?Chapter 554:


    Joselyn’s eyes narrowed into slits. “Pathetic,” she snapped. “Look at the state of you both—bruised and shaken—and you’re still making excuses for that little tramp, Christina!”


    “Mom,” Katie sobbed, “it was Christina. She’s working for the Scott family now as a caregiver. And Mr. Scott ispletely backing her! She’s acting like she owns the world!”


    Joselyn’s expression twisted in disbelief. “A caregiver? Why would Mr. Scott go out of his way to defend her? Don’t tell me he actually…” Her voice trailed off, suspicion blooming in her eyes.


    “Preposterous!” Katie scoffed, waving the thought away. “Christina is merely a worthless divorcee who works as a caregiver for the Scott family—how on earth could she possibly capture Mr. Scott’s attention? Mr. Scott only defended her for the sake of his reputation, that’s all. After all, mistreating his staff feels like challenging him.”


    Joselyn mulled over her daughter’s words and found they held a certain logic. She would never allow anyone to bully her household staff. That would be a tant strike at her authority.


    “Christina thinks she’s invincible now, basking in Mr. Scott’s shadow. But just wait. Once we cozy up to Tiana and her three protégés, let’s see if Mr. Scott still sticks his neck out for a lowly servant,” Joselyn said.


    Katie snorted. “I bet he won’t then! No sane man would defy someone with Tiana’s backing over a servant. That would be sheer folly.”


    Joselyn gently reached out, brushing Katie’s cheek. Katie winced and drew a sharp breath.


    “Still hurting?” Joselyn asked, her heart twisting at the sight.


    “Terribly!” Katie said, bitternesscing her voice. “Once the engagement party ends and I get my hands on Christina, I will make her pay dearly. Dn might protect her now, but that won’tst forever. Sooner orter, she’ll be at my mercy.”


    Joselyn turned her eyes to Ynda, whose swollen face was equally telling. “You two rest for a bit. I’ll grab the doctor to treat your wounds.”


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    “Alright,” Katie and Ynda replied.


    Moments after the doctor left, Brendon hurried back. One nce at Ynda’s bruised face and his fury erupted. “Outrageous! Christinaid hands on you in public? Has she truly lost her mind, or does she think Dn’s support gives her free rein to do whatever she wants?”


    His anger skyrocketed as memories of Christina’s sabotage came rushing back—the Dawson Group’s recent crisis, the exodus of investors, and crumbling partnerships. Had he not intervened in time, thepany would’ve been left in shambles.


    “Brendon, don’t be angry, please,” Ynda said in a low voice, making another bid to subtly fuel Brendon’s resentment toward Christina. “Christina probably didn’t mean to hurt me and Katie. Please don’t hold this against her.”


    As expected, Brendon was even more furious. “Look at you two! Bruised and swollen—and you’re telling me she probably didn’t p both of you deliberately?”


    “Maybe with Dn in her corner, she got carried away…” Ynda’s voice was tinged with grievance.


    “Stop making excuses for her! You’re too kind for your own good, and that’s exactly why she keeps stepping all over you,” Brendon said, worry etched in his voice. “Does it still hurt?”


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