?Chapter 1170:


    How could Ynda’s work fall apart so suddenly?


    If she had maintained her usual level, second ce would have been hers without effort.


    And without Christina, Ynda might have even walked off with the crown. But what a shame…


    Not only did Christina prove to be a fierce rival, but Ynda’s own performance faltered, pushing the top three far out of reach.


    The judges whispered among themselves, guessing that Ynda wasn’t used to sketching designs on the spot, which might exin her poor showing.


    Ynda’s nerves grew tighter by the minute, her hands trembling ever so slightly.


    She didn’t know what Christina was facing, but uneasiness weighed heavily on her chest.


    Off the stage, Katie’s brows knitted in confusion.


    “Brendon, what’s happening with Ynda? She’s always been so good. How could she stumble like this?”


    In her mind, Ynda’s struggle should have been Christina’s.


    Christina should have been the one faltering, not Ynda. Yet the roles seemed reversed, leaving Katie tangled in mixed feelings.


    The higher she had raised Ynda in her heart, the harder the disappointment struck now.


    Brendon kept his eyes fixed on Christina, answering his sister’s words with silence.


    He couldn’t stop marveling at Christina again—one dazzling sketch flowing from her hands after another.


    His gaze lit up with admiration, as if he saw a glow around her. Why had Christina hidden this brilliance from him during their marriage?


    A bitter thought slid in, twisting his faint smile. She had locked it all away, keeping every secret from him.


    ???????????? ￠???ρ???????? g??????????????．?????


    If she had shown her skills back then, maybe they wouldn’t be standing on opposite sides now. Perhaps Christina had never truly felt like a Dawson. Otherwise, why would she have kept everything in the dark?


    With her gift in designing, she could have lifted his business.


    Herwork could have stretched his business further.


    Yet even knowing this, she had never offered the slightest help. His heart swayed between awe and bitterness. He admired her, but the taste of resentment wouldn’t leave.


    Three years in the Dawson family, and she had never once treated it as home. She only kept her distance, never helping, never sharing.


    Resentment flickered in him, but still, his eyes clung to her. His feelings were a storm, and he couldn’t tell where they trulynded.


    Katie, seeing her brother’s silence, thought he was worried about Ynda and let the matter drop.


    Inside, she silently rooted for Ynda, praying she would turn the tables and crush Christina in one breathtaking move. But just as that thought took shape, Ynda swayed and copsed.


    .


    .


    .