?Chapter 1694:


    Gillian begged Christina again and again, unable to hold herself back.


    Adide’s developmental dys would weigh heavily on any household. Even in a family as powerful as the Joneses, wouldn’t she one day be cast aside as excess baggage? But Gillian’s own time was slipping away, and she no longer had the strength to stand between her daughter and the world. Asking for protection was the only path left open to her. Christina was thest rope Gillian could cling to, and she refused to loosen her grip — not when Adide’s survival depended on it.


    “Please, stand up.” Christina frowned and leaned down to help her, letting out a tired sigh. Those misty emerald eyes were stunning beyond words, yet aching to look upon.


    “I… I didn’t mean to put you in an awkward position,” Gillian murmured, her voice heavy with shame. “I’m sorry. I was just so desperate to grab onto any chance I could. I need my daughter to live — she’s still so young.” Her green eyes shimmered with regret — regret over failing her child, and for forcing such a burden onto a stranger.


    She couldn’t rid herself of the sense that she was chaining others down with the weight of her own misery. The world overflowed with people drowning in hardship, and no one was required to reach out and pull them free. Yet Gillian had finally glimpsed a faint spark within her endless night, and she refused to let it slip from her grasp.


    “You have my word — I can treat your daughter as well,” Christina said, her voice calm and unwavering.


    Gillian froze, staring at her in shock, convinced her ears had betrayed her. Had she truly said Adide could recover? It took her a long while to find her voice again. When she finally spoke, the words spilled out unevenly, her body trembling with hope. “You mean Adide can get better? She can grow up just like any other child?”


    “I swear it.” Christina’s tone left no room for doubt.


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    Gillian looked at her, absorbing the quiet certainty that surrounded her. It felt as though she were standing in Christina’s light — and without realizing it, she trusted herpletely.


    “I… I believe you.” Gillian tightened her grip around Christina’s hand. “But if my treatment is too difficult, or costs too much… I can do without it. Please, use everything for my daughter instead.”


    Christina squeezed back gently, patting her hand. “I’ll save you both.”


    “R-Really?” Gillian stared at her, hardly daring to believe it. In that moment, Christina seemed like a divine figure reaching down to pull her from the depths.


    “Of course. I never break my promises.” Christina smiled.


    Relief burst free as tears streamed down Gillian’s face. She wrapped her arms around Christina and sobbed uncontrobly, pouring out gratitude in broken waves. All the grief and despair she had bottled up finally spilled over, her body shaking with harsh, ragged cries.


    “Shh, it’s alright. Don’t cry.” Christina’s voice was soft as she held the trembling woman close, rubbing her back and whispering reassurance. She offered kindness only to those who deserved it. Corrupt souls were not worth a single scrap of mercy — with them, it was better to strike back than to let them rot you from the inside.


    It took nearly two hours before Adide finally recognized Gillian as her mother. Once she did, shetched on tightly and refused to let go for even a moment. Yet her lips remained sealed, not a single word spoken. She only watched Gillian and Christina quietly, herrge emerald eyes flicking between them — clear, curious, and filled with innocent wonder.


    When Christina stepped inside the Jones family estate with Gillian and Adide beside her, her family froze and stared in stunned silence.


    “Is that… her biological mother?” Florrie whispered, her voice barely more than breath.


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