?Chapter 553:


    Eloise had never imagined that standing up for herself could be this feisty. For the first time, she’d realized that fighting back wasn’t just brave—it was liberating. In the past, whenever she’d tried to fight back, she was thrown to the floor, kicked, held down, and hurt. Looking back, she realized maybe that was the real problem—she had never been strong enough. Even being part of the Hubbard family, she still felt small inside. Status and wealth didn’t mean anything if her heart trembled when she faced her enemies.


    She recognized she didn’t have Christina’s boldness and formidable presence. Years of being bullied had left scars too deep. Every time she tried to stand up for herself, something pulled her back. When she didn’t have that inner strength, even courage struggled to survive.


    Eloise clenched her fists tightly at her sides, a quiet determination burning in her chest. One day, she promised herself, she would be just as powerful as Christina. Whether it was strength, confidence, or that quiet,manding presence—she would learn it all. She’d absorb everything Christina knew and push herself to grow beyond the timid girl she used to be. Because she was tired of hiding behind others, waiting to be saved. She wanted to be the one who stood in front. One day, she would be strong enough to stand beside Christina—not as someone needing protection, but as someone capable of protecting the people she loved.


    “Holy crap!” Chloe came bouncing over, practically glowing with excitement. Shetched onto Christina’s arm, her eyes wide. “Christina, that was epic! Every p you gave was so damn satisfying! I was living for it!”


    Christina chuckled, ruffling Chloe’s hair. “You’re so dramatic,” she said fondly.


    Chloe grinned and clung tighter, her voice yful. “Well, you’re just too cool. I’ve decided—I’m sticking with you from now on! No arguments.”


    Christinaughed, amused by her theatrics.


    Eloise stepped forward, smiling as she joined them. “Guess I’m jumping on the Christina train too. I need to learn from the best.”


    Chloe shot her a wink. “Deal. One Christina, two loyal fans. We share her.”


    Stay tuned for updates at g?lnσν???s?c?m


    “Terrific!” Eloise mimicked Chloe’s yful tone, giggling as she looped her arm with Christina’s.


    Christina shook her head with augh. “Are you two seriously trying to split me between you now?”


    “We’re just staying close to the source of all the action,” Chloe said sweetly, hugging Christina’s arm tighter.


    Christina rolled her eyes yfully, still smiling. “Alright, alright. Weren’t we heading to the spa? Come on, let’s go before someone else takes our spot.”


    “Spa time!” Chloe and Eloise eximed in sync.


    Meanwhile, at the Dawson residence, the front door barely closed before Katie rushed inside, her face streaked with tears. She ran straight into her mother’s arms, sobbing uncontrobly. “Mom…” Her voice broke as the floodgates opened.


    Joselyn froze, taking one look at her battered daughter and Ynda behind her. Her expression darkened with fury. “Who did this to you two? Who daredy a hand on my daughter?”


    Ynda looked down as if she were hesitating. Then, forcing a shaky smile that looked more painful than reassuring, she murmured, “It’s nothing, really. Just a few bruises… If Brendon finds out, he’ll—” She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes widening as she pped a hand over her mouth as if she’d identally revealed too much.


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