Chapter 181:
Makenna’s POV:
Kristina erupted into a fit of triumphant laughter, the sound sharp and grating. “Oh, I thought you would put up a bit more of a fight!”
She lifted her chin arrogantly, her gaze dripping with contempt. “Turns out you are just as pathetic as I always suspected.”
Despite her taunts, I held firm, sticking to the plan and softening my demeanor. I made one last request. “But there is one more thing I hope you will agree to.”
Kristina, clearly relishing her perceived victory, responded with a light, almost playful tone, “Go on, what is it? I am feeling generous today; I might just indulge you.”
Suppressing the storm of hatred and anger roiling inside, I carefully chose my words. “I want to wait until after I pass the assessment before marrying Flynn’s brother.”
Her expression hardened, suspicion flickering in her eyes. “Why? Are you planning some sort of trick?”
I knew she would not drop her guard easily, so I deliberately made myself appear vulnerable, almost defeated. “I know how powerful your family is, and I’m no match for you. I do not want to fight anymore. All I want is to get my mother’s necklace back.”
Kristina’s skeptical gaze lingered on me. “Then why the insistence on waiting until after the assessment?”
Feigning helplessness, I offered a carefully constructed excuse. “Because I have no money. My family will not give me any valuable wedding gifts. But if I pass the assessment, I will receive a bonus, and I need that money to secure my future.”
“Really?” Her voice dripped with doubt.
She squinted at me, and then suddenly leaned in, her fingers cold as she lifted my chin. “You are always trying to outsmart me. Why should I believe a word you say?”
I had expected her suspicion. Gritting my teeth internally, I kept my exterior calm and switched to a different angle, one I had prepared for just this moment. “You might not know this, but Prince Bryan once imprisoned me,” I began, watching for her reaction as I mentioned Bryan. “If I fail the assessment and get kicked out of the palace, I fear Prince Bryan might seize the opportunity to capture me again. Surely, you would not want me to be close to him, would you?”
𝖁𝖎𝖊𝖜 𝖘𝖊𝖈𝖚𝖗𝖊𝖉 𝖋𝖎𝖑𝖊 𝖔𝖓 𝖌ⲁ𝖑𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝗌・𝖈𝖔𝖒
I was not entirely sure of Bryan’s intentions, but this was the best leverage I had. If Kristina was worried about the princes’ interest in me, this argument might be my only way out.
And if Bryan truly harbored such intentions…
The thought sent a shiver down my spine, but I quickly pushed it aside. Bryan was not the issue right now. Kristina was.
As expected, the mention of Bryan seemed to give Kristina pause.
Her expression grew serious, betraying that the princes’ attitudes toward me were indeed a significant concern for her.
She fell silent, seemingly weighing the truth of my words.
I was not lying about Bryan’s imprisonment. If she decided to investigate, the Harrison family’s reach would easily uncover the truth.
Yet, despite this tense psychological battle, anxiety gnawed at me. I subtly clenched my fists, though I kept my face a mask of neutrality.
Kristina studied me for a few more seconds before a cold smile curled on her lips.
“Makenna, do you think you can fool me that easily?” she sneered, her eyes narrowing as if she could see right through me. “Are you trying to stall for time?”
Her words made my heart sink.
She was not as foolish as I had hoped.
Kristina rose to her feet, her chin lifted as she looked down at me with icy disdain.
“You are nothing more than a lowly slave, a toy to be discarded at my whim. Do you really think you have any right to negotiate with me? Stop wasting my time. In two days, I will have Flynn’s brother brought to your residence in the palace. If you dare refuse…”
She dangled the necklace in front of me, her voice dripping with venom. “I will destroy your precious keepsake right before your eyes!”
