?Chapter 1648:


    Marsha, Zahir, and Jaxen were in the dining room arranging the ce settings, all wearing pleasant expressions. When La hurried in, Marsha’s brows drew together.


    “Why are you running?” she asked. “I told you to call Bonnie for dinner — where is she?”


    “She doesn’t feel well,” La answered, her look carrying unspoken meaning.


    They understood at once. After a quick exchange of nces, they abandoned the table and headed straight to the living room.


    Christina was slumped against the sofa, her posture ck, her face pale.


    “Bonnie, what happened?” Marsha asked, stepping closer with concern written clearly across her features.


    “I… I don’t feel well. I want to go home. I’m sorry for causing you trouble,” Christina said, her tone apologetic.


    “There’s no trouble at all,” Marsha replied gently. “But leaving now won’t solve anything — you need to rest first. We’ll look after you, and if you’re still ufortable, I’ll have Jaxen take you to the hospital.”


    “I appreciate it, but I really want to go home,” Christina said firmly, pushing herself upright with visible effort.


    She had barely taken a few steps when Zahir reached out and caught her arm. “Bonnie, you’re clearly unwell. Please don’t force yourself — let Jaxen bring you to the hospital.”


    “Mr. Wade, thank you, but all I want right now is to go home,” Christina said as she pulled free. In the motion, the poisoned tip of her nail grazed his skin. She had no intention of letting this calcting family escape without consequence.


    “Bonnie,” Jaxen said, stepping in front of her. “Listen to us for once — don’t be so stubborn.” He leaned in as if to take hold of her. “I’ll take you to the hospital.”


    “There’s no need,” Christina said decisively, sidestepping him to avoid the embrace.


    They were stalling, convinced the drug would soon take full effect. What they didn’t know was that Christina had already taken the antidote. Her weakness was nothing but a performance. Now wasn’t the time for open confrontation — she was striking back quietly, not head-on.


    At that moment, her phone rang. As she pulled it out, Jaxen instinctively reached for it.


    Stay connected gα?ησv????s


    “My dad is here to pick me up,” she said, freezing his hand in midair.


    Had Christina already arranged for Hurley toe?


    “Tell him to go straight to the hospital,” Zahir said quickly. “Jaxen can take you now — you’re too weak to wait.”


    Christina ignored him and answered the call instead. “Dad, where are you? Oh… you’re almost here? Okay. I’ll wait for you.” After ending the call, she added, “My dad will arrive soon, so there’s no need to trouble yourselves.”


    The Wade family was livid. After all their scheming, the n had copsed. What galled them most was having cooked until they reeked of oil and smoke, only for her to leave without eating a single bite. They felt toyed with — yet had no proof.


    Watching the scheme unravel, Zahir turned to Marsha. “I’m worried Bonnie might feel nauseous during the ride,” he said. “Don’t you have those herbal sachets? Give her one — it should help on the way.”


    Marsha understood immediately. The sachets contained an antidote to the aphrodisiac; the scent alone would clear Christina’s symptoms. Even if she went straight to the hospital, tests would reveal nothing.


    “Bonnie, take this herbal sachet with you,” Marsha said, handing it over, frustration flickering behind her eyes. It had been the perfect opportunity — and it had slipped right through their fingers.


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