?Chapter 738:


    “I have my reasons,” Christina answered vaguely, showing no intention of offering an exnation.


    Elliott let out a faint sigh. He knew better than anyone—once Christina made up her mind, no one could sway her. As his eyes fell on her hand, still resting on Dn’s, his heart sank even more. He could feel the growing distance between them. And it hurt.


    “Are you confident?” Dn asked in a much gentler tone. Now that she had decided, he would respect it—and support her in any way he could.


    “Yes,” Christina said with steady calm.


    Dn was silent for a moment and then ced his rough hand gently over hers. “Alright, I believe you. But if anything feels off, pull back immediately. I’ll protect you.” His eyes narrowed slightly. He was determined to shield her from any danger, no matter the cost.


    “Don’t worry too much.” Christina covered his hand with her other hand, smiling. “I’ll be fine.”


    Dn looked at her hand on his and felt the cold within him melt away. Sweet warmth filled his chest. She hadn’t pulled away. She’d held him back. That meant something. The gap between them had quietly shrunk. Dn couldn’t help but think of their yful moments during the game. A smile tugged at his lips. One day, he would erase Brendon from her heartpletely.


    Elliott, watching their hands, longed to be part of the moment. His fingers twitched as he raised his hand, hovering inches from hers. But just as he worked up the nerve to join in, Christina and Dn pulled their hands away. Elliott froze, his hand suspended awkwardly in the air. He had been just one heartbeat away. He cursed himself for hesitating.


    “Alright, it’s settled then.” Christina turned to Elliott. “Are you staying for lunch?”


    “Yes!” Elliott answered quickly, his face lighting up.


    Dn’s brow creased. Hoping to send Elliott off, he said, “If I remember right, your grandfather’s hosting a family lunch today, isn’t he?”


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    “Oh, right! Eloise mentioned that, too,” Christina added. She had nned to eat at home with Chloe. Just a couple of simple dishes would do.


    Elliott clenched his jaw, silently fuming at Dn’s words.


    “Well, Elliott, since your grandfather’s hosting a family gathering, we won’t keep you for lunch,” Christina said,pletely unaware of the storm brewing in Elliott’s head.


    Thinking fast, Elliott replied, “Actually, the lunch n changed. My grandfather decided to push the gathering to tonight after a quick discussion.”


    “Really?” Dn narrowed his eyes, shooting Elliott a sharp look.


    “Of course. Why would I make that up?” Elliott kept his tone steady, lying without missing a beat.


    “But I just spoke with your sister. She didn’t mention anything about a change,” Christina said, a little confused.


    Unease shed across Elliott’s face. He cleared his throat and responded with a touch of awkwardness, “She probably hasn’t been informed yet. I just got the update from my grandfather—he should be sending out the message soon.”


    Christina shrugged. “All right, then.”


    She didn’t think much of it, but Dn wasn’t buying it. He stayed quiet, giving Elliott a frosty stare.


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