?Chapter 936:


    Katie leaned in, a sly sneer curling at her lips, her tone dripping with mockery. “Still hanging onto that Feathers of the Divine piece, hoping it’ll win you points with Margot? Think it’ll help get you into the Scott family? Keep dreaming, Christina! You’re a divorcee. That door’s shut for good—no matter how hard you try to cozy up to Margot.”


    Christina’s mouth curved into a faint, knowing smile. “You done? Then I suppose it’s my turn to present my gift to Margot.”


    Christina had never harbored any ns to marry into the Scott family, and exining herself to Katie was a waste of breath.


    Katie gave a sharp scoff, tilting her chin with smug pride as she watched Christina stride past her. The Dawson family had already unveiled Eyes from Heaven, a piece that had the whole room gushing with praise. There was no way Feathers of the Divine could stir even a flicker of interest inparison. Ynda’s eyes glittered with the anticipation of seeing Christina crash and burn, that smug satisfaction practically radiating from her.


    But just as Christina stepped forward, Brendon’s hand shot out, closing firmly around her arm. He leaned close, his voice pitched low. “Are you seriously going to hand over that painting?”


    “So what if I am?” Christina replied evenly, her calm gaze locking with his.


    “You know it’s nowhere near the same league as ours. Why walk straight into public humiliation?” His voice stayed quiet, but there was an edge of urgency to it.


    He hadn’t intended to step in. If Christina wanted to make a fool of herself, that was her business. But something stopped him. Maybe it was the fact that she was his ex-wife. Watching her get torn apart in front of a crowd didn’t sit right with him. And if she lost face, the Dawson family’s reputation would take a hit too—that was reason enough to intervene.


    Or at least, that was what Brendon told himself. He ignored the strange, unwee sensation that was gnawing at him from the inside. He didn’t realize it yet, but his heart was beginning to tilt in Christina’s direction.


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    “And how would you know which one’s better unless they’re both seen? Confidence is fine, Brendon. But blind arrogance? Not so much.” Christina’s eyes held his with a look that was part smile, part warning.


    Brendon clenched his teeth. He had stepped forward to warn her out of kindness, only to be met with a jab that stung straight to his pride. “Fine. You want to humiliate yourself? Go right ahead.”


    He let go of her arm with a sharp tug, frustration simmering under his skin. As she pulled away, his instincts nearly betrayed him—his hand twitched, ready to reach for her again.


    Before he could, someone slid their arm through his. Turning, he found Ynda gazing up at him with feigned concern.


    “If Christina insists on giving her gift, won’t she just turn herself into aughingstock? I should’ve stepped in.” Ynda sighed theatrically. “I should’ve stopped her, even if she would yell at me.”


    “If she doesn’t want the help, then let her be. She’s the one walking into the joke. Nothing we can do,” Brendon muttered, forcing down the rising swell of irritation. The more he mulled it over, the more his temper red. That faint flicker of regret for not stopping Christina earlier? Already gone. Ynda wasn’t wrong. If he tried again, Christina would probably just tear him apart with her sharp tongue.


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