Chapter 1839:


    One weekter, at the Jones family home.


    “Bonnie, you’re going back to Apresh tomorrow. Is there anything you need — anything at all? Just say the word,” Beth said, watching Christina with barely concealed reluctance. She didn’t want her to leave.


    “Mom, I already have everything I need,” Christina said gently, holding Beth’s and Florrie’s hands in her own. “Please take care of yourselves. As soon as things settle down in Apresh, I’lle back to visit.”


    Nearly everything in Lionesspaw had been resolved, and Christina was confident her family could handle whatever remained.


    Zahir was clinging to life by a thread after La and Jaxen’s attack. Violette had been killed in prison by her former follower, Irene, who had taken her own life immediately afterward. The rest of the criminals were behind bars, awaiting execution for their crimes.


    As for the members of the Wade family — those Christina had poisoned — they would spend whatever time remained to them in relentless suffering. It was no more than they deserved for the horrors they had set in motion.


    The following morning arrived atst.


    “Bonnie, promise me you’ll look after yourself when you get back. Eat properly, sleep well. I’ll visit before you know it,” Florrie said, her voice breaking.


    Everyone had tears in their eyes, though they tried to be brave and wiped them away in silence.


    “Bonnie, I’ll being to Apresh soon to join you,” Beth said, making no effort to hide how much she hated this goodbye.


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    “I’ming too — just wait for me,” all three Jones brothers said in perfect unison.


    “Stay safe, Bonnie. I’m going to miss you terribly,” Hurley said, dabbing the corners of his eyes.


    “Have a safe journey, Miss Jones,” Etta added, crying so hard she could barely form the words.


    Gillian asked through her sobs, “Miss Jones, are you sure we can’te with you? I want to stay by your side and take care of you.”


    “I want you to stay here with my family,” Christina said gently. “But if you ever decide to move on, no one will stop you. You can go wherever you wish.”


    She knew that if Gillian and Adide went to Apresh, Alban would follow. The thought of him constantly underfoot was more than enough to make up her mind. Gillian didn’t want to let go, but she finally relented.


    “Then I promise I’lle visit you one day.”


    “I’d love that,” Christina answered, giving everyone onest wave and a warm smile.


    Her family stood together, watching with heavy hearts as Christina walked across the tarmac and stepped onto the private jet.


    Christina had already officially handed over the Rose Project and her new designs to Bain. She trusted himpletely to carry it forward. She hoped that by her next visit to Lionesspaw, her vision for Rosellnd would have be a reality — the old slums transformed into a destination that drew visitors and gave local residents the means to build better lives for themselves.


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