Chapter 3
Kristina’s feelings toward Trenton were somewhat complicated.
Trenton was always high above the rest, and Kristina was certain that when he was conscious, he despised her.
She had been reborn for revenge. She only intended to use Trenton temporarily and had no desire to alter the course of his life.
*But if my grudge with Stanley ends up causing Stanley to kill Trenton again–Kristina didn’t dare continue that thought. Trenton had to be saved And not just saved–he had to recover completely.
The McClain Manor remained brightly lit throughout the night. Trenton had been brought back from the brink, but things wouldn’t end so easily
Kristina pointed directly at the real culprit–Stanley. However, it seemed Stanley had grown smarter. In front of Belinda, he played the family card. insisting that he and Trenton shared a deep bond and that he could never harm him.
Besides, there were no surveillance cameras at the scene.
Kristina sneered as she watched him put on his act, her eyes gleaming with a bloodthirsty chill. A struggling prey was always more interesting. She was eager to see just how long Stanley could stay smug.
After the crowd dispersed, Belinda called Kristina aside.
Although Kristina’s relationship with Stanley seemed complicated, Belinda had clearly seen her, in a moment of desperation, blurt out to the doctors that Trenton had to be saved. That alone convinced her that Kristina’s feelings for Trenton were at least genuine.
Moreover, Kristina’s father, John, was eager to cling to the McClain family. With such entangled interests, Kristina would be easy to control.
Belinda got straight to the point. “If Trenton doesn’t have much time left, you’ll need a child to secure your place in the McClain family”
Kristina nearly stumbled to the floor.
Belinda went on, “You saw what happened today–many people in the McClain family have their eyes on Trenton’s position. If he truly passes away, are you sure you can handle them on your own!
“You need to understand, if you and Trenton have a child who could inherit the estate in the future, at the very least, you’ll be able to ensure a comfortable life for you, your child, and the Bentley family”
Kristina felt a chill crawl up her spine. She had no intention of having a child. Her plan was to leave and enjoy her freedom the moment Trenton
woke up.
With that thought, she straightened her back and said firmly, “I believe Trenton will wake up. I didn’t marry him for personal gain–1 married him out of admiration, nothing more. I refuse to believe he’ll remain in a vegetative state forever”
Belinda gave her a long, meaningful look. “That’s very kind of you.”
Kristina suppressed a flicker of guilt, exchanged a few perfunctory pleasantries, and quickly left. After she was gone. Belinda’s gaze darkened, as if a new idea had just taken root in her mind.
There were five days left until the McClain Group’s shareholders‘ meeting.
Kristina remembered the date clearly.
In her past life, it was during this very meeting that she had helped Stanley rise to power and taken advantage of the chaos to snatch away part of Trenton’s shares.
This time, she planned to teach Stanley a good lesson.
Just as she was forming a strategy, her stepsister, Tessa, couldn’t hold back any longer and came knocking at her door.
Carrying large, extravagant gift bags under the guise of visiting as a family member, Tessa arrived at the McClain Manor, her face glowing with
excitement
The moment she saw Kristina, she exclaimed, “Kristina, with y your outstanding qualities, how did you end up marrying a dying man? I really feel sorry for you.”
Kristina sneered inwardly. She could see right through Tessa–she
Was actually delighted.
Therefore, Kristina took Trenton’s hand and put on a lovestruck expression. “You wouldn’t understand. I truly admire him.”
Chapter 3
Tessa sighed repeatedly, though her eyes gleamed with joy. “Have you thought about the consequences? If Trenton dies and our family loses its standing, Mom and Dad will definitely blame you.”
Kristina feigned distress and fear. “There’s nothing I can do about it. I just… really like him.”
For a brief moment, Kristina thought she felt Trenton’s fingers tighten around hers in a faint squeeze.
Tessa looked down at Kristina, feeling immensely satisfied. She had always resented how Kristina had outshone her since childhood. In truth, she wished Kristina would fall into complete ruin–becoming a beggar would be ideal.
With that thought, she leaned in and boasted, “Why did you waste the opportunity to marry Stanley? Do you realize that if Trenton dies, Stanley will rightfully inherit the entire McClain family fortune?”
Kristina lowered her gaze, a glint of calculation flashing in her otherwise calm eyes. Slowly, she picked up her phone and said, “Of course, I know
that
“That’s why I’ve arranged for my best friend to meet Stanley. I even booked them a private dinner. If they hit it off, then when Stanley eventually Likes over the McClain family, he might treat us well, don’t you think?”
Tessa’s smile froze. A spark of jealousy flared deep within her. How could Kristina give such an opportunity to someone else instead of considering me–her own stepsister!”
“I need to go next door to fetch Trenton’s medication. Wait for me here,” Kristina said, hastily setting her phone down, the dinner reservation details still visible on the screen.
The moment she left, Tessa, like a thief, leaned in and frantically scrolled through Kristina’s phone, eager to see what was going on.
Unbeknownst to her, the security cameras in the room captured everything.
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