?Chapter 622:


    Ever since Bethel had found out that Christina was actually Tiana, she had been shocked—but also proud. In her eyes, Christina had always been exceptional. Polished. Grateful. None of her children or grandchildren could hold a candle to her.


    “Grandma, the rumors are getting worse. They say Tiana holds a grudge against our family, and now thepany’s in serious trouble,” Brendon said, his voice anxious. “Two of our partners are threatening to cut ties and cancel their contracts.”


    He hesitated before adding, “We’re not her enemy—we’ve never gone against her. We just need you to talk to her. Maybe arrange a press conference where you two appear side by side. You cling to her a little. Surely, by then, the rumors will die, and the crisis will be—”


    With a smirk, Bethel eyed Brendon. “You left Christina with nothing, not even a ce to stay. Why wouldn’t she resent you for that? All of you treated her so heartlessly, never taking her seriously. Yet now, you find out the very Tiana you all tried so hard to please is the woman you once cast aside. When the truth ps you in the face, does it sting? Brendon, think about your actions—you mocked and belittled her. And now you expect me to beg for her help on your behalf, without a shred of real remorse?”


    Disappointment ran deep in Bethel’s chest as she looked at her family. Even in this crisis, none of them could muster genuine sincerity. Worse, they all seemed to believe that one word from her would sway Christina, as if kindness alone could guarantee her support. Long experience had shown her otherwise. Christina would never say yes to such hollow pleas.


    In the past, whenever thepany needed saving, Bethel had stepped up. Now, she believed it was their turn to solve their own problems. Mistakes like this should not be brushed aside. They needed to understand what it meant to be responsible.


    Scoffing, Katie tried to hide her jealousy. “Christina just got lucky, that’s all! And her piano skills are nothing special. Brendon isn’t the viin here. Christina was never good enough for him!”


    A sharp look from Bethel silenced her. “If you think Christina wasn’t worthy, take a good look at yourself. You can’t even hold a candle to her. Do you really believe her sess was luck? Bing the mentor to three world-ss pianists didn’t just happen by chance. One of those pianists is a prince from Eighshire. Do you really think the royal family hands out that kind of trust to just anyone? They are anything but naive.”


    Katie’s eyes filled with tears, stung by her grandmother’s harsh words like this for the first time.


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    Upset by Bethel’s words, Joselyn spoke up. “Mom, must you be so harsh? Katie is your granddaughter! Why defend that woman over your own family?”


    Witnessing his daughter being scolded left Trevor burning with shame. Longstanding resentment toward Bethel simmered inside him. Her refusal to give him the reins of thepany had always gnawed at him, and now his anger only grew sharper at her rebuke. Her words stung like a personal insult, as if she were publicly shaming him in front of everyone.


    “Mom, you have gone too far! What kind of spell has that little witch cast on you to make you defend her like this?” Trevor fumed.


    A look of utter disdain crossed Bethel’s face. “If the only choices are fools and the wise, why should I ever side with foolishness?” Her tone was colder than ever. She was more determined than ever to leave the Dawson family estate and the Dawson Group to Christina.


    Trevor could barely control his rage. “Mom!” he shouted, ring at her with eyes that hinted at violence. “If you keep favoring an outsider, don’t me me for being disrespectful!”


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