Chapter 738:
“I have my reasons,” Christina answered vaguely, showing no intention of offering an explanation.
Elliott let out a faint sigh. He knew better than anyone—once Christina made up her mind, no one could sway her. As his eyes fell on her hand, still resting on Dylan’s, his heart sank even more. He could feel the growing distance between them. And it hurt.
“Are you confident?” Dylan asked in a much gentler tone. Now that she had decided, he would respect it—and support her in any way he could.
“Yes,” Christina said with steady calm.
Dylan was silent for a moment and then placed his rough hand gently over hers. “Alright, I believe you. But if anything feels off, pull back immediately. I’ll protect you.” His eyes narrowed slightly. He was determined to shield her from any danger, no matter the cost.
“Don’t worry too much.” Christina covered his hand with her other hand, smiling. “I’ll be fine.”
Dylan looked at her hand on his and felt the cold within him melt away. Sweet warmth filled his chest. She hadn’t pulled away. She’d held him back. That meant something. The gap between them had quietly shrunk. Dylan couldn’t help but think of their playful moments during the game. A smile tugged at his lips. One day, he would erase Brendon from her heart completely.
Elliott, watching their hands, longed to be part of the moment. His fingers twitched as he raised his hand, hovering inches from hers. But just as he worked up the nerve to join in, Christina and Dylan pulled their hands away. Elliott froze, his hand suspended awkwardly in the air. He had been just one heartbeat away. He cursed himself for hesitating.
“Alright, it’s settled then.” Christina turned to Elliott. “Are you staying for lunch?”
“Yes!” Elliott answered quickly, his face lighting up.
Dylan’s brow creased. Hoping to send Elliott off, he said, “If I remember right, your grandfather’s hosting a family lunch today, isn’t he?”
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“Oh, right! Eloise mentioned that, too,” Christina added. She had planned to eat at home with Chloe. Just a couple of simple dishes would do.
Elliott clenched his jaw, silently fuming at Dylan’s words.
“Well, Elliott, since your grandfather’s hosting a family gathering, we won’t keep you for lunch,” Christina said, completely unaware of the storm brewing in Elliott’s head.
Thinking fast, Elliott replied, “Actually, the lunch plan changed. My grandfather decided to push the gathering to tonight after a quick discussion.”
“Really?” Dylan narrowed his eyes, shooting Elliott a sharp look.
“Of course. Why would I make that up?” Elliott kept his tone steady, lying without missing a beat.
“But I just spoke with your sister. She didn’t mention anything about a change,” Christina said, a little confused.
Unease flashed across Elliott’s face. He cleared his throat and responded with a touch of awkwardness, “She probably hasn’t been informed yet. I just got the update from my grandfather—he should be sending out the message soon.”
Christina shrugged. “All right, then.”
She didn’t think much of it, but Dylan wasn’t buying it. He stayed quiet, giving Elliott a frosty stare.
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.
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