?Chapter 577:


    For a brief instant, Lorraine hesitated—she nearly believed Christina. But then she let out a short scoff. What a joke. Aside from some business savvy and decent looks, what exactly did Christina bring to the table? Christina had wasted three years trapped under the Dawson name, doing chores with no return. That musical performance she’d yed earlier? Just a shallow copy. She wasn’t even qualified to learn from one of Tiana’s three protégés, much less capable of leading them.


    Lorraineughed uncontrobly, as if she’d just heard the most absurd thing imaginable. “I’ve never seen anyone so detached from reality. Honestly, do you really believe bing someone like Tiana is that simple?” she said mockingly.


    A devious smirk tugged at Christina’s mouth, her gaze gleaming with sharp resolve. “How about a little bet, then?”


    “dly! What do you have in mind?” Lorraine shot back without hesitation. She was confident she’d win—finally, a chance to flip the script and restore her image by bringing Christina down a notch.


    “If I am capable of leading them as their mentor, I win. And the Jones Group bes mine,” Christina dered tly. Yvonne was the instigator of this sh—so she had no right toin when it spiraled.


    Christina knew if she didn’t crush Yvonne’s inted ego now, Yvonne would just keep yapping like an irritating court jester.


    “Deal!” Lorraine responded instantly.


    Yvonne froze in disbelief. She hadn’t even opened her mouth, and Lorraine had already sealed the deal! That was the Jones Group—this wasn’t a minor gamble like the Reynolds Group! Who did Lorraine think she was, tossing around someone else’s familypany as if it were pocket change?


    But Yvonne didn’t say a word. She couldn’t afford to lose Lorraine’s support. Until she found a stronger backer, she had to keep Lorraine close.


    “Lorraine, how could youmit to that so easily? That’s the Jones Group we’re talking about—Christina didn’t even offer anythingparable…” Yvonne whispered under her breath.


    “What’s causing you distress? Do you honestly believe Christina might actually pull it off? Those three protégés are tutored by Tiana, for God’s sake! Why would they ever regard Christina as their mentor?” Lorraine questioned.


    Your imagination begins with gα?ησν????s﹒?????


    Yvonne reflected on her argument and found it somewhat convincing, though an uneasy tightness lingered in her chest.


    “What are you cing on the line?” Yvonne inquired of Christina, aiming to determine the wager before moving forward.


    Christina’s lips curved slightly. “A chance of receiving treatment from the esteemed healer, King. Tempted yet?”


    “And if you can’t deliver on that promise? What proof do we have that you’re not deceiving us? Why should we ce faith in your words?” Yvonne’s expression tightened with skepticism, her pulse elerating. Should Christina truly possess the chance of receiving treatment from King, her illness, which had endured for countless days and nights, might finallye to an end.


    “If what I promised falls through, I’ll leave the oue to your discretion,” Christina responded without flinching.


    Yvonne paused briefly before clenching her jaw. “Fine! I’ll take the bet! If you fail, King treats my ailment. And if you’re lying, I’ll make sure you regret it for the rest of your life!”


    “Agreed. If I seed, I im the Jones Group,” Christina replied with a glint in her eyes.


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