?Chapter 602:


    The Prince didn’t bother answering. He simply gave her a cold, disinterested look, making it clear he had no intention of wasting words on her.


    Ynda frowned in confusion. “But if she’s really Tiana, why hadn’t you recognized her from the beginning?”


    The Prince turned his sharp gaze on her. “And who are you to ask?”


    His harsh tone silenced Ynda instantly. She looked at Brendon, unsure and flustered. She could sense it clearly now—the Prince’s attitude toward them had shifted. He was growing more hostile by the second.


    Brendon finally snapped out of his shock. He turned to Pe and Ashton and asked in a shaky voice, “Tell me… Is it true? Is Christina really Tiana?”


    Pe didn’t bother responding, not even sparing him a nce. It was Ashton who answered, his voice cold and unwavering. “Yes.”


    The confirmation hit Brendon like a blow. He stepped back, eyes wide, struggling to process it. How could this be? Christina was Tiana? If that was the case, then everything hispany had gained through the news of Tiana and her three protégés attending his engagement banquet could be called into question. And worse—he might be forced to return all of it, with interest.


    Before anyone could say another word, Christina turned toward the exit. With a calm smile, she lifted her hand, signaling her protégés to follow. “Let’s go,” she said gently, leading them off the stage with quiet strength.


    Behind them, Katie and Ynda stood frozen, their faces flushed red with a mix of rage and humiliation. Just hours ago, they had unted their supposed connection with Tiana in front of Christina. Now, that illusion of superiority had shatteredpletely. They couldn’t hide their embarrassment. Anger, confusion, and shame twisted their features. Wasn’t Christina just a housewife who couldn’t even cook a few edible dishes? How on earth could she be Tiana?


    As Christina descended the steps with grace, Brendon snapped out of his thoughts and followed her, his face stiff with regret. A knot tightened in his chest. Maybe if things hadn’t gone so wrong between them, today wouldn’t have unfolded like this.


    He hesitated, then called out softly, “Christina…”


    Christina turned around calmly, her expressionposed and cool. “What is it?”


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    Brendon lowered his voice. “Can we talk somewhere private?”


    Christina shook her head without hesitation. “No. Whatever you want to say, say it here.”


    Brendon flushed with embarrassment, his jaw tightening. Being refused like this—in front of everyone—only added to his frustration. This wasn’t the Christina he used to know. The woman who once lowered her head for his approval now stood tall, unbothered, and unafraid to push back. Still, for the sake of the Dawson Group, he forced down his pride.


    “I misjudged you,” he said, his tone softening. “Why don’t you stay a little longer? I’ll take you home after the party.”


    Christina raised a brow, her lips curling into a slight, mocking smile. “Did I just hear you right? You want me to stay?”


    Brendon’s expression stiffened, but he kept his tone polite. “For old time’s sake, just let go of my earlier foolish remarks.”


    “I’ll let it slide,” Christina replied calmly.


    Brendon felt a spark of hope. Her words, so neutral andposed, gave him the impression that she still cared. Surely, she wouldn’t embarrass him in front of so many guests if she still had a soft spot for him.


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