?Chapter 623:


    Amusement flickered in Bethel’s eyes as she mocked him. “Oh? Is that a threat? Would you really strike your own mother?”


    A storm of resentment shed in Trevor’s eyes as he locked stares with his mother, his thoughts twisting into darkness. Inheriting everything seemed so close—if only Bethel were out of the picture. Her age had begun to show, and he decided she belonged with herte husband, not here meddling in his ambitions.


    Tightening his jaw, Trevor began to scheme, searching for a way to rid himself of his mother and avoid any consequences. The unthinkable idea took hold. How had hee to this? Still, he med her for driving him to such a point. Power slipping from Bethel’s grasp was all it would have taken, but her stubborn grip forced Trevor into a corner. For people like him, the world belonged to those willing to do whatever it took to survive.


    Trevor inhaled deeply, steadying himself before forcing a tight-lipped smile. “Mom, you must be joking. As if I’d darey a hand on you.”


    Bethel met his gaze with icy silence.


    Seeing no response, Trevor barked at his children with authority. “What are you all just standing around for? Apologize to your grandmother!”


    Brendon stepped forward stiffly. “Grandma, I’m sorry. This one’s on me,” he muttered, his tone devoid of warmth.


    Katie seethed inwardly. She didn’t feel like apologizing to Bethel, but with her brother conceding, she had no room to stir further trouble. One wrong move, and Bethel might cut off her allowance altogether. It grated on her—watching both her father and brother sidelined in their ownpany, hemmed in at every turn.


    “I’m sorry, Grandma,” Katie muttered through clenched teeth, her tone t with resentment.


    Trevor’s eyes snapped to his wife. “And you—apologize. Now,” he ordered sharply.


    Joselyn lifted her chin defiantly. “Why should I? I didn’t do anything wrong.”


    Trevor’s face darkened. “The way you spoke to my mother—was that respect?” His re bore into her, leaving no room for defiance.


    Joselyn bit back her frustration, her jaw tight. After a tense pause, she finally relented. “Bethel, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way.”


    Trying to soften the tension, Trevor sighed and turned to Bethel. “Mom, please don’t be angry with us. We were just overwhelmed. Thepany’s in serious trouble. If this keeps up, we could lose everything. We had no choice but toe to you.” His expression was a mix of desperation and defeat.


    Bethel gave them a frosty nce, her expression unreadable as she let out a quiet sigh. Ipetent as they were, they were still Dawsons by blood. Now that they had admitted fault—however reluctantly—her heart softened just a touch.


    “If you truly want Christina’s help, then go and speak to her yourselves. Be sincere. If your remorse is genuine, I believe she’ll consider it. She’s not withoutpassion,” she said coolly.


    Bethel finally offered them a way forward. She wouldn’t ask Christina on their behalf—that would feel like forcing Christina’s hand. Worse, it would mean shielding the very people who had hurt her, allowing them to escape consequences while benefiting from her loyalty. That would be nothing short of…


    Betrayal. They were the ones who had done wrong, and she decided to let them bear the weight of making it right.


    Realizing Bethel wouldn’t fight their battle for them, Brendon gave up trying to change her mind. The others, too, quietly epted the truth—they would have to swallow their pride and ask Christina themselves.


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