If youe clean, maybe the Hubbards will let you off easy.”


    Christina stared Brendon down, unflinching. He’d always looked down on her—a helpless charity case trailing in his shadow. “Mr. Dawson, you also doubt I can save Miss Hubbard?” Her tone stayed measured, almost indifferent, but her eyes zed with silent defiance.


    That icy, level voice sliced through Brendon, and for reasons he couldn’t name, something twisted sharply in his chest. Why did she always have to challenge him, always out to prove something? If she just yielded for once, he would plead for the Hubbard family for her.


    Brendon’s patience snapped, his wordsing out harsh and clipped, “Don’t fool yourself, Christina. You’re a veterinarian with nothing to show for it. You can barely keep pets alive, much less treat a human being. Look at Miss Hubbard—she’s not some stray for you to practice on. You really want to gamble her life on your second-rate training?”


    Brendon wasn’t the only one filled with doubt—everyone around looked on with skepticism. No one thought Christina could actually save Eloise.


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