?Chapter 1737:


    Christina pulled the door open to find Gillian waiting outside, her expression tight with anxiety.


    “Miss Jones,” Gillian said, her voice trembling.


    Noticing she was alone, Christina asked, “Did Adide finally fall asleep?”


    Since Gillian was the little girl’s biological mother, she was the only one who could truly soothe her. Usually, a few quiet words from Gillian were enough to stop the tears and settle Adide into a peaceful sleep until morning.


    “Yes, she’s out. I waited until she was fully asleep beforeing to see you,” Gillian exined.


    “Come in.” Christina could sense something was wrong, and she stepped aside to let her through.


    Gillian hesitated for a moment, uncertain, then walked into the room. She followed Christina in silence, her fingers twisting together restlessly the entire way.


    The Jones and Wade families had been conversing in Apreshian earlier, and Gillian hadn’t understood a single word. Even so, the worry had never left her. The secret she carried felt like a stone lodged beneath her ribs, growing heavier with each passing day.


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    She had finally epted that she had to tell Christina the truth about what had happened between her and Alban. The thought terrified her, but she knew she couldn’t keep silent any longer. The burden had robbed her of sleep for days. Whatever consequences came her way, she would face them — as long as her daughter remained safe.


    “Is there something you want to tell me?” Christina asked, studying her carefully.


    Gillian was visibly unraveling, though Christina couldn’t pinpoint what was driving her to such a state.


    “I just…” Gillian stammered, her palms damp as she pressed her hands together. Before she could finish the thought, fear overtook her entirely, and she sank to her knees on the floor.


    Christina’s eyebrows rose in surprise. She hadn’t expected Gillian to be frightened enough to kneel before her, and a quiet unease settled in — a worry that whatever Gillian was hiding might be serious enough to affect the entire Jones family.


    “Gillian, what are you doing?” Christina stepped forward and reached for her. “Get up. If you have something to say, just say it. There’s no need for this.”


    “Please, let me stay here. It’s the only way I can do this,” Gillian replied, gently pushing her hand away. “I’m so sorry, Miss Jones. I’ve been keeping something from you. That night at the charity event — Mr. Martel and I…”


    The words failed her. She bit her lip, and tears began to gather in her eyes.


    “What happened between you and Alban?” Christina asked, her brow creasing.


    “He and I…” Gillian choked, forcing herself through each word. “We slept together.”


    “I want the full story. Tell me exactly what happened that night,” Christina said, her voice calm and even.


    Gillian nodded and recounted every detail, leaving nothing out.


    “That’s the truth,” she wept when she finished. “I was terrified you’d dismiss me the moment you found out. I don’t care what happens to me — but my daughter is innocent. She didn’t do anything wrong. I never meant to betray you. Please, just look after my little girl. I’m begging you.” She bowed her head as thest words left her.


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