?Chapter 1409:


    She didn’t know if their kindness wouldst, or if it would all…


    Christina wanted so badly to let herself fall into their warmth, but every time she got close, something inside her pulled her back. It felt like she was standing inside a circle—testing the edge with one foot, always stepping forward, then retreating again. The more her family showed their love, the more guilty she felt for holding back.


    Dn had told her to just follow her heart and let time reveal what was true. Whenever she remembered Dn’s soft, reassuring words, her anxious heart finally began to calm.


    As they approached the private room at Morfort Restaurant, Jordy grinned. “Bonnie, close your eyes for a second. I’ve got a surprise for you.”


    “Okay!” Christina said, her face instantly lighting up. She shut her eyes without hesitation.


    Once her eyes were closed, Jordy took her hand carefully and pushed open the door. To him, Christina was priceless—his baby sister, fragile and precious. He held her hand so gently, it was like he was scared to break her.


    “Careful,” Jordy whispered softly. “Okay.”


    Christina smiled, curiosity sparkling behind her closed lids. “What are you up to, Jordy?”


    “Alright, open your eyes,” Jordy said, unable to hide the excitement in his voice. “Ta-da!” he said with a yful flourish.


    The second Christina opened her eyes, her gazended right on Calvin. Calvin caught her look and sighed inwardly, but he went along with the act, giving her a small, polite smile.


    “Oh wow!” Christina squealed, her eyes practically shining. “Dr. Emmett! No way… It’s really you!”


    Her performance was wless. Jordy didn’t suspect a thing—hook, line, and sinker.


    She hadn’t meant to trick Jordy. On the way, she’d even thought about spilling the truth—that she was King, the miracle doctor everyone whispered about. But she knew the moment Jordy knew, their eldest brother would sniff it out in seconds. That would be… messy.


    Jordy could pretend all he wanted, but in front of their eldest brother? Forget it. That guy noticed everything.


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    Christina spun around, her excitement bubbling over as she grabbed Jordy’s hand. Her whole face lit up, eyes shining with pure, unfiltered joy. The happiness she felt about meeting Calvin came straight from the heart—it wasn’t an act, it was real.


    “Jordy, tell me I’m not dreaming,” Christina said in a trembling, thrilled whisper.


    “No dream this time—it’s real,” Jordy said with a proud grin. “I knew you’d want to meet Dr. Emmett.”


    “Of course I do,” she replied with an easy smile. “He’s world-famous. Who wouldn’t want to meet him?”


    “Come, let’s sit and talk,” Calvin said, motioning them over with a warm, friendly smile.


    Jordy hesitated as he walked over, surprised by how easygoing Calvin seemed. He’d expected someone more intimidating.


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