?Chapter 1731:


    Christina quickly realized that every member of the Wade family thought in lockstep, guided by the same rigid beliefs and shared worldview. If one of them ever crossed a legal line, the fallout would drag the rest down with them.


    At that moment, each of them wore tight, displeased expressions, as though she were carelessly draining money straight from their own pockets. Since when did they feel entitled to wealth that had never been theirs to begin with?


    Holding back a curl of disdain, Christina maintained herposure and said evenly, “Mr. Wade, life isn’t ruled by profit alone.” The message was unmistakable—she had no intention of bending to their suggestions.


    The Wade family’s faces darkened. She was tantly brushing aside their concerns.


    “Bonnie, you’re young and still naive,” Zahir pressed on, his tone strained with forced restraint. “People like that usually stay poor because they’d rather ck off than work hard. You should be careful they don’t exploit you. You’re tossing away an enormous sum for nothing and even asking others to chip in. Aren’t you worried this will stir resentment toward your family?”


    He hoped she would remember her ce and not cross the invisible boundaries of her ss. What she was doing would eventually provoke criticism and hostility within their social circle.


    “I’m aware some people arezy, but that doesn’t mean everyone is,” she replied calmly. “And I’ve never pressured anyone to donate. They give because they want to—because they might truly be kindhearted. Why would that breed resentment?”


    Christina said this with a soft,posed smile. When the day of the fundraiser came, she intended to hold them to the very praise they so enjoyed. Anyone who wished to challenge her was free to do so. She was ready to ept sess just as readily as failure.


    Hearing her words, the Wade family’s hands tightened at their sides, though they struggled to keep their expressions neutral. Her unwavering stubbornness had always been a source of deep irritation for them.


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    Zahir shot Hurley a weary look. “Are you honestly going to let her go through with something this reckless?”


    “How exactly is this reckless? Bonnie is acting on her convictions, and I stand firmly behind her,” Hurley said cheerfully, raising his thumb toward his daughter with unmistakable pride. His eyes carried more than fondness—they reflected genuine admiration and satisfaction. To him, having Christina as his daughter was his greatest honor.


    “Bonnie…” Marsha started, but her words were cut short.


    “There’s no need to try convincing me again. I’ve already decided. Offering help to the less privileged is the only path to steady progress in society. You should understand that. And if you don’t wish to donate, that’s fine—I won’tpel anyone.”


    Only those who truly cared for the masses could sustain society, while those who exploited or ignored them would eventually pay a heavy price. When power pressed too hard, it only sparked fierce resistance from below.


    Left with no rebuttal to Christina’s reasoning, the Wade family had no choice but to yield, however unwillingly. With the situation framed that way, how could they refuse to donate? Declining now would make the Jones family question where their loyalties trulyy.


    “Of course I’ll donate. How could I possibly refuse? Whatever you decide, we’ll back you,” Zahir said, forcing warmth into his smile.


    “And how much are you nning to give, Mr. Wade?” Christina asked, a faint, knowing curve touching her lips.


    The Wade family went stiff, caught off guard by her directness. They hade with no intention of discussing charity for the slums, yet somehow the conversation had turned into a negotiation over numbers. Silence fell, heavy with restrained annoyance simmering beneath their carefullyposed exteriors.


    “I intend to donate…” Zahir began, only for Christina’s light, teasing voice to cut him off mid-sentence.


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