?Chapter 1280:


    “Alright,” Dn said easily. “But if you ever feel bored and want to do something, tell me. I’ll arrange it for you.”


    She smiled faintly. “Okay.”


    After a moment, Dn asked, “How much longer do you think your project will take?”


    “It’s hard to tell,” she replied, looking up at him.


    “Why?”


    “I’m nning to head back to Dorfield soon,” he said, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “I was hoping we could go together.”


    Christina shook her head softly. “I can’t leave just yet. You should go first. And once you’re there, take care of yourself, alright? Don’t ignore a fever again,” she advised, her voiceced with concern.


    His lips curved into a small, affectionate smile. “I won’t. Promise.”


    The next morning, on her way to work, Christina’s car jolted forward with a sharp thud. Someone had hit her from behind.


    Frowning, she stepped out to check—and saw a white Maserati parked behind her.


    A tall woman climbed out, dressed in a white chiffon blouse and jeans.


    Even in something that simple, there was something striking about her—graceful, a little too self-assured. But what caught Christina wasn’t her beauty.


    It was the strange unease that came with her presence.


    A quiet rm ringing somewhere in the back of her mind.


    “I’m so sorry,” the woman said quickly. “I got distracted and didn’t notice your car.” Her voice was soft, almost rehearsed.


    Christina stayedposed, but her instincts were on high alert.


    The woman’s name was Besty. She’d been keeping tabs on Christina for weeks—ever since learning that Terrence’s attention had shifted to her.


    She’d even started copying Christina’s gestures and little habits, as if imitation could win back what she’d lost.AdChoicesADVERTISING


    Besty knew Christina was beautiful enough to draw Terrence in. But she’d known him longer, dated him first. The thought of losing him to someone else burned too much to ignore. She wasn’t about to let Christina just swoop in and take her ce.


    “It’s fine,” Christina said coolly. “We’ll just go through insurance.”


    “Wait—could we not?” Besty asked, her tone hesitant. “Maybe we can handle it privately. I’m willing to pay for the repairs myself.”


    Christina frowned. Why would anyone prefer to pay out of pocket instead of using insurance?


    She turned to inspect the rear bumper. The damage wasn’t minor—it would cost a fair bit to fix.


    “Don’t you have car insurance?” she asked instinctively.


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