?Chapter 607:


    Disappointment immediately washed over the Prince’s face, his spirits deting like a child who had just lost his prize. His n of convincing her to settle down in Eighshire had fallen apart.


    “Don’t look so down,” Christina teased, noticing how defeated he looked. “If I find the chance, I’ll make sure to visit you.”


    The Prince muttered to himself, “You always say that. When will you actually have time? It’s been ages since youst visited.”


    “Your birthday, this year. I’ll be there, I promise,” Christina assured him, her words gentle.


    Excitement lit up the prince’s face. “Then I’ll just celebrate my birthday every single day!” That usual aloof air vanished, reced by the gleeful spirit of a child.


    Amused, Christinaughed softly, her eyes warm. “I’ll onlye for your real birthday, not a moment sooner.”


    The Prince pouted dramatically. “But what if I want to celebrate every day?”


    “You’re wee to do that, but I won’t be there for all of them, okay?” Christina answered, shaking her head with an affectionate smile.


    “All right, then. I’ll get started on the preparations right away. You’d better not skip out on my birthday,” the Prince said, his voice full of hope.


    A dramatic sigh escaped Pe as she clutched her chest and yed along. “How tragic. Only our mentor gets an invite to your party?”


    Fake disappointment colored Ashton’s tone. “I’m heartbroken too.”


    shing a broad grin, the Prince waved off theirints. “Of course, you two cane. I’ll send you invitations.” After that, his eyes shifted to Dn, and his smile disappeared. “But you’re not invited,” he added, his voice cold. The tension between him and Dn filled the air.


    Without hesitation, Dn met his re. “I had no ns to show up anyway,” he retorted, his tone even icier.


    Smug satisfaction shed across the Prince’s face. “d to hear it.”


    Christina watched the scene unfold,pletely puzzled by the Prince’s sudden hostility. A quick toast seemed like the perfect way to break the mood. “Why don’t we all raise a ss?” she suggested, steering the conversation away from their rivalry.


    ???è?? ￠?ΔT?εЯ? ?η ?a?иoν???.???


    Later, on the drive home, a warm flush lingered on Christina’s cheeks from the wine.


    As she turned to gaze out the window, city lights streaked by, stirring up memories she had tried to keep tucked away. Before long, Dn’s face came to mind. He usually acted withdrawn and aloof, but she knew there was more to him than his indifferent exterior. Sometimes, he actually smiled.


    As images of Dn grew more vivid in her mind, she felt her pulse pick up speed. Subconsciously, she brought her hand to her chest and tried to steady her racing heartbeat.


    “Penny for your thoughts?” Dn’s voice cut through the silence.


    Snapped out of her train of thought, Christina turned abruptly toward him.


    For a moment, their gazes locked, and the effect was immediate. Her heart stuttered. She found herself watching his lips, then tracing her gaze down to the distinct line of his Adam’s apple, unable to look away.


    A nervous swallow left her mouth dry, and she wondered why she suddenly felt so flustered. Right then, an unusual thought rushed through her mind and took hold of herpletely.


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