Chapter 159
159:
“Shut up!” Christina’s voice sliced through his words, cutting them off mid-sentence.
“You really don’t know when to stop, do you?” Christina shot Claude a sharp look.
Claude’s jaw tightened. His anger burned too hot for words. How could she be so dismissive? He had only been trying to help, warning her not to mess with the wrong people, but she acted as if he were just whining. Since she didn’t want to listen, then fine. He couldn’t save someone determined to walk into trouble.
“I’m only looking out for you,” Claude said through clenched teeth. “But if you want to be ungrateful, fine. Go ahead. Cross the Reed family and see what happens. You’re heading for disaster.”
Christina tilted her head, unbothered. “Really, you talk too much.”
Claude nearly exploded. He gave a bitter snort and swallowed his rage, silently vowing to enjoy watching her fall.
Katie barked at Valerie, clearly aiming to disgrace Christina through her. “You idiot! Can’t you just kneel already?”
At Christina’s intervention for Valerie’s sake, Katie was determined to force Valerie to kneel, an indirect way to humiliate Christina.
Terrified, Valerie lowered herself to kneel, her hands trembling, but her efforts were thwarted by Christina’s lifted foot.
Confused, Valerie looked up. Christina was standing firmly in front of her, completely at ease. She wasn’t even straining. Her calm gaze never wavered.
Christina radiated confidence—quiet, unshakable confidence. It wrapped around her like armor, natural and effortless.
Valerie stared in awe. There was something powerful about Christina, something rare. Christina didn’t need to raise her voice. Her very presence spoke volumes.
“I won’t let her kneel,” Christina said softly, her gaze locking onto Katie’s.
Exclusive updates live gⱯlnσv𝓮ℓs․com
“You’ve lost your mind!” Katie snapped. “Still playing hero when you’re in trouble?” Her voice was thick with bitterness. How could Christina—this dull nobody—outshine her without even trying?
Christina let out a low, amused laugh. “Why does that bother you so much?”
Worried the tension would explode, Valerie tugged at Christina’s pants, her voice barely above a whisper. “Miss, thank you. But I’m okay. Please go… I don’t want you to get in trouble because of me.”
Valerie figured Christina could leave right now. However, if security had to intervene, it would likely turn into a public spectacle. She didn’t want to see her rescuer be disgracefully expelled.
“I should leave?” Christina arched an eyebrow, a soft, amused laugh slipping from her lips. “No, darling. You’ve got it wrong. It’s them who should be leaving.”
Katie scoffed, her eyes filled with disdain. “What are you babbling about now? You think a few flashy bags bought with the money you conned from my brother can lift you above Thea? Keep dreaming.”
Growing impatient, Thea turned sharply to Claude. “Why are you still wasting time? Where’s security? Get rid of these annoying people! They’re ruining my mood. Honestly, they look like beggars. I don’t want to see their faces in this store ever again.”
Claude immediately straightened, nodding obediently. “Yes, of course. I’ll take care of it right away. I’ll call security to escort them out and blacklist them from the store. I’m so sorry for the inconvenience, Miss Reed. Please don’t file a complaint—we truly value your business.” Claude had tried to warn Christina, giving her a way out. But she didn’t take it. So, she had no one to blame but herself. Anyway, he couldn’t afford to offend a high-profile customer like Thea.
.
.
.