?Chapter 1734:


    “Jaxen, you really have my sympathy—being cornered like that and ending up tied to someone you don’t even care for.” Christina spoke the words with a look of tender concern that was carefully manufactured.


    Jaxen hadn’t been particrly shaken before, but the way she looked at him now stirred a sudden ache in his chest. His eyes nearly burned—not just because Violette had orchestrated everything, but because marrying her meant extinguishing any hope he had with Christina.


    That cursed woman. If Violette had never interfered, none of this would have happened.


    Bitterness churned in his chest, yet he schooled his features into calm politeness. “I’m alright. For her, though, it’s more serious—she’s a woman. To safeguard her name, I have to shoulder the me and silence the rumors,” he said solemnly.


    Christina found his performance almostughable. He knew exactly how to y the part—convincing to most, but transparent to her.


    “Jaxen, you’re truly admirable. Violette is fortunate to have you. I only wish I could meet a man with such a sense of responsibility,” Christina said, her tone dripping with staged admiration.


    Her praise and wistful expression only fueled Jaxen’s hostility toward Violette. If not for her, Christina’s heart might already have been his. The thought made his temper spike, his jaw tightening as frustration built.


    He pasted on another polite smile. “Doing the right thing is my obligation. Even if someone plots against me, I can’t behave recklessly.”


    Christina raised her thumb. “You really are a decent man. Any woman who marries you will be blessed.”


    The words made her stomach twist with revulsion. It still wasn’t the moment to drop the mask—she had to keep indulging the Wade family’s farce, no matter how distasteful it felt.


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    Jaxen smiled without responding, though inside he was drowning in resentment. His anger toward Violette surged again—she hadpletely disrupted his family’s arrangements. Once he seized control of the Jones family fortune, he would make her pay.


    Zahir turned to Hurley. “What’s your take on their marriage?”


    He wanted to read Hurley’s stance. If Hurley objected, Zahir could theatrically insist that Jaxen abandon the wedding—and Jaxen might still salvage a chance with Christina.


    “I think they suit each other well,” Hurley answered.


    “But the Hewitts and the Martels are closely aligned. Doesn’t that concern you—” Zahir stopped short, leaving the implication hanging in the air. Wasn’t Hurley wary of possible ulterior motives?


    “What’s there to be concerned about? After everything we’ve endured together, how could I doubt you?” Hurley said,ughing warmly.


    Zahir looked genuinely moved. “Your trust means a lot, Hurley. Rest assured, I won’t disappoint you. I’ll ensure Jaxen handles the Hewitts properly. Even if we can’t secure their support, we won’t allow them to jeopardize your interests.”


    Hurley nodded with a smile. “I appreciate that.”


    “Of course. It’s nothing more than my responsibility,” Zahir replied.


    Christinaughed quietly to herself. Every member of the Wade family excelled at deception. It didn’t unsettle her—she was just as skilled. She would y along and see whose performancested longer.


    “So when is the ceremony? I’ll be sure to prepare a proper gift,” Christina said brightly, her eyes gleaming.


    “No date yet. We still need to coordinate with the Hewitts,” Zahir answered.


    Marsha smiled and smoothly redirected the conversation. “Bonnie, are you reallyfortable with La bing your sister-inw?”


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