?Chapter 934:


    Hot tears streaked down Lorraine’s reddened cheeks as her gaze darted through the crowd, desperate. Robin, however, was nowhere in sight. If she could just find him, she might salvage some dignity and slip away under his protection—at least, that’s what she thought.


    “I’m sorry… I’ll go,” Lorraine stammered through her sobs, pushing herself upright with one arm still wrapped around her stomach. Even after being exposed, she couldn’t just swagger off without sticking to her feigned difort.


    As she passed Christina, Lorraine’s stride faltered. Her fists tightened until her knuckles whitened, and behind the mask ofposure, hatred churned like a storm. She silently vowed to make Christina pay dearly for this. The promise burned in her mind, her eyes shing with a venomous light.


    The crowd’s attention split: some followed Lorraine’s retreat, others cast discreet, curious nces at Christina. Whispers rippled through the crowd, each wondering who Christina really was—trying to figure out her connection to Dn.


    Under Dn’s frigid stare, the guests scattered in a rush, like a flock of startled birds. No one was foolish enough to test the limits of Dn’s patience.


    “I really appreciate it,” Christina said, her voice carrying genuine thanks.


    “Don’t mention it,” Dn responded with a low hum. Though he knew Christina was more than capable of handling things on her own, he still wanted her to owe him. Patience was his weapon. Like rain wearing away the hardest rock, he believed his steady presence could one day reach the most guarded corners of her heart.


    “I’d better get going now—the birthday banquet should be starting soon,” Christina said. Lingering here too long, she worried, might stir up needless whispers about them. She never put much stock in what people thought, yet she refused to let her presence affect Dn’s image.


    An almost imperceptible “Alright” left Dn’s lips as he stood rooted to the spot, watching her turn away with a swirl—a wisp of crisp fragrance lingering in her wake, delicate as morning dew yet intoxicating enough to make his breath catch. The fragrance was so captivating that it stole a beat from his heart—now pounding erratically against his ribs like a caged beast refusing to be tamed.


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    He found himself increasingly drawn to Christina. Even the faint curve at the corner of her eyes could unravel him entirely—his pulse battering against his ribs like a bird desperate to escape, each beat a silent confession of her hold over him.


    After this little episode, the birthday banquet began in full swing.


    From her ce of honor, Margot observed the iing stream of guests—each approaching with gifts like loyal courtiers seeking a ruler’s favor, their presents catching the light in a show of ceremony.


    Katie leaned closer to Brendon, her tone a hushed whisperced with urgency. “We should make sure we give our gift before Christina does. If she goes after us, her painting won’t carry any weight.”


    “Alright,” Brendon gave a brief nod, his eyes flicking toward Christina.


    His expression wasyered, unreadable, yet he couldn’t seem to pull his gaze from her. It was as though her figure was cloaked in a shadowy, mysterious veil, one he felt an almost irresistible urge to lift and uncover. Her presence was maic, a quiet but undeniable force that pulled every nce in the room toward her. How had he failed to notice that captivating allure before?


    Ynda caught sight of the way he was staring, and a rush of bitterness surged within her. Her fist curled subtly at her side, though her face maintained the serene smile that concealed the venom twisting inside. How dare Christina try to draw Brendon’s attention? She would make certain Christina paid for it.


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