?Chapter 1718:


    Christina curved her lips into a polite smile, though uncertainty still shimmered faintly in her gaze. “I was concerned it might put you in an awkward position.”


    “Awkward? Being taken on as your apprentice would be the highest privilege imaginable,” Ronald blurted out, panic flickering in his expression as though he feared she might decline.


    Christina considered him briefly, then inclined her head in agreement. “Very well. Since your resolve is firm, I’ll take you on as my student.”


    Mentoring someone senior to herself was nothing new to her, and adding one more hardly mattered. Moreover, Ronald had always left her with the impression of being principled and upright.


    Ronald’s expression brightened instantly. Casting aside every trace of status or restraint, he bent low before the assembled crowd with visible sincerity. “Thank you, Miss Jones.”


    A low hum spread among the spectators, their facesyered with conflicting reactions. Some couldn’tprehend how Ronald could lower himself to learn from someone so young, while others burned with envy at his opportunity to study under someone as multifaceted as Christina.


    Ronald ignored them entirely. He was certain, without the slightest doubt, that his decision was the right one. Even if Christina taught him nothing at all, he knew this choice would never haunt him.


    “There’s no need for ceremony, Ronald. Just use my name,” Christina said lightly, motioning for him to ease up.


    “Alright,” Ronald replied with an easy grin, naturally shifting his posture to stand beside her. “But rest assured, my respect for you will never waver.”


    “Now—it’s time to settle the wager.” Christina turned toward Violette, extending her open hand.


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    Violette’s grip tightened around the ruby on her finger, her eyes zing with suppressed fury.


    “You’re not thinking of reneging on our deal, are you?” Christina lifted an eyebrow, her smile edged with mockery.


    “Reneging? Not a chance!” The jab struck home. Enraged, Violette tore the ruby from her finger and pped it into Christina’s palm.


    A jewel valued at over three hundred million vanished in an instant, imed by someone else. Violette burned with humiliation and wrath, yet there was nothing she could do. Even Alban had failed to support her, having spoken in Christina’s favor. All she could do was watch as the legendary ruby passed into Christina’s hand, apanied by a deliberately teasing smile.


    “Much appreciated.”


    Violette clenched her jaw, hurling silent curses in Christina’s direction. One day, somehow, she would take that ring back.


    “I n to put this ring up for auction,” Christina dered, lifting the radiant gem so that everyone could see. “Every dor raised will go toward rebuilding the slums. I’ll be calling it Rose Project.”


    Roses had always been Joelle’s favorite. To Christina, they represented endurance—brilliant and unbroken even among thorns, just like Joelle herself. She wanted the name to let Joelle’s spirit blossom again in the city’s neglected spaces, so the world would never forget a girl who had stood fearless and unyielding, like a rose in full bloom.


    Violette stiffened. Was Christina truly going to sell off something so invaluable—just to benefit those insignificant people? The realization that her own devastating loss would only serve to elevate Christina’s saintly image sent fresh rage surging through her veins.


    “Wyvena, when will Rose Project begin? I’d like to contribute,” Ronald asked, barely containing his enthusiasm.


    “The specifics aren’t settled yet, but I’ll inform you once everything is arranged,” Christina answered.


    “Excellent,” Ronald said, dipping his head.


    Harold spoke up immediately. “Include me as well.”


    “And me,” Bain added evenly.


    Every eye turned toward him.


    Bain continued without pause. “The Jones family will be spearheading Rose Project. We’remitting no less than one billion dors to this initiative to uplift disadvantagedmunities.”


    At his announcement, members of the Jones camp promptly voiced their own intent to donate. As for Alban’s faction, they remained silent, no one daring to move until Alban himself revealed where he stood.


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