?Chapter 846:


    “You—” Katie’s face flushed with rage, her chest rising and falling as she struggled to breathe. Being called foolish in public—by Christina, no less—was utterly embarrassing. The humiliation burned.


    “Christina, how could you say that to Katie?” Ynda jumped in, putting on a mask of concern.


    Christina had had enough. “You’re just as stupid,” she shot back without hesitation.


    Brendon finally snapped out of it. The second he registered Christina calling his sister—and his beloved Ynda—stupid, his face darkened. Was Christina calling him an idiot, too? After all, he was the one tangled up with both of them. “Christina! How can you talk to them like that?” he barked, jaw tight with anger.


    Christina barely nced his way. “You’re the most stupid of all.”


    The words hit like a p. Brendon stiffened, stunned by how direct—and rude—she was being. His face twisted in fury, but he forced himself to swallow it. No matter how much pride it cost him, he still needed that painting.


    “Christina,” he said through gritted teeth, trying to soften his tone, “I’m begging you. Please sell me the painting. I really need it.”


    His eyes were filled with desperation, his voice lowered to something almost pleading.


    If it were three years ago, maybe Christina would’ve wavered because of that voice and that face. But not anymore. She saw right through him now. He was still handsome, still smooth—but now, just the sight of him made her skin crawl. Her whole being despised him.


    “I’d advise you to give up,” Christina said tly. “Even if the three of you got on your knees and begged, I still wouldn’t sell it.”


    And with that, she took Davina’s hand, shoved Brendon aside, and strode off without another nce.


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    Brendon stood there, fists clenched at his sides, watching her figure disappear. His face was a storm of frustration and helplessness.


    “She won’t budge. What do we do now?” Katie whispered, panic creeping into her voice.


    Ynda leaned close and tugged his sleeve. “Maybe we should go back and talk to your grandma. If your grandmother asks her, she wouldn’t say no.”


    Katie’s eyes lit up. “Yes! Let’s have Grandma say she wants the painting.”


    “Christina won’t turn her down, and once Christina hands it over to Grandma, we can get it effortlessly.”


    Brendon squinted, letting out a resigned sigh. “That’s our only option for now.” The three of them exchanged quick nces and then started walking toward the exit.


    They hadn’t gone far when a sharp roar shattered the air. A sleek ck motorcycle came speeding toward them, the engine growling like a beast. The rider was decked out in all ck, their body practically fused with the bike, moving like a shadow across the pavement.


    “Damn, that’s so cool,” someone muttered nearby, watching in awe.


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