?Chapter 488:


    “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have identally pushed her!” Katie yelled, her fury bubbling over.


    In a sh, Christina’s expression turned cial, and the air around her grew tense and suffocating. Her formidable presence was overwhelming—both Brendon and Katie found their lungs tightening, a chill crawling up their spines. This imposing side of Christina seldom surfaced, but whenever it did, her entire demeanor exuded an intimidating pressure. Her glinting stare could slice through steel.


    “I don’t care if it was deliberate or idental,” Christina said in a low and foreboding tone. “Should anything happen to Bethel, I’ll ruin you both—and I mean every single word.”


    Brendon’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, trying to hide his fear.


    “You…” Katie faltered, her voice shaking as terror crept in. “You’re not scaring—”


    Katie tried to calm herself. Just who did Christina think she was? Did Christina truly believe she had the power to destroy someone’s life with mere threats?


    She refused to ept that. Surely, Christina was bluffing, right?


    “Don’t believe me? Try me,” Christina replied, her face devoid of any emotion.


    Katie’s breath caught as their eyes locked, and cold sweat soaked her back under Christina’s murderous gaze. Her defiant words repeatedly died on her tongue despite her efforts.


    After a while, Katie finally managed to form a coherent sentence, her voice shaky. “Try what? As if I would ever hurt my grandmother…”


    Despite her bravado, Katie couldn’t suppress the fear gnawing at her. Instinctively, she edged backward, her nerves betraying her tough front. Somewhere inside, she dreaded that Christina just might snap and do something unthinkable.


    “There’s no reason to blow this out of proportion,” Brendon interjected with a tense sigh. “Katie is still young and prone to acting recklessly…”


    “Young?” Christina echoed with a sharp, humorless chuckle. “She’s grown, Brendon. The way you constantly excuse her has made her believe she’s untouchable.”


    Brendon’s eyes narrowed. “We’re just being protective. She’s family. It’s only natural.”


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    “Natural?” Christina’s tone turned mocking, her re sharper than ever. “I was never interested in your family house,” she stated, voice calm but edged with venom. “But since you keep throwing baseless usations my way andbeled me a maniptor, fine. I’ll do exactly what you used me of.”


    Brendon’s frown deepened, suspicion flickering across his features. “What do you mean?”


    “Literally,” Christina replied, her tone unwavering. “You said I’m scheming to take your family house, right? Fine. Then I’ll take it.” She let out a chillingugh, her posture radiating unwavering determination.


    Brendon and Katie were stunned. Neither of them had anticipated Christina’s bold deration to snatch the Dawson family house from them. What authority did an outsider like her have to stake a im in their heritage? Had shepletely lost touch with reality?


    “Christina, if you’re about to spiral, do it elsewhere. I’m not here for your little drama sessions!” Brendon snapped, his features taut with irritation.


    “Call it whatever you want,” Christina replied evenly. “I’m just letting you know the estate will be under my name.”


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