?Chapter 550:


    Katie proudly hooked arms with Ynda, her smile smug and full of herself. “This is my future sister-inw,” she said, shooting a provoking re at Christina. “Feeling jealous? You wretch tried to wreck the Dawson Group, but guess what? We bounced back. The stock’s up, losses recovered, and then some. We’re soaring—you’re sinking.”


    Chloe trembled with anger. “Don’t you dare insult Christina! Say one more word and I’ll shut you up myself!”


    “Oh, give it a rest. Wretch, wretch, wretch—that’s all she is! Go on, hit me. I dare you!” Katie taunted.


    Chloe, shaking all over, raised her hand and pped Katie hard across the face. Katie froze. She never saw iting.


    “You bitch! How dare you hit me?” she hissed.


    Chloe stepped back, stunned by what she had done. She hadn’t nned it. But hearing Katie insult Christina had pushed her over the edge, and it had taken every bit of courage she had. She had lived a sheltered life. She wasn’t used to shouting, let alone fighting.


    Just as Katie raised her hand to strike back, Christina moved like lightning and caught her wrist mid-air.


    With Christina beside her, Chloe felt incredibly safe. Her eyes sparkled with relief and admiration. Thankfully, Christina was by her side. Christina looked effortlessly cool.


    “What now?” Katie snapped, ring at Christina. “Haven’t you stirred enough mess? Still can’t keep your nose out of other people’s business?”


    Katie was already furious. She hadn’t even gotten a glimpse of Cassandra, as she wasn’t allowed past the door of the Wright family’s residence. Even after she arranged a scapegoat and spread the words that she was framed, Cassandra still refused to meet her in private, denying her any chance to apologize in person.


    “Here’s an idea. Leave. While I’m still being nice,” Christina said coldly.


    Katie let out a dryugh. “Who do you think you are? Just some leftover my brother tossed aside. Let me remind you—Tiana and her three protégés are attending my brother’s engagement banquet. My family’s not what it used to be. Tiana’s a big deal—she’s on the same level as the Scotts. Even with Dn behind you, you’re no match for Tiana.”


    Katie nced at Eloise. “And don’t get me started on the Hubbards. They’re a joke. Cross me, and you’ll be facing people powerful enough to wipe you outpletely. But if the three of you apologize and pick up my things, I might consider letting this slide.”


    Ynda stepped in, making another typical attempt at sounding reasonable, though what she really aimed for was to stir the pot. “Christina, let go of Katie. The Dawson family’s not small-time anymore. Don’t make this harder than it has to be. And honestly, you did throw the first punch. An apology might keep Brendon from blowing up again if heter catches wind of this.”


    “So what if Brendon is angry? How does that concern me? Why did you bring him into the conversation?” Christina asked, feigning ignorance to the thinly veiled threat in Ynda’s words.


    Ynda was taken aback by the response. Frustration simmered inside her chest.


    “If my brother gets mad, you’ll be in real trouble!” Katie snapped, her voice sharp. She narrowed her eyes. “Now, take your filthy hand off my wrist.”


    “Don’t you dare do anything to Miss Jones!” Eloise stepped forward, positioning herself protectively in front of Chloe.


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