Chapter 513
“Grandma, how could you threaten Brendon for the sake of an outsider? He’s your own grandson!” Katie’s voice shook, her eyes going red. “Grandpa wanted those shares to stay in the family!”
Katie shot Christina a poisonous look, her hatred bubbling up stronger than ever. Ever since Christina married into the Dawson family, she had felt Bethel’s dislike for her grow with each passing day. And now, even Brendon’s place in the family seemed shaky. If anyone claimed Christina hadn’t somehow brainwashed Grandma, she would’ve laughed in their face. That bitch was slick—too damn slick.
“Say one more word,” Bethel warned coldly, “and Brendon’s out of the company. No hesitation.”
Katie was too scared to say another word. Despite the anger burning inside her, all she could do was press her lips together and remain silent. Bethel was being unbelievably cruel. She couldn’t understand why Bethel was so kind to a complete outsider, yet always so cold to her own grandkids.
“Let’s get out of here,” Brendon said, grabbing Yolanda’s hand as he turned and walked out of the hospital room.
Katie’s eyes were red with fury as she stared daggers at Christina, her fists balled up so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She swore to herself. Christina was going to pay for this, big time. With that, she stormed out.
Once the trio left, the room fell quiet again.
“Bethel, please don’t let this get to you,” Christina said gently, her voice laced with concern.
Bethel let out a long sigh. “How could Katie and Brendon be so dense, falling under Yolanda’s manipulation without ever realizing it?”
Christina shifted the subject, her voice a little unsure. “If… if what Katie said turns out to be true, would you blame me for it?”
“Of course not,” Bethel answered without missing a beat. “If you did it, you must’ve had a damn good reason. I trust every choice you make.”
“I really appreciate your trust…” Christina’s heart ached, and her eyes turned red, moved by those words.
“I owe you an apology,” Bethel said, her voice heavy with regret. “I pushed Brendon into marrying you, but he never treasured you. Your efforts and time on him were wasted. I never thought he’d be so heartless, even trying to leave you with nothing. How I wish I hadn’t forced you two together.”
Bethel’s aged eyes reddened with remorse.
“That’s not your fault. It was my choice, every step of the way,” Christina said softly, smiling as she held Bethel’s hand. “But if…” She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes locking with Bethel’s.
“What is it?” Bethel asked, leaning in, her voice suddenly tense.
Christina squeezed Bethel’s hand, her voice steady but searching. “If I decide to reclaim what’s rightfully mine from Brendon, would you stand in my way?”
“Absolutely not.” A bright smile spread across Bethel’s face. “Why would I ever stop you? That’s hardly a big deal. You don’t even need my permission. Go for it, Christina. I’ll always have your back. Whatever you reclaim is yours by right.” Every word Bethel spoke radiated unwavering support, her weathered eyes shining with affection for Christina.
If Christina could outmaneuver Brendon and take back what belonged to her, Bethel was more than willing to see Christina succeed. Rather than letting the Dawson family’s wealth be snatched away by outsiders, it was better for it to fall into Christina’s hands.