?Chapter 1635:


    The Jones brothers were well aware that, on paper, Christina and Jordy stood little chance of winning. When La proposed that the losing team face a punishment, it was clear she intended for Christina to pay the price. Their expressions darkened, brows furrowing in unison.


    Before any of them could object, Christina took up La’s suggestion without hesitation.


    “Perfect! A small bet will make things far more interesting,” Christina said, shooting La a challenging smile, mischief dancing in her eyes.


    She couldn’t quite figure out why La carried such open hostility toward her — even going so far as to plot against her. With La harboring feelings for Bain, shouldn’t she be trying to stay on Christina’s good side, knowing how much Bain doted on her? La was foolishly provoking someone who could have been a powerful ally. She could have earned Bain’s favor simply by treating Christina kindly — but instead, she was burning that bridge without a second thought.


    “Bonnie…” The Jones brothers traded uneasy looks, their faces etched with concern. How could she agree so readily? Wasn’t she practically volunteering for punishment?


    Christina turned to them with a soft smile. “Don’t you trust me?” she asked quietly. Then, feigning hurt, she added, “I’m really upset. You don’t even believe I can win.”


    The moment the words left her lips, they immediately softened, guilt washing over their faces.


    “Bonnie, I believe in you. I shouldn’t have doubted you,” Gerry said at once, offering a hurried apology.


    “Bonnie, just enjoy yourself,” Bain added. “No matter what happens, I’ve got your back.”


    “Bonnie, I won’t drag you down. We’re definitely going to win,” Jordy dered, silently vowing to push himself harder for her sake.


    Christina slipped her arm through Jordy’s and smiled warmly. “I believe in you, Jordy. You’re incredible!” Her expression was alight with a confidence so bright it seemed to promise victory. Stirred by her certainty and that brilliant smile, Jordy felt his energy surge with renewed determination. If Christina believed they could win, then they would make it happen.


    “So what’s the reward, and what’s the punishment?” Christina asked La, her eyes bright with anticipation. Behind them, her gaze had already hardened with quiet resolve — she had no intention of being the one to lose.


    La hesitated briefly before smiling. “The losing team gets a bucket of ice-cold water dumped on them by the winners. How does that sound?”


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    The Jones brothers were on the verge of protesting when Christina agreed without a moment’s pause.


    “Deal. It’s decided,” she said, her grin widening.


    Watching her delight, they had no choice but to relent. If she lost, they had already decided they would take the cold water in her ce — the weather was already chilly, and they couldn’t bear the thought of her falling ill.


    La hadn’t expected Christina to agree so readily. Stunned for a brief moment, a secret, scornful smile curled inside her. She had already sized up the teams: Jaxen’s skill was only slightly below Bain’s, she herself clearly outperformed Jordy, and she assumed Christina had likely never held a golf club in her life. With Jordy as her partner, winning seemed nearly impossible. Soon enough, Christina would regret refusing to team up with Jaxen.


    For context, on a Par 5 hole, the standard expectation was three shots to reach the green, then two putts. Professionals often reached in two strokes for a birdie, or secured an eagle in three. Reaching the hole in just two strokes was an exceedingly rare albatross — and a hole-in-one on a Par 5 remained among the rarest feats in golf.


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