?Chapter 1674:


    La convinced herself that as long as Christina and that man had not crossed into romance, Jaxen still had a chance. She slipped her arm through Christina’s and leaned in close, lowering her voice. “Bonnie, how about we head out tonight?”


    “Go where?” Christina asked, sounding unconcerned.


    “Out for drinks, somewhere lively,” La answered, already picturing the perfect opportunity to push Christina and Jaxen together.


    Christina’s eyes dropped to the little girl whose hand she was holding.


    “I don’t think that’s possible,” she said quietly.


    Following her line of sight, La finally noticed the child standing close by. Why hadn’t Christina’s familye for her yet? A notice had been put out to locate the child’s parents, yet no one had appeared.


    “I don’t know. Maybe they haven’t seen the notice,” Christina replied evenly.


    “What if they abandoned her?” La muttered, biting her lip in irritation. “If that’s the case, are you nning to keep her forever?”


    She was already calcting how much the girl might disrupt their ns. The child clung to Christina constantly, and as long as she stayed, Christina would be tied down, unable to go anywhere like a bar.


    “I can’t leave her behind. She wants to stay with me,” Christina said resignedly. She pulled her arm back from La and lifted the girl into her embrace.


    “If her family never shows up, maybe she belongs in an orphanage,” La suggested, her gaze sharp and assessing as it lingered on the child.


    “Let’s wait a few more days. They might stille looking for her,” Christina replied.


    With her suggestion brushed aside, La forced a smile. “Alright.”


    ???????????? ??е??e????e?? ???? g??l??????e???.??о??


    Deep down, though, she knew the girl had to be removed, or their scheme would never move forward. If the parents didn’t appear, she could simply arrange for someone else to adopt her — money had a way of smoothing such processes. Anything standing in the way had to be cleared.


    Inside the Jones family dining room, the tension was quieter but no less present.


    “Sit here,” Florrie said warmly, motioning for Elliott to take the chair beside Christina.


    Jaxen had intended to im that seat for himself. Instead, Florrie settled next to Christina and positioned Elliott on her other side. The favoritism was unmistakable. Was Florrie actually sizing Elliott up as a potential match for Christina? The thought made irritation churn in Jaxen’s chest.


    “Do you want me to take her for a bit?” Elliott asked, ncing at the little girl still nestled against Christina. He was worried Christina might grow ufortable during the meal.


    “You can try,” Christina replied with a knowing smile. She already suspected how this would end.


    Elliott believed a little patience would do the trick. “Come here, let me carry you,” he said softly.


    The girl didn’t move. She stared at his open arms, then pressed herself closer to Christina.


    He tried again, slower and gentler. “I’ll get you something delicious. Anything you like, I’ll buy it for you. Come on — let me hold you.” No matter how careful or kind his tone, it made no difference. She refused to leave Christina.


    Watching Elliott’splete failure, Jaxen couldn’t help but sneer. “She doesn’t want you. Stop embarrassing yourself.” He stood and strode over, extending his hand toward the girl. “Come here. I’ll buy you toys — whatever you want, I’ll get it for you.”


    The child didn’t respond. Jaxen reached out to pull her away, but the moment his fingers touched her, she stiffened and burst into loud, inconsble sobs.


    “What a delicate child,” Marsha said hastily, her smile strained as she tried to smooth things over.


    .


    .


    .