Chapter 200
200:
A set of car keys dangled from Chloe’s hand as she offered them up. “Why don’t you take my car, Christina?”
One glance at the plush keychain made Christina smile as she accepted the keys, expecting an ordinary sedan. Instead, she stepped outside and found a pastel pink subcompact parked in the driveway—almost a twin to her own, just in a brighter shade.
A soft laugh escaped Christina. “I have to say, this is the cutest car I’ve ever seen.”
Joy sparkled in Chloe’s eyes. “My parents gave me this car for my eighteenth birthday—a custom job, just for me.”
Anyone could tell Chloe had grown up surrounded by warmth and care. For a brief moment, Christina felt a pang of envy.
Adopted by the Jones family, Christina had never truly known that kind of comfort or belonging. Small gestures, like Bethel’s kindness, had come to mean the world to her. To Christina, Bethel was like a grandmother.
Pushing aside the ache in her heart, Christina managed to keep her tone light. “A custom model must have cost a fortune.”
A proud smile tugged at Chloe’s lips. “It wasn’t outrageous at all—just $9.99 million. To my parents, it was a small price for something special.”
Nothing brought Chloe more joy than talking about her family. Love flowed between them, and it showed in every word.
A gentle laugh rose from Christina. In Chloe’s world, that kind of money barely put a dent in the family fortune, though for most people, it would be unimaginable. Her thoughts drifted to the car Dylan had gifted her, and curiosity bubbled up. “Do you think my car cost that much too?”
“Yours? Not quite—there wasn’t enough time to get a custom one ready.” Chloe gave her a playful grin. “But if you want, I’ll ask Dylan to have a special one made just for you.”
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Waving the suggestion away, Christina shook her head. “That’s sweet of you, but I’m happy as long as my car gets fixed and runs. I really don’t need anything more than that.”
Christina had plenty of luxury cars in her own garage, and she could easily order another custom ride if she wanted. Yet, nothing on four wheels could compare to the sentimental value of the car Dylan had gifted her. That one was in a league of its own. Just thinking about it made her pause for a moment.
A cold determination shone in Christina’s eyes, sharp and unwavering, as if nothing could break her focus. The person behind the damage to her car would not walk away unpunished. She would make sure of it.
“Maybe I should use a different car,” Christina suggested, glancing at Chloe. “This one means a lot to you, after all.”
A cheerful grin spread across Chloe’s face. “Don’t worry about it. My parents spoiled me with more cars than I can possibly drive. Honestly, sharing this one with you is the best part of having it.”
Hearing this, Christina felt a rush of affection. She reached out and gently patted Chloe on the head, unable to resist. Such a lovely and wonderful girl—how could she bear to see Chloe pass away too soon?
She felt a fierce determination to heal Chloe, no matter the odds.
“Fair warning, I can’t guarantee it’ll come back without a scratch,” Christina teased, hoping to lighten the mood.
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