Chapter 1822:


    “I can’t believe this,” La choked out. “None of you are standing up for me. You’re my family — you’re supposed to be on my side!”


    Zahir’s expression hardened. “If you do not apologize to Bonnie right now, I will disown you.”


    “Dad!” The word came out as a cry. For the first time, it truly sank in that no one in the room wasing to her defense.


    La trembled with rage, her eyes fixing on Christina with undisguised hatred. She seethed inwardly. Simply because Christina came from a more powerful family, La was expected to bow her head and swallow her pride. It felt deeply unjust — she believed she was in the right, and yet she was the one being forced to apologize.


    But the alternative was being left behind when the others walked free. She couldn’t risk that.


    “Fine,” La said through her teeth, forcing the words out one by one. “I’m sorry, Bonnie. It was my fault. Please forgive me.”


    Christina stood with her arms folded, a small, knowing smile on her lips, watching the scene y out.


    Zahir stepped forward with a carefully assembled expression of goodwill. “Bonnie, La has learned her lesson. Can we put this behind us — for my sake?”


    “Why would I do that? And on what basis are you asking me for favors?” Christina replied evenly.


    Zahir’s face flushed. He gritted his teeth and forced himself to stayposed.


    “I know this is ufortable to bring up,” he said, lowering his voice, “but I once saved your father’s life. Surely that counts for something — can’t you forgive La in return for that?”


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    Christina raised an eyebrow. “You saved my father’s life?”


    “I swear it, without hesitation,” Zahir said, his voice steady with practiced conviction.


    As the words left his mouth, emotion appeared to overtake him, his eyes reddening as though stung by old grief. “Do you truly not believe me? I never imagined you would question me after Iid my heart bare. Bring Hurley here — after all these years of friendship, I never thought even he would doubt me. It cuts deeply. Truly devastating.”


    Christina watched the entire performance without a word, waiting until he had finished before slowly bringing her hands together in a quiet, deliberate apuse.


    p. p. p.


    The room went still, every face etched with confusion.


    “That was quite a remarkable performance, you sly old fox,” Christina said lightly, her smile carrying an edge.


    Zahir’s face drained. Rage shed across it. “What did you just call me? Show some respect!”


    “How could someone like you — vile and shameless — ever deserve my respect?” Christina replied, her disdain in.


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