Chapter 483
483:
In the hospital, Bethel held Christina’s hand gently, her voice filled with concern. “Christina, you don’t need to push yourself so hard. The assets I’m leaving you are more than enough. You’ll be able to live comfortably for the rest of your life.” Christina had cited her stay in Kitaso for work when she explained why she hadn’t been visiting Bethel until now.
Christina offered a calm smile, her tone light yet honest. “Bethel, being idle isn’t good for me either. Work gives me something to focus on—it keeps me grounded and helps quiet my thoughts.”
Bethel watched Christina with a sorrowful expression, assuming Christina was still affected by Brendon’s betrayal. She sighed heavily. “This is all Brendon’s fault,” she murmured, her voice filled with frustration. “I’ve scolded and even slapped him, but he’s too stubborn, dead set on marrying Yolanda.”
As Bethel spoke, her weary eyes glistened with tears. Christina was such a gem—kind, patient, graceful. Yet, Brendon had failed to see her worth and failed to cherish her.
Christina reached out and gently squeezed Bethel’s hand. “Bethel, it’s all in the past between him and me. Please don’t be sad,” she said, her tone steady. “I’ve moved on. Since he truly didn’t love me, then forcing anything would have only hurt more.”
Bethel shook her head, her voice cracking. “But how can I not feel bad? I was the one who pushed for your marriage, and in the end, that rascal hurt you.”
Christina’s eyes softened. “Bethel, you’ve already done so much for me. You’ve been kinder to me than most people ever are. To me, you’re like a real grandmother.”
She felt deeply grateful to Bethel—not only for saving her life but for treating her with such warmth and care. For someone with no blood relation to go to such lengths, it was rare. People like Bethel were few and far between in this world.
Bethel’s old heart ached with a sharp pang in her chest as she listened to Christina speak about how few people in the world had truly shown her genuine kindness.
“That’s not on you,” Bethel said tenderly, her gaze full of deep compassion as she looked at Christina. “Even if others don’t value you, I’ll always be by your side.”
“Bethel, why do you want me to take over the company?” Christina asked, shifting the topic with a soft voice, tinged with bewilderment.
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“Because you’re not just skilled, you’re someone I can count on,” Bethel replied with a weary sigh. “If someone else takes control of the Dawson Group, it won’t last. I’ve seen enough to know you’re more capable than anyone else. Instead of watching the company fall apart and my family lose their place in Dorfield, I’d rather give the company to you.”
She paused before continuing. “To be honest, I’m being a little selfish. You’re smart, responsible, and I trust you. If it’s in your hands, I know the company won’t fail. It’ll grow. This is my way of protecting my family. As long as they get a monthly income, they’ll be okay.”
Bethel gently patted Christina’s hand. “I’m old now, and I don’t have much time left. They’re my blood, and I don’t want to see them suffer too much. If they stay in their lane, I hope you’ll go easy on them for my sake. But if they cross the line, don’t hold back because of me. Do what you must.”
Bethel knew Christina intimately. Due to her debt of gratitude, Christina wouldn’t retaliate with undue harshness as long as her limits weren’t severely tested. Compared to her own blood descendants, who were often a source of quiet exasperation, Christina was far more reliable.
If it weren’t for the impeccable kindness of her late husband and the undeniable fact that Katie and Brendon were her own grandchildren, Bethel wouldn’t have bothered to expend her dwindling energy planning for their future at her advanced age. It was utterly exhausting. But now, she felt a profound sense of peace, knowing she hadn’t disappointed her beloved husband with his dying wish. By entrusting the Dawson Group to Christina, she was certain the company wouldn’t vanish from the landscape of Dorfield.
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.
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