Chapter 1645:


    Christina curved her lips into a mild smile and spoke gently. “I really can’t bring myself to like this.” She could eat chicken, but she never enjoyed it. If a well-meaning rtive ced a few pieces on her te, she might quietly finish them — but if anyone tried to force her, she wouldn’t hesitate to push back.


    “Have another piece. You’ll get used to it,” Marsha said cheerfully.


    Zahir watched the exchange calmly before stepping in. “That’s enough. Bonnie doesn’t like it, so stop adding more to her te.” He turned to Christina and added, “Bonnie, don’t take this the wrong way. Marsha just loves chicken and enjoys sharing it. Just eat what’s already there.”


    Christina’s expression grew uneasy. “But this really is too much. I don’t think I can finish it — if I eat any more, I’ll end up throwing up.”


    “It’s only a few pieces. That won’t cause trouble, will it?” Zahir said lightly, smiling.


    La chuckled. “It’s honestly not that much. You eat well — a couple of pieces won’t make you sick.”


    “My mother means no harm. Please don’t hold it against her,” Jaxen added quietly.


    Christina understood perfectly. He was telling her not to upset his mother, and to eat everything on her te. What a household — every one of them was maneuvering to remind her where she stood. Zahir seemed the most agreeable, yet he was likely the most dangerous, the one who had devised this quiet test of submission. They wanted to gauge howpliant she was and how far they could push her. If she forced these pieces of chicken down today, the next demand would be worse — in every matter that followed, they would keep inching forward, wearing her down and tightening control from all sides.


    Unfortunately for them, Christina had never been short on resolve. Their n was bound to copse.


    Lowering her eyes to conceal the cold calction beneath hershes, she smiled softly and spoke with gentle sincerity. “How could I me you, Mrs. Wade? I know you mean well. I won’t waste your kindness.”


    Under their watchful stares, she began eating the chicken, one slow bite at a time.


    After swallowing two pieces, Christina suddenly gagged, as though nausea had surged without warning. She offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry — my stomach isn’t feeling very good.”


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    “Have some soup first,” Jaxen said, pouring her a bowl of chicken broth.


    Christina lightly touched the bowl. It was warm but not hot. “Thank you,” she said with a soft,pliant smile.


    Seeing how cooperative she appeared, the Wade family exchanged satisfied nces, each visibly pleased. Just as they finally rxed and lifted their utensils, Christina abruptly stood up.


    A mouthful of chicken soup sprayed across the table, sshing over the Wade family as well. She had intentionally swallowed arge gulp, ruining every dish within reach. If they wouldn’t allow her to enjoy her meal, then no one else would either. Before anyone could taste a single bite, everything was spoiled. Their hands froze in ce, forks and knives suspended midair.


    “I’m sorry, I —” Christina hurriedly pulled out a napkin and pressed it to her mouth.


    She gagged again, the sound sharp and unmistakable, forcing herself to retch several more times before stopping. Then she lifted her eyes and fixed them with a pitiful, wronged look.


    “I’m sorry — I tend to throw up if I eat too much. I didn’t mean to. I hope you’re not upset with me?”


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    Message from Noa: New week with renewed hopes! Have a great week, dear readers. God loves you, and Noa wishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?


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