?Chapter 1109:


    Bethel caught Christina’s smile and, fearing it was born of sorrow, quickly sped her hand. “Christina, don’t be sad. As long as I’m here, I will stand for you.”


    Christina snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Bethel firmly. “Bethel, I’m all right. Please don’t get yourself worked up over Brendon.”


    “I’m not upset, only disheartened for your sake. Brendon still fails to see who is truly good,” Bethel sighed.


    “Don’t trouble yourself over this. Young men must find their own way,” Christina said softly, trying to ease her heart.


    “Yes, their choices are theirs alone,” Bethel agreed, tightening her hold on Christina’s hand.


    “Christina, I intend to transfer thepany shares to you soon. I want you to take the reins,” Bethel dered.


    “Bethel, let’s not rush this,” Christina said. If Bethel truly handed over thepany shares to her now, once Brendon and the others found out, Bethel would be hounded endlessly, day and night. She didn’t want Bethel’ster years weighed down, unable to enjoy the peace she deserved.


    “But I want to stand up for you,” Bethel replied softly.


    “Bethel, you don’t need to stand up for me. If anyone targets me, I’ll fight back. I won’t let myself be pushed around, absolutely not,” Christina answered with a smile.


    “Alright then. Let’s resume our meal,” Bethel said, her expression warm with affection.


    “Okay,” Christina replied.


    Outside the Dawson estate, Ynda, waiting nearby, rushed forward the moment she saw Brendon storming out with anger etched across his face. “Brendon, what happened? Why are you all wet?” she asked in concern, her eyes scanning him up and down.


    ???é?? ???t?€я? ?n Ga?n?νεl?.???<fn8ddf> This text is hosted at f?ndnovel</fn8ddf>


    “Best not to mention it,” Brendon muttered, ncing around but not spotting Katie. “Where’s Katie?”


    “She was so upset that she went home first. I waited here because I was worried about you,” Ynda said gently.


    Her soft, tender manner eased the fire in Brendon little by little. Ynda was always understanding, considerate, and willing to yield for his sake. No matter how harsh his temper, she never challenged him—unlike Christina, who had never once bowed her head. Just the memory of Christina’s cutting words in the dining room made his temper rise all over again. Why couldn’t she be like Ynda—gentle, tolerant, always willing to give in?


    “What’s running through your mind, Brendon…” Ynda asked, already certain of who filled his thoughts. It could only be Christina. It was obvious that Brendon’s feelings toward Christina were slowly changing. He would eventually see Christina differently and be drawn to her.


    Ynda knew she had to win the uing fashion designpetition. She had to secure Allison’s apprenticeship. If Christina outshone her again, Brendon might really consider reconciling with Christina.


    .


    .


    .