?Chapter 275:


    Nearby, Samuel stood still, hands folded behind his back, calmly watching Freddie fidget. “Would you quit pacing in front of me? You’re making me dizzy. My eyes aren’t what they used to be at this age,” he muttered.


    “I can’t help it! My Eloise just got back to us—after everything she’s been through, now this?” Freddie shot back. He was on edge, half-tempted to storm over and ask Christina exactly how this poisoned blood was supposed to be drained. If no one else would do it, he’d take matters into his own hands.


    Samuel raised a brow. “If you’re that worried, go check on her. Worrying from here won’t fix anything.”


    Freddie threw him a sharp look. “Easy for you to say. She’s not your granddaughter. If she were, you’d be pacing too.”


    Just moments ago, they’d been joking about pairing up their grandkids. Now, here they were—dealing with the aftermath of Eloise being pushed and knocked out cold.


    Samuel’s gaze stayed on Christina. “Miss Jones seems capable to me. She’s got this. No need to panic.” There was admiration in his eyes. Christina stood steady, calm under pressure, the kind of presence that drew people in. She looked like someone who could take on any storm. It was no wonder Dn had fallen for her.


    Samuel inwardly exhaled. Dn had some serious taste in choosing a partner—miles ahead of his useless grandson.


    “You’ve been sticking up for Miss Jones from the very start. If you two aren’t close, then what’s the real story?” Freddie asked, watching Samuel with shrewd suspicion.


    Samuel had vouched for Christina earlier, which was the only reason Freddie had taken the risk and let her step in. It wasn’t that he trusted Christina—far from it. What he trusted was Samuel’s judgment.


    “We’re not exactly close,” Samuel replied with a dryugh. “But since she could get Calvin to jump at her word and has the guts to stand her ground in front of the Hubbard family and the skeptical voices, I’d say she’s more than capable.”


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    Freddie’s expression turned grim. “I’m staking my granddaughter’s life on this—only because I trust youpletely, Samuel.”


    “She’s got real character. And besides, that cunning little fox raised by Herbert had taken a liking to her. There’s no way she’s trouble,” Samuelmented, a wry smile tugging at his lips.


    Freddie practically sputtered. “Wait—you’re telling me Dn actually has feelings for her?”


    It was no secret that Dn was always the type to keep everyone at arm’s length—aloof, self-contained, and entirely consumed by his work and family obligations. Romance, especially, seemed to hold no appeal for him. He moved through life like a monk, untouched and unbothered by emotion. If any woman could actually pierce that shell, it would be nothing short of a miracle.


    Freddie found himself watching Christina more closely now, and the longer he observed her, the more captivated he became. “There’s something about her, isn’t there? That kind of presence is hard toe by,” he mused, a hint of approval in his tone. “Honestly, she and my Elliott make a surprisingly handsome pair.”


    Samuel shot him a sharp look. “Don’t even start, Freddie. Dn already has his eye on her. If you so much as make a move, he’ll consume every asset of yours to make sure you regret it. Neither of us is any match for that shrewd bastard.”


    Freddie just chuckled, undeterred. “Love isn’t a game of dibs. There’s no ‘firste, first served’ when ites to the heart. It’s not up to that Scott rascal who she chooses.”


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