?Chapter 492:


    Convinced he remained central to her world, Brendon’s ego ballooned. “Christina, I might not be able to offer affection the way you want, but maybe we can…” He smugly slipped an arm around her shoulders.


    But before he could finish, she clutched his wrist with a grip like iron.


    Without warning, Christina seized Brendon’s wrist and shot to her feet, driving her elbow squarely into his chest. A choked gasp left him as the blow stole his breath. She didn’t hesitate. A strong shove sent him stumbling backward, putting a solid gap between them.


    Gasping, Brendon needed a moment to recover before he found his voice. His shout rang out, sharp and angry. “Christina! Have you lost your mind? Trying to kill your own husband now?”


    A smirk tugged at Christina’s lips. “Correction. Ex-husband,” she said, her voice sharp with frost.


    His face twisted, fury deepening the color in his cheeks. He jabbed a finger at her, speechless for several seconds. “You are absolutely rude!”


    shing a broad grin, Christina let the criticism slide right past her. “Appreciate thepliment. Keep theming.”


    Once again, Brendon’s temper spiked. He found her attitude infuriating. He couldn’t recall when she’d picked up such self-defense moves.


    “If you’re done making a fool of yourself, get lost,” Christina warned, her eyes hard. “Otherwise, you’ll find out what else I’m capable of.”


    Humiliation burned in Brendon’s chest. He forced augh, trying to hide how rattled he felt. “Really? I’m not going anywhere. Want me gone? Toss me out, then.”


    “That’s the most ridiculous dare I’ve heard yet.” Rolling her wrists, Christina advanced a step, amusement flickering in her eyes.


    The 100k she gave him sent a shiver down his spine. Could she be serious about tossing him out? His bravado wavered as he said, “Don’t think I won’t call the cops on you, Christina.”


    “Go ahead. It won’t be any less satisfying to end up in detention after beating you up,” she replied with a careless shrug.


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    Herplete disregard for consequences left Brendon fuming and terrified. One thing was certain: she wasn’t bluffing. If pushed, she really wouldnd another punch.


    A sudden ring jolted Brendon out of his anxious thoughts. Perfect timing. He was just searching for an excuse to leave. Snatching up his phone, he answered in haste. The caller’s words made his expression tighten with worry. “What?”


    “Ynda’s having another episode? Okay… I’ll head over right now.” After hanging up, Brendon shot a cold nce at Christina. “Let’s get one thing straight—I’m leaving because Ynda needs me, not because you scared me off.”


    Spinning on his heel, he disappeared through the doorway, not bothering to look back.


    Christina couldn’t help but let out a scornful snort as she watched him go. “Coward,” she muttered under her breath.


    Stillness filled the space once he was gone, leaving Christina alone at Bethel’s bedside. The only sound was the faint rustle of bed sheets as Christina gently sped Bethel’s delicate hand.


    “Bethel,” Christina murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, “family is supposed to stand by you, aren’t they? So why did you give them everything and end up with nothing in return? Does that kind of sacrifice ever bring real happiness? If you knew they left while you were still unconscious, would it break your heart?”


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