Ch. 200..210

Chapter 200

Madison saw the anger in Wulfric’s eyes and finally revealed Christina’s true identity.

Wulfric was surprised. “She is Mr. Hadley’s wife? Well…”

No wonder that woman was so bold and dared to hit me. It turns out that she has a powerful backer behind her.

Madison whispered in his car. “Mr. Lachlan, don’t worry. She’s just a commoner. If you were to do something dirty to her… Will Mr. Hadley still come after you for revenge? Who in their right mind would want others to find out they’ve been cheated on? When the time comes, Christina will be a dirty stain on his reputation, and even if he wants to retaliate against you, he will be hindered by his own reputation and will have no choice but to suppress the matter.”

Madison’s plan sounded reasonable to Wulfric.

I get to have my revenge and vent my anger at the same time!

However, he became worried again in the next instant. “But she has many bodyguards around her, so it’s difficult to get close to her.”

Madison had already thought of a solution. “That’s easy. You just need to find someone to go to her on your behalf…”

As Wulfric listened to the plan, his eyes lit up while a confident smile appeared on his face.

Nathaniel had arranged for bodyguards to escort Christina to and from work.

At first, she refused, but after a few close calls, she agreed.

When she returned to Scenic Garden Manor, she saw several unfamiliar cars parked outside.

Upon entering the house, she saw Sierra and an elegant woman close to Sierra’s age sitting together, talking.

As soon as Christina walked in, Sierra launched a verbal attack on her. “Come over here and apologize to Mrs. Lachlan by serving her tea!”

Christina was confused and looked at the woman in front of her, feeling like she had seen her before.

“Aunt Sierra, I didn’t do anything wrong. Why should I apologize?” she asked.

Sierra’s lips curled into a sneer. I can’t believe the damn brat made a mistake so soon and gave me the perfect opportunity to humiliate her.

“You hit Mr. Lachlan. It’s only right for you to apologize,” she said.

I hit someone?

Christina quickly recalled the man she met at the fashion show last week. She realized then that the woman in front of her was his mother. No wonder they look so alike!

It was pure coincidence that Abigail Cooper saw the video and learned that her son had been slapped by

Christina.

Even if Christina was from the Hadley family, it was still wrong to hit someone.

Abigail snorted coldly. “You will apologize to my son at the Lachlan residence and let him slap you Then we’ll call it even.”

If I don’t teach this brat a lesson, how will I be able to maintain my status in the city?

back.

Christina now understood the whole situation. She turned to Sierra and said, “Aunt Sierra, you jumped to conclusions before understanding the whole situation. Don’t family members help each other?”

Sierra’s expression changed slightly. Is this brat implying that I’m helping outsiders instead of my own family?

“I saw with my own eyes that you hit someone. There’s video evidence. You’re in the wrong, and I’m just being reasonable,” Sierra retorted.

Christina couldn’t help but sneer, “Mr. Lachlan was the one who was rude and spoke disrespectfully to me first. Didn’t his mother teach him any manners?”

“You insolent brat! Who are you calling rude and disrespectful?” Abigail was so angry that she threw the teacup in her hand at Christina.

Christina deftly dodged it, her expression swiftly turning grim.

Abigail stood up angrily and glared at her icily. “Grab this girl and take her back to the Lachlan residence!”

Several bodyguards immediately rushed toward Christina.

“How dare you!” Christina shouted furiously.

How dare they arrest me at Scenic Garden Manor? Don’t they have any respect for Nathaniel?

Suddenly, a strong fragrance filled the air. Christina frowned, and then everything went black. She had passed out.

Abigail ordered her men to take Christina away.

Before leaving, she thanked Sierra. “Ms. Hadley, I will remember your help today.”

Sierra smiled lightly. “Make her apologize and teach her a lesson, but don’t go too far.”

After all, she still had to explain things to Nathaniel.

Abigail laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it well.”

Sierra couldn’t take action herself, so she was actually relying on the Lachlan family to teach Christina a harsh lesson. Both Abigail and Sierra knew this very well.

Abigail and her men left.

Raymond and the servants had been sent to the backyard to work earlier. When they returned to the house, they saw Sierra sitting alone on the couch, drinking tea and in a good mood.

However, the observant Raymond noticed Christina’s handbag beside the couch.

“Ms. Sierra, did you see Ms. Christina come back?”

Sierra didn’t look at him. “No, I didn’t see her. She’s probably working late and hasn’t returned yet.”

It would be best if no one found out that Christina was missing.

Raymond nodded and didn’t ask any more questions. He could tell that Sierra was lying.

After heading to the kitchen, he secretly called Nathaniel to inform him of Christina’s disappearance.

In his office, Nathaniel answered the call and was shocked to hear that Christina was missing..

He immediately called the bodyguards, who said they had safely taken her back to Scenic Garden Manor.

Yet, Christina was nowhere to be found in Scenic Garden Manor…

Suddenly, Raymond remembered something and continued, “I saw Mrs. Lachlan from the Lachlan family come to visit earlier. I’m not sure if the Lachlan family has anything to do with this matter.”

Nathaniel hung up the phone and immediately sent Sebastian to investigate the matter.

In the basement of the Lachlan residence, the chilly air quickly woke Christina up.

She opened her eyes and saw nothing but darkness.

I was at Scenic Garden Manor just a moment ago… Suddenly, her heart skipped a beat, and she sat up in shock.

Then the door opened.

Wulfric walked in, his eyes scanning Christina’s shocked face as he revealed a wicked smirk.

Christina was now his captive, and he could do whatever he wanted with her, depending on his mood.

“What do you want? Let me go!” Christina retreated warily.

This was the first time she had ever encountered such a lawless

person.

Wulfric sneered, “I didn’t expect Mr. Hadley to have such poor taste as to fall for a brat like you.”

He had no idea that she was a member of the Hadley family until he heard it from Madison.

However, there was no way the Hadley family would go against the Lachlan family for a nobody like her.

Hence, he was sure that once she became his plaything, Nathaniel would give up on her for the sake of his reputation.

The final outcome for Christina was to become a discarded pawn of the Hadley family.

“How dare you touch me, even though you know who I am?” Christina glared at him with fury.

be so

Wulfric approached her step by step. “Once you belong to me, Nathaniel won’t want you anymore. Don’t

naive to think that he’ll still want you back! You’ll be mine to keep, so you’d better behave. Don’t worry. Since you look so pretty, I’ll take good care of you.”

He eagerly moved closer, but Christina widened her eyes and delivered a swift kick to his groin.

Wulfric screamed in pain. “You vile woman! How dare you kick me?”

Christina seized the opportunity and grabbed objects in the room to throw at him. In just a few minutes, Wulfric went from cursing to begging for mercy, and he ended up beaten to a pulp by Christina.

“You won’t get out of the Lachlan residence.”

As this was the first time Christina had used violence against someone, she had a hard time controlling her strength. Thus, she accidentally broke Wulfric’s leg with a chair, causing him to pass out from the pain.

Seeing the man faint from excessive bleeding, Christina became frightened.

Oh no! He can’t be dead, can he?

As Christina stood there, unsure of what to do, the basement door opened again.

 

Chapter 201

At that moment, the gates of the Lachlan residence lay in tatters.

A group of men in black barged in. The man in the lead emanated a menacing aura that resembled a king going to battle. His imposing air alone had people backing away from him in fear.

“Who are the lot of you? How dare you trespass on the Lachlan residence?” The Lachlan family’s bodyguards wanted to stop them, but they were severely outnumbered.

Worse still, the other party’s bodyguards were all well–trained. They were not their match at all.

After a few rounds of fighting, all the bodyguards of the Lachlan family were laid out on the ground.

Nathaniel led his men right into the house. Seizing the butler, he demanded coldly, “Where is Christina. confined?”

The butler was scared out of his wits. “In the basement.”

As though discarding a piece of trash, Nathaniel flung him away and headed toward the basement.

The butler instantly phoned the head of the family, Dagon Lachlan, to inform him about the situation. “It’s bad, Mr. Lachlan! Someone broke into the house to rob and vandalize!”

“Who is that audacious person? I’m coming back right away!”

It so happened that Dagon was having lunch with a few friends from Jadeborough with ties to the underground circles. When they heard that trouble had transpired at the Lachlan residence, they promptly offered to follow him back to help him teach the intruders a lesson.

Readily accepting their support, Dagon rushed home with three or four big shots.

Nathaniel found the basement in no time. The instant he pushed open the door, the coppery stench of blood hit him in the face strongly.

His brows creased, and unease swamped him. “Christina?”

Christina was huddled in a corner. It was not until she laid eyes on the man that she trotted over. “I think I killed someone, Nathaniel.”

She could not be sure of that, but Wulfric had been bleeding incessantly.

Nathaniel went over and checked the man over before remarking impassively, “He isn’t dead.”

He would not be worried even if Wulfric were dead since it was entirely self–defense.

Shrugging off his suit jacket, he draped it over Christina’s dainty shoulders and scooped her up. “It’s all right. We’re going home.”

Christina nodded blankly, never having expected him to force his way in to save her.

Just as they left the living room, they unwittingly bumped into Abigail, who had just returned.

“Why are you out and roaming about, b*tch?” She had planned on imprisoning and starving Christina for a few days. When the latter had no strength left to put up a fight, she would then torture her.

A layer of frost blanketed Christina’s eyes. She’s the woman who brought me to such a place!

Nathaniel’s expression was chilly and stony. Radiating a wintry aura that reminded one of a snowstorm, he barked furiously, “The Lachlan family has got some guts to make a move against my woman!”

“It was your woman who hit my son first! You’re being wholly unreasonable!” Abigail found nothing wrong with her actions.

That b*tch is at fault for making the first move!

“Save me. Mom…”

A weak voice drifted into the air. It was Wulfric, who had crawled out on his broken legs.

His face was swollen beyond recognition, and his limbs were injured. He looked just like a toy that had been wrecked.

At the sight of her son, Abigail swiftly threw herself at him in anguish. “What happened to you, Wulfric? Why are you wounded so severely?”

“It was Christina. It was all her doing. Mom, you must help me…” Before Wulfric could finish speaking, he passed out from the excruciating agony battering him.

Seeing red, Abigail immediately ordered someone to take Wulfric back to his room to rest.

At that precise moment, the rumble of an engine sounded outside the house.

When Abigail heard that her husband had returned, glee flooded her like a tidal wave.

I’m never allowing Christina to leave today even if it means going to blows!

Dagon stormed into the house with three big shots from the underground circles.

“Whoever dared break into the Lachlan residence today will have his leg forfeited!” he roared as soon as he stepped into the house.

The instant he spotted the tall figure before his eyes, however, he was dumbstruck.

Although he had not met Nathaniel much, the man’s icy and terrifying aura was unforgettable.

Mr. Hadley? Why is he here?

At once, Abigail stepped forward and took his arm, wailing, “It was Mr. Hadley here who forced his way into our house, Darling! He even threatened to burn this place down! Hurry up and seek justice for us!”

Having said that, she shot Nathaniel a cold glare. “Do you know that the elders of the Hadley family used to be exceedingly close with us back then? Do you really want to sever the friendship between the two families to kick up a fuss today?”

-He wasn’t even born when we fostered ties with the Hadley family! Yet, he dares to make such trouble for us now?

“You should’ve expected this since you dared to hold my wife captive.” Nathaniel did not budge an inch.

With Christina in his arms, he walked toward the door. Unfortunately, Dagon took a step forward and stopped him. “Kid, I know you young people are ignorant, but you’re not leaving unless you apologize today.”

Ignoring him, Nathaniel continued striding ahead.

Dagon had wanted to have the three big shots behind him step in and back him up. Unexpectedly, they had gone silent ever since they saw Nathaniel. In fact, their expressions had changed imperceptibly.

If we’d known before coming that the person he offended was Mr. Hadley, we would never have tagged along to join in the fun!

Following that turn of events, they tactfully pushed their lackeys, who were blocking Nathaniel’s path,

away.

“Move side! Don’t block Mr. Hadley’s way!”

The lackeys were all geared up to fight, only to be shoved away by their leaders unbidden.

The crowd parted to open up a path, none daring to make trouble.

Such rage blazed within Dagon that he almost burst a blood vessel. They promised to seek justice for me. Why have they now gone back on their word and helped Nathaniel instead?

The look on Nathaniel’s handsome face remained imperious. Carrying Christina in his arms, he walked

out of the house.

He got into the car and went straight back to Scenic Garden Manor.

Only when the man and his party had left did the three big shots kindly urge, “Mr. Lachlan, you’d best apologize quickly for whatever wrong you committed. The Hadley family today isn’t an existence you can afford to offend. It isn’t that we’re snobbish, but even the three of us combined can’t afford to offend Mr. Hadley, considering his current status.”

After saying that, they left with their lackeys.

Dagon was shocked to the core. Never had he imagined that the three prestigious big shots in the underground circles would actually back down at the sight of Nathaniel.

Could it be that the Hadley family has had other businesses all these years, and their development has already surpassed that of stable prominent families like mine?

Abigail seethed inwardly upon seeing that Nathaniel and Christina had left without incident. “You’re allowing them to leave just like that, Darling?”

Dagon’s temper spiked. “This is all your fault for not educating our son well. Look at the heir of the Hadley family. He has already expanded his family’s power and influence. What else can our son do

other than create trouble all the time?”

The Lachlan family has indeed suffered a disgrace this time. Nothing can change that fact. Right now, I only hope Mr. Hadley doesn’t pursue the matter.

At Scenic Garden Manor, Christina’s mood improved significantly after she took a hot bath.

She carefully cast her mind back.

Why did a video of me hitting Wulfric leak out? Was someone secretly filming me at that time?

After she finished bathing, her mind started whirring again. Hmm, surely, some people took photos at such a party. Perhaps I might discover some clues if I were to go through them.

She contacted Gina and asked for the photos taken that day. Of course, one person’s album would be limited.

For that reason, she obtained the contact of a few ladies who were also in attendance that day and asked them for their photos.

Coincidentally, one of them had taken a good deal of photos.

As Christina flipped through the photos, she soon caught sight of a familiar figure.

 

Chapter 202

Madison? It was her?

Neither Christina nor Madison was the focus of the photo. However, it happened to capture Madison filming Christina with her phone in a corner.

Don’t tell me she was the culprit who orchestrated things behind the scenes again.

Christina had known that Madison had been intentionally targeting her all along, but she had never expected the latter to resort to such petty means.

If Nathaniel hadn’t arrived in time and saved me the Lachlan family would be tortured me to no end. I’m never going to let this slide so easily!

She hid the photo, for she had no plans to go head–to–head against Mar

Just then, the door was pushed open. Nathaniel came in with a cup of hot chocolate” “Have some hot chocolate. It has a calming effect.”

“Who said that? Why have I never heard of it?” After taking the cup of hot chocolate from him, Christina took a sip.

It was sweet and steaming, suffusing her with warmth.

Clueless about it. Nathaniel admitted. “I don’t know. That’s what the help said.”

I told her that Christina suffered a fright, and she made a cup of hot chocolate, claiming itd work wonders

His bumbling concern amused Christina, and she gizzled.

Putting down the cup, she went over to him. She tugged at his hand and murmured. “I’ve gotten my salary. How about I get you a gift!”

“Sure!”

She took out her tablet and tapped open the shopping app on it. “This brand specializes in comple’s watches. Choose one you like.”

The watches cost tens of thousands at the very least, but they were dirt cheap compared to those he usually wore, which were priced at millions.

This is all I can afford at the moment. I’ll buy you an expensive one when I’ve made more money,” Christina added with a smile, her crystalline eyes curving into crescents.

Nathaniel paired her on the head. “I’ll buy instead. You keep your money.”

“Hmm, okay, then Christina had wanted to buy a gift as a token of love.

But on second thought, she nixed the idea since it was indeed unfitting for him to wear such a watch in light of his status.

“It’s late now. You should go to sleep.”

Nathaniel scooped her up. Her feminine fragrance wafted into the air, perfuming the air with a sweet

aroma.

Having been carried back to the bed in his arms, Christina slept huddled against him like a kitten.

Early in the morning, Sierra came to Scenic Garden Manor. She had learned about everything that had happened last night.

It was evident that Nathaniel was truly enraged as he had barged into the Lachlan residence and taken Christina away.

“Nathaniel usually has breakfast at eight o’clock on the dot. Why is he not down yet at this hour?”

Sierra could not help asking that question when she saw, that it was almost nine o’clock then.

Just when Raymond was about to reply to that, he heard footsteps from the staircase.

Nathaniel descended the stairs with Christina hand in hand.

The sight of the couple acting so intimately irritated Sierra.

Alas, she was there to intercede for the Lachlan family that day, and she could not leave without accomplishing that task.

“Nathaniel, about the incident with the Lachlan family, can you let the matter slide?” she asked calmly.

After all, Abigail had had her approval when she took Christina away.

Nathaniel held Christina’s hand, his palm giving her a strong sense of security. “You shouldn’t be asking me that. Instead, you should be directing that question to my wife.”

Immediately, Sierra’s expression changed.

He wants me to lower myself and make peace with her? This… is absolutely impossible!

Clocking the man’s forbidding expression with no room for discussion, however, she had no choice but to shift her gaze to Christina. “It’s my bad this time. Let it go for my sake.”

Needless to say, Christina was irked deep within, but regretfully, the woman was Nathaniel’s aunt.

She did not want to strain the family’s relationship. As such, she begrudgingly relented, “I’ll let it slide, but please don’t hand me to others before getting to the bottom of things next time, Aunt Sierra.”

I’m not a saint, and I can’t take it lying down every time someone else hurts me.

Sierra’s expression stiffened, making it clear that she was vexed.

Argh! I’ve never imagined I’d get lectured by a little girl at my age!

Chagrin ricocheted within her, but she was undeniably in the wrong. She left with a grim look on her face.

To Christina, there was no point targeting Sierra.

After breakfast, the couple left home.

Having driven Christina to Radiant Corporation, Nathaniel went straight to Hadley Corporation.

He had someone order a pair of couple’s watches that were trendy and stylish without being ostentatious.

At noon, Nathaniel was going to meet a business partner. Madison had prepared all the documents beforehand.

Upon arriving at the conference room, Madison wondered why the other party had not arrived when it was already the agreed–upon time.

She glanced at her watch. “Oh, it turns out that my watch isn’t working. It has stopped.”

The meeting was scheduled for three o’clock, but it was only half past two right then.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Hadley. I got the time wrong,” she apologized softly, unconsciously brushing her fingers across the face of the watch.

Nathaniel got to his feet. “It’s okay. Call me when it’s time.”

After saying that, he went back to his office.

Madison put everything away. She took off the malfunctioning watch, planning to take it to the watch shop for repair.

That watch was a gift from Nathaniel during the sixth–anniversary celebration.

Although Sebastian had one as well, it still held a special significance to her.

When the meeting ended in the afternoon and she handed the compiled documents to Sebastian, she inadvertently glimpsed a receipt on his desk.

Curiously, she picked it up, only to see that it was for the purchase of a pair of couple’s watches.

Could it be that Mr. Hadley is buying me a new watch because he knows that mine has stopped working?

Her heart pounded wildly.

Well, he does care about me, after all! A grin split her face when she imagined the thrill of receiving a gift from Nathaniel.

Placing the receipt back where she found it, she whirled around and left.

For the next few days, she was in a great mood, so much so that those who did not know better might assume that she had hit the jackpot.

She counted the days. The watch should’ve arrived by now. Why hasn’t Mr. Hadley gifted it to me?

That afternoon, she went to the CEO’s office with some compiled documents.

By chance, Christina came to look for Nathaniel. She wore a fluffy white sweater, her long black hair cascading down her back to her waist. Her long and slender legs were bared below her pink pleated skirt. Her

eyes were crystalline, and her skin was as white as snow. All that rendered her like an impish goddess. from heaven.

“Hurry up! You promised to go out and have fun with me today.” Christina huffed with a hand at her waist. Madison walked in with the documents in hand, fuming as she stared at the woman kicking up a fuss.

Have fun, have fun! That’s all she knows! Doesn’t she know Mr. Hadley is busy and has plenty of work to do? Even he’s free, he has got to rest. She isn’t considerate of him at all!

“There are still some documents you need to review, Mr. Hadley,” she remarked softly after approaching the man.

“Just put them there.” Nathaniel replied detachedly.

Displeasure swamped Madison, but still, she remained calm and unruffled on the surface.

Out of her peripheral vision, Christina glimpsed a dark look flitting across the woman’s eyes. She’s hiding it really well. No wonder I never noticed it in the past.

She strolled over and lifted her hand to reveal the new watch on her wrist. “What do you think of my watch, Ms. Madison?”

At a single glance, Madison recognized the watch to be of the same brand she had seen on the receipt that day.

Huh? It turns out that Nathaniel wasn’t buying a watch for me. Instead, it was for her!

She felt as though she had been stabbed in the heart, the pain so excruciating that she could hardly breathe.

Yet, she had to suppress those feelings of her

 

Chapter 203

Madison examined Christina’s wrist and commented, “It’s a nice watch, but it seems more fitting for higher–ups in the company. Considering how often you work with scissors and fabrics, I don’t think it would be very practical for you to wear such a bulky watch.”

Christina pretended to nod in agreement. “You’re right. It’s fine, though. I can remove it when I work. This is my first couple’s watch with Nathaniel.”

Madison found her sweet and gorgeous smile to be rather annoying.

She was so angry that she couldn’t find any words to say.

Christina knew she had achieved her goal as she observed Madison’s contorted expression. It brought her a small sense of comfort.

This was nothing compared to what Madison had done to her previously.

Nathaniel strode over to hold her hand. “The amusement park is going to close if we stay here any longer.”

“Oh, let’s go now!” Christina replied sweetly.

Madison’s gaze lingered on the departing couple. Their backs disappeared into the distance as they engaged in cheerful conversation. The sight of their backs only added to her misery.

The amusement park was aglow with dazzling lights, and cheerful music filled the air.

Christina gleefully rode all the amusement park attractions with Nathaniel, feeling as carefree as a child.

In the end, they rode on the Ferris Wheel.

As their cabin ascended slowly, Christina gazed at the buildings growing smaller beneath them and sighed. “When I was younger, I used to envy Emilia. Miranda often took her to the amusement park to have fun, but they never took me with them.”

Her voice was melodious and clear.

Nathaniel looked at her slender figure silently. Her mother fell severely ill when she was young, and her father never showered her with love. She must’ve suffered a lot.

Gently, he cupped her cheeks as though she was a valuable jewel. “You don’t have to envy anyone. From now on, I’ll give you the whole world.”

Christina burst into giggles upon hearing his words. She playfully narrowed her eyes and hooked her little finger with his. “Remember what you said. Don’t you dare lie to me.”

She appeared immensely satisfied, like a child whose deepest wish had been granted.

Nathaniel leaned in and gently pressed a kiss against her cheek, trailing his lips to her nose, and finally meeting her mouth in a tender embrace.

A sweet scent spread in the air, surrounding them both.

As their cabin reached the peak of the Ferris Wheel, a spectacular display of fireworks burst into the night sky, casting a radiant glow over the couple locked in each other’s arms.

Back in the luxury condominium, Madison was downing alcohol in an attempt to soothe her fury.

As she drank, the image of Nathaniel and Christina became clearer in her mind.

She pulled out her phone to call Francis. “It has been ages. Why have you not taken action yet?”

Francis was in the middle of shooting a drama and happened to be on a break. He reclined on a bench. with his gaze fixed upon the night sky, deep in contemplation. It reminded him of the night he had spent with Christina as they waited for the sun to rise.

He might have had a few chances to sow discord between them but ended up doing nothing at all.

“We have the photos, so calm down. I’ll take action when the time’s right,” he replied calmly.

Christina snorted icily. “Don’t tell me you’re showing mercy because you can’t bring yourself to hurt that brat’s feelings.”

If Francis refuses to take action, I’ll have to step up.

Francis‘ voice grew cold. “Of course not. To me, profits and survival come first.”

Having faced hardships from a young age, Francis had learned to employ unethical methods to survive, and this experience served him well in the ruthless entertainment industry.

A mere woman won’t affect my judgment.

Naturally, Madison had trust in him. “Okay, then. Hurry up, though. I can’t wait any longer!”

“You need to be patient in order to get what you want. Take it easy. If you expose your true colors in front of Nathaniel, you’ll get kicked out of Hadley Corporation,” Francis reminded her before ending the call.

He scrolled to the photo he had taken with Christina. The sight of the innocent smile playing on the young lady’s lips made him hesitate to hurt her feelings.

As usual, Christina went to work on time.

She had cleared most of her work and wouldn’t be that busy anymore.

Suddenly, Shelley rushed into her office and said, “Ms. Steele, I have two outfits that need to be delivered, but they coincidentally have the same delivery slot. The rest of the team is occupied with their tasks and unable to assist me.”

Seeing the pleading look on her face, Christina let out an exasperated sigh. “Give me the address. I’ll help you deliver one of them.”

“I’m really sorry, Ms. Steele. I promise I’ll be careful next time.”

Shelley quickly gave the item and delivery address to Christina, and they both left to deliver the outfits.

Christina reached the event venue according to the address provided to her. After explaining the purpose of her visit to the security guard, she was allowed to enter the venue.

She went to the dressing room with the gown and found a few well–dressed ladies there.

“Christina? So, you’ve found a job to deliver outfits now?” A mocking voice echoed in the air.

Christina turned her gaze toward the voice and locked eyes with Emilia.

It had been quite some time since their last encounter, and Christina couldn’t help but notice the changes in Emilia’s appearance. The latter wore heavy makeup and so much jewelry that it made her look tacky.

Looking around, Christina discovered that the other women were also dressed in the same manner. It didn’t take long for her to realize what their job was.

“I heard that the Steele family has declared bankrupt. Did you change careers after failing to stay in the entertainment industry?” Christina sneered.

The Steele family provided Emilia with the best of everything. She had the opportunity to attend ballet classes and music classes. She only wears the most beautiful clothes. It’s surprising to see her working here as an adult. Miranda did an excellent job raising her daughter, didn’t she?

Emilia felt deeply humiliated about her family’s bankruptcy. She was unable to control her temper, so her anger flared up instantly when Christina provoked her.

“Christina, it was your fault that my parents got a divorce! You’re nothing but a jinx and b*tch!” Her eyes turned red as she bit back the urge to rip Christina into shreds.

It was all Christina’s fault that I ended up here!

“My fault? I don’t think so. What goes around comes around. Back then, your mother and you destroyed my family, and now you’re getting a taste of your own medicine,” Christina retorted coolly, her words laced with a hint of satisfaction.

She wasn’t about to waste her time arguing with Emilia. The sight of Emilia throwing away her self- respect only reaffirmed Christina’s belief that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Emilia and Miranda’s past cruelty, almost taking her life on several occasions, had left a deep scar. Christina knew better than to have any sympathy for them.

After putting the bag down, she asked the recipient to sign on the delivery sheet and turned to leave.

Suddenly, Emilia recalled something and marched up to block her path.

“Why are you in such a hurry to leave? There are some of us who would like you to design a gown. Come, assist us with taking our measurements,” Emilia said, her tone laced with mockery.

Christina frowned. She’s suddenly being nice? Clearly, she’s up to something.

“If you are interested in a custom gown, please make an appointment with my company, and we will be happy to assist you from there. I’m afraid I cannot accept private bookings,” Christina responded with polite firmness.

Without a word, Emilia inched nearer to Christina. She pulled out a diamond ring and stuffed it into Christina’s bag discreetly.

-A vicious grin played on her lips when she saw the “stolen item” falling into Christina’s bag.

Christina spun on her heels, ready to leave, when the woman who bought the gown grabbed her arm.

“My diamond ring is gone. No one is allowed to leave this room!” the woman shrieked, clearly

 

Chapter 204

The woman had borrowed the diamond ring worth tens of millions from a “client,” so she would be doomed if she were to lose it.

Christina wrenched her hands away and retorted sharply, “What does your lost diamond ring have to do with me? I never even went near your dressing table.”

Seeing that, Emilia swiftly summoned their manager and instructed them to call the police.

It was evident that she intended to create a scene and attract as much attention as possible.

“Klaudia, don’t trust her. She has a history of stealing things since we were young. I remember she even stole one of my bracelets,” Emilia said, trying to discredit Christina.

Christina’s anger flared. “Nonsense!”

It was Emilia who had cunningly slipped the bracelet into Christina’s bag when they were young, making it seem as if Christina was the one who stole it.

After that, Emilia complained to Miranda, who locked her up in the dark for a few days.

Christina was breathless with anger when she recalled the past incident.

Right then, the hotel manager and police arrived.

“Officer, this woman has stolen my colleague’s ring! You must arrest her immediately. If Radiant Corporation discovers that you’re a thief, they will terminate your employment. The entire design

industry will shun you, and finding work with a criminal record will be impossible!” Emilia swiftly stepped forward, accusing Christina of theft.

Emilia’s goal was to destroy Christina’s reputation.

Christina’s gaze turned dark. “Why am I the only one being singled out for a search? Everyone present should be subjected to a search,” she insisted, refusing to be singled out for the search.

Soon, the police officer got a female officer to pat them down.

Christina was forced to be the first one to get patted down.

Emilia fixed a gloating gaze on her, prepared to give a scathing remark when the ring was found in her bag.

The female police officer diligently rummaged through Christina’s bag and thoroughly patted her down, but to everyone’s surprise, the ring was nowhere to be found.

Emilia’s eyes widened in shock.

“Impossible! That ring was in Christina’s-

Christina shot her an icy glare and grinned. “In my what? Did you intentionally put it in my bag? Just so you know, framing someone else is also a crime!”

No matter what evil deed Emilia did, she’ll be punished by the law.

A baffled look crossed Emilia’s face. I put it in her bag myself. Why isn’t it there? Is Christina capable of magic? Or

did she…

A chill ran down Emilia’s spine as she froze in her tracks in fear.

The female police officer proceeded to pat her down.

Cling! A sparkling diamond ring dropped onto the ground from Emilia’s body.

As everyone’s attention turned to the diamond ring, Klaudia, the person who had lost it, quickly walked over and picked it up from the ground. She screamed, “Emilia, you shameless bitch! I knew you were jealous of me. I can’t believe

you stole my ring!”

Emilia paled instantly. “I didn’t steal it. It wasn’t me!”

Klaudia declared furiously, “The ring fell down from your body! We saw that with our own eyes!”

“Well…” Emilia was rendered speechless.

How did Christina manage to return the ring to me?

She couldn’t explain herself, so the female officer decided to bring her back to the police station to question her further.

The commotion was over, and Christina turned to leave without looking back.

Back when Emilia stopped her from leaving and came closer to her on purpose, she had already had her guard up.

Emilia’s trick was pretty obvious as she didn’t zip Christina’s bag after unzipping it. It didn’t take Christina long to discover there was a diamond ring in her bag.

Christina then took the chance to return the ring back to Emilia when they were chatting.

Emilia never knew she’d reap what she sow, huh?

Christina didn’t tell anyone about the commotion when she returned to Radiant Corporation.

When it was almost time to get off work, she received a call from Julia. “Christina, come for dinner at the Hadley residence with Nathaniel tonight.”

Christina was pleasantly surprised, as it was usually Julia who informed Nathaniel, who would then relay. the message to her. “Certainly, Mrs. Hadley.”

Julia grunted in response and ended the call without saying anything else.

It had been some time since Christina had last paid a visit to the Hadley residence. After getting off work, she went to a nearby shopping mall to buy some gifts.

The Hadley residence was well–equipped, but she couldn’t show up every time empty–handed.

She carefully selected several high–quality herbs, including ginseng, and proceeded to pay for her purchases using Nathaniel’s credit card.

After that, she headed to the exit to see Nathaniel’s car parked outside. He had been waiting for her. Sebastian got out of the car to help her put the shopping bags in the trunk. He then opened the door,

gesturing for her to get into the car.

When they arrived at the Hadley residence, Christina grabbed her shopping bags from the trunk. Helen quickly approached and offered to take the bags from her. With a smile, Helen said, “Mrs. Hadley, look at what Christina brought! She always brings such thoughtful gifts. She’s such a well–behaved young lady.”

Christina and Nathaniel entered the house after her.

Sierra was also there.

It was an awkward encounter, but Christina still greeted them politely, “Hello, Mrs. Hadley. Hello, Aunt

Sierra.”

Sierra folded her arms and let out a cold snort. “How amusing. You address me as Aunt Sierra but refer to Nathaniel’s mother as Mrs. Hadley. One would think we come from separate families if they didn’t know. any better.

Christina’s cheeks turned pink. Julia didn’t allow her to address her as Mom, so she didn’t want to embarrass herself by doing so.

Julia placed her cup down gracefully and spared Christina a look. “You should call me Mom from now on.”

“Julia, that is…” Sierra gaped in disbelief. She had wanted to embarrass Christina instead of helping them. mend their relationship.

A smile nudged Julia’s lips. “You said we sound like different families, right? Changing her form of address will avoid that kind of misunderstanding.”

Christina belatedly understood Julia’s intention and quickly called, “Mom”

“Good. Come, let’s have dinner.”

As Julia led Sierra to the dining room, the latter asked, “Julia, how could you accept that brat?”

“Why not? She doesn’t have any evil intentions.”

Julia’s original aspiration was for her son to marry a high–society woman, but now her only wish was for him to find happiness in his personal life.

Despite her displeasure, Sierra said nothing else.

Not long after they sat down, Charlie came home.

Sierra turned to look at him. “Charlie, where have you been?”

“I went to meet a client.”

As Charlic entered the dining room, Christina stood up and greeted him politely. At that moment, she caught a whiff of a woman’s perfume that filled her nostrils.

Clearly, the perfume didn’t belong to Julia.

Charlie gave her a curt nod and told her to sit down for dinner.

During dinner, the conversation was sparse, with the exception of Sierra, who chattered on as usual. The rest remained relatively silent. Once the meal concluded, Julia and Sierra decided to take a stroll together.

Charlie went to the balcony to talk on the phone.

“Charlie, my head feels dizzy. I feel horrible. Can you come over and keep me company?” Linda whined. on the other end of the line.

Charlie might’ve moved out of Yeatder Villa, but she still held hopes that he would come back to her.

She had clung to him for years and refused to give up just yet.

Charlie was stumped. Linda might be at fault, but he wasn’t that heartless.

“I visited you at the hospital this noon, right? The doctor said you should get some rest. You’ll be fine.”

Linda insisted. “Charlie, but my stomach hurts a lot. You know how that feels, right? Can’t you come and visit me now?“

Chapter 205

Linda appeared to have consumed something bad, causing her stomach to ache, so she went to the hospital.

She had no relatives in Jadeborough, so Charlie rushed to the hospital to check on her after hearing the

news.

He comforted her for a while before returning horne.

After finishing his meal, Linda called again, urging him to come over.

Charlie had already promised Felicia that he would never see Linda again, but he couldn’t help but be concerned when he heard that his ex–lover was ill.

“Dad, I bought a lot of fruit. Do you want to have some with us?” Christina’s sweet voice sounded.

Charlie turned his head around. “Sure.”

Then, he said a few more sentences to the person on the other end of the phone before hanging up. He exited the living room and sat down with Christina and Nathaniel to eat some fruits.

Julia and Sierra happened to return from a walk, and they all sat down together to have some coffee. During that period, Linda called a few more times, but Charlie rejected the calls.

His actions caught Julia’s attention.

She had caught whiffs of a feminine scent on him when he entered the house, and now his phone was ringing nonstop.

Julia’s facial expression gradually darkened.)

Christina, who was munching on some snacks, casually asked with feigned curiosity, “Dad, why aren’t you answering the phone? Is it Ms. Macall looking for you?”

She figured Linda was a scheming woman and wouldn’t want to admit defeat.

Charlie sighed softly. “Linda has no relatives here, and Francis has gone to film. It’s inconvenient for her to stay alone in the hospital when she’s sick.”

In fact, he didn’t have any ulterior motives. He merely wanted to care for Linda since they had a history together.

Sierra, sitting at one side, sneered, “I think you’re just reluctant to let go of that vixen.”

She knew very well how many years Charlie had left home for Linda.

“How can you say that?” Charlie glared at his sister. Why is she adding fuel to the fire at this time?

Noticing the hints of anger lacing Julia’s visage, Charlie swiftly added, “I won’t break my promise to Mom, so you can quit doubting me.”

He had already knelt by his mother’s bedside and promised her that he wouldn’t spend his life with Linda anymore, but he couldn’t ignore her current plight.

Christina could sense his dilemma, so she took the initiative and said, “How about this, Dad? I was acquainted with Ms. Macall before, so why don’t I go to the hospital to take care of her from now on? That way, you can focus on your work.”

Charlie nodded in agreement. This daughter–in–law of mine is so sensible, helping me resolve this problem in no

time.

“All right. Please help me care for her in the future. That way, I won’t have to travel back and forth and can spend more time at home.”

Christina flashed a dazzling smile. “Okay. Leave it to me, Dad.”

Naturally, Julia fathomed Christina’s intention. The expression in her eyes turned significantly gentler.

After dinner, the family saw Christina and Nathaniel off, watching them leave in the car.

It was only after the car had disappeared from view that Sierra expressed her dissatisfaction. “Julia, is it worth it for you to treat Christina that well? Don’t tell me you’ve really accepted her as your daughter– in-”

law?”

Sierra knew for a woman from a prestigious family like Julia, finding a partner with matching family background for her son was of utmost importance.

Julia watched the car disappear in the distance in silence. A pensive look flashed across her countenance. Let’s hope Christina won’t disappoint me.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside the car was inexplicably tense.

Christina could clearly sense Nathaniel’s gloominess despite his poker face.

He usually wouldn’t let his emotions show, but after spending a long time together, she could tell whenever he was mad because his aura would intensify.

She looked up and leaned closer to him. “Nathaniel, are you angry?”

He was fine before hearing that question, but once she asked, his expression instantly turned a few shades darker.

Nathaniel gazed down and saw her innocent face. He stretched out his long arm and gently scooped her into his embrace.

“Why did you agree to take care of Linda? Is it because you want to meet with Francis?”

Listening to his steely tone, Christina finally understood why he was enraged. He thinks I want to get in touch with Francis…

Christina was initially a little infuriated to be misunderstood, but at the sight of Nathaniel’s exquisite facial features, she couldn’t bring herself to stay mad.

She pouted and explained, “You’re falsely accusing me. Didn’t you see Mom getting upset when Dad wanted to visit Linda?” That was why I volunteered to undertake this “responsibility.” Didn’t Nathaniel notice my “great sacrifice“?

Nathaniel snorted indifferently. “Nope.”

She eyed him begrudgingly. I shouldn’t have placed so much hope in him. He has never been able to grasp the

subtle changes in others‘ emotions when it comes to romantic relationships.

She had no choice but to expound her intentions to him.

Finally, Nathaniel wrapped his mind around the situation. Nonetheless, he also gave her an order, forbidding her from staying more than half an hour.

“Fine. I’ll listen to you. Can you stop being angry now?” Christina replied sulkily.

Hearing the satisfactory answer, he curled his lips into a smile. “Good girl.”

Nathaniel pinched her chin and lifted her face. Then, he lowered his head slightly and kissed her soft lips.

Christina had always felt he was assertive and even a little domineering at times, but it was precisely that character of his that captivated her, making her infatuated.

After work, Christina went to the hospital according to the address given to her by Charlie.

When she pushed open the door to the VIP ward, she didn’t smell the usual scent of disinfectant. Instead, the fragrance of perfume wafted into her nose. Does a sick person still have the mood to wear perfume?

Linda thought Charlie had come, so she hastily lay on the bed and pretended to be weak.

Christina almost laughed in amusement at the sight of her comical actions. “Ms. Macall, it’s me.”

Linda furrowed her brows and was instantly disappointed. She immediately sat up on the bed, showing no sign of a patient’s fragility.

“Why

are you here? Where’s Charlie?” Linda was beside herself with rage when she saw Christina.

She suddenly felt her chest tighten, and even her breathing became labored. Her voice was filled with disdain when she spoke.

Christina placed the fruit basket on the bedside table. “Dad and Mom are busy, so they asked me to visit you on their behalf.”

Hearing that, Linda flipped out and shoved the fruits to the floor.

Wrath churned in her eyes as she glared at Christina and snorted. “I don’t need you to come and visit me. If you hadn’t deliberately framed me, would I need to pretend to be sick now, you damn brat!”

Since the incident at Felicia’s residence, Charlie had become utterly disappointed in her.

In the past, he would stay by her bedside when she was sick, but now everything had changed.

Linda couldn’t accept it.

Christina chuckled and replied casually, “Ms. Macall, you’re being unreasonable. I didn’t frame you at all. It’s more like your plan backfired!”

Chapter 206

Linda was livid. I’ve underestimated this brat. She looks innocent, but she’s not a fool.

Christina picked up the fruits on the ground and returned them to their original place. “Since you appear to be in good health and don’t seem like a patient, Ms. Macall, I can go back now.”

Seeing that the younger woman was about to leave, Linda girl could not help but scoff. “Don’t think that Julia will accept you simply because you helped her. Don’t be naive.”

Christina froze in her tracks.

Her reaction told Linda that she was right on the money, and she continued, “Do you know why I couldn’t officially enter the Hadley family even after so many years? It’s because I’m from a lower social class. Julia comes from a prominent family, and what they look down on most are people from the lowest class of society. If she did accept you, why hasn’t she brought you to any of her circle’s events? She still doesn’t acknowledge you as her daughter–in–law at the end of the day. You and I are the same, Christina. Like me, you’ll never be accepted by them!”

Christina was a little upset by her words, but she quickly put on a smile. “You’re wrong. We’re not the

same.”

Linda’s pupils dilated slightly. She could not understand Christina’s words, but by the time she regained her senses and wanted to inquire further, the latter had already left the room.

The blinding sunlight outside seemed as if it could dispel one’s innermost thoughts.

Christina knew she was different from Linda. Everything the latter did was geared toward marrying into an affluent family, whereas she did it for Nathaniel.

All she wanted was for him to have a complete family and to make him happy.

My own family is so shattered that none of its pieces can be reassembled. I know how painful it is…

Upon returning to Radiant Corporation, Christina began working and did not think of anything else.

Shelley knocked on the door before entering. “Ms. Steele, Ms. Tanner would like you to revise these designs. The new collection will be released soon.”

The release of new collections in Radiant Corporation’s stores was the fastest in the industry.

Since Christina was in charge of the design drawing for the upcoming season, she had to create a template before the textile factory could ship it.

She took the design drawing from Shelley, picked up her pencil, and started revising it.

Shelley stood beside her and observed her work. While watching intently, she voiced her thoughts curiously, “Ms. Steele, I find that some design points and elements between you and Ada are very similar.”

Ada?

Christina put her pencil down and looked at Shelley. “You know Ada?”

“Of course. She’s an incredible designer. She previously worked in a studio but left for some reason.” Shelley said.

Her eyes sparkled when she spoke of Ada, the typical expression of an admirer.

The corner of Christina’s mouth quirked up, and she said in her melodious voice, “I remember that her works are very few. How have you seen her designs?”

“That’s because the owner of the studio is my aunt, so it’s easy for me to see them. I keep every design draft Ada created in the studio,” Shelley said confidently.

Christina’s gaze darkened when she heard that.

I see. So Hannah gave my design drawings to someone else behind my back….

Christina felt as if someone had stabbed her in the chest. She had once thought that Hannah was very good to her. When the latter invited her to join her studio, she had sworn to keep her identity a secret and even stated that her design drawings would be exclusively hers.

“Are you also a fan of Ada, Ms. Steele?” Shelley asked curiously.

Christina snapped out of her reverie with a faint smile devoid of emotion. “You could say that. She is a good designer.”

“Those are my collection. I’ll send them to you when I go back.”

With that, Shelley walked away cheerfully.

Christina let out a soft sigh. She decided at that precise moment not to create any further work under the name Ada.

Just before getting off work, Christina received a call from Charlie.

“Linda said that she’s feeling unwell. Can you go to the hospital again and check on her?”

Christina knitted her brows. Wasn’t she still energetic when I went to see her in the morning?

“All right, Dad. I’ll head over now.”

She packed her things and went to the hospital.

In the ward, Linda’s demeanor was drastically different from the morning.

She was lying on the bed, dressed in a hospital gown, and looked displeased when she saw that the person who came was Christina. “Hurry up. Take a picture of my sickly appearance and show it to Charlie. I’m seriously ill.”

Christina gave her an incredulous stare. “You seem quite well to me. You don’t appear to be sick at all, Ms. Macall.”

She truly could not stand Linda. Why does she bother doing this when Charlie no longer wants to look after her?

After a while, a nurse came in and called Linda to go for an MRI scan.

Linda immediately put on an act. “Come here and help me there.”

There’s nothing wrong with her body, yet she had to put on such a show.

Christina had no choice but to assist Linda and wheel her to the examination room as though she was

attending to a spoiled young lady.

Linda kept her busy until night.

After the examination, Linda would not let Christina leave as she wanted the latter to accompany her.

“If you dare to leave, I’ll call Charlie and tell him that you’re not doing your job at all.”

At that moment, Christina profoundly empathized with Charlie’s helplessness. A bedeviling person like her is indeed troublesome.

There was nothing she could do but stay until Linda had fallen asleep before leaving.

In the end, it was Christina who fell asleep instead of Linda.

Linda took out her phone and snapped a photo of Christina sleeping by the bed. This brat isn’t stupid. IfI have her on my side, I can surely get back together with Charlie.

At that thought, an idea popped up in her mind. Immediately after, her lips curved into a sly grin.

Only after he was done filming the drama did Francis rush to the hospital in the wee hours of the morning.

He spotted Christina’s slender figure sprawled on the hospital bed as soon as he entered the room. Why is

she here?

Linda had not seen him in a long time, so she immediately got out of bed and approached him. “My darling son, you’re finally here. I’ve missed you.”

“You’re not sick?” Francis noticed that his mother was in good spirits and could even smile. She was nothing near seriously ill as he had heard over the phone.

Linda smiled slightly. “If I didn’t say that, would you have come over? Would your dad have cared about me? I can’t let him go back to Julia.”

“Mom, you and her have fought for Dad for so many years, and you still can’t stop?” Francis held his mother’s hand. “I can make money now and also give you a good life. You need not live at the mercy others.”

of

There was a period when the Hadley family ruthlessly suppressed him and Linda when they discovered his existence in the past.

That painful experience remained vivid in his memory.

Nathaniel grew up not acknowledging his existence and had discreetly given him pressure when he appeared on–screen.

Nathaniel doesn’t want people to know that he has an illegitimate younger brother. It’s a stain in his otherwise glorious life.

Linda had a gloomy look in her eyes. “I’ve sacrificed so much. There’s no way I’m giving up like that. Don’t forget how your unborn younger sister died!”

 

Chapter 207

That year, Francis was barely ten. His mother, Linda, heavy with child, had just returned home from a prenatal checkup.

Julia bribed the butler and managed to enter the house.

The wife and mistress engaged in a heated argument the moment they saw each other.

Julia stood at the top of the staircase and admonished Linda, “You’re truly shameless. Do you really think bearing a child for Charlie is enough for you to take my place?”

“I don’t need to force you out of the family. The fact that Charlie chooses to be with me is all that matters,” the heavily pregnant Linda said, a hint of smugness dancing in her eyes.

What could possibly wound Julia more than snatching her man away?

Linda reveled in the sight of the Hanks family’s once high and mighty daughter crumbling under the insult delivered by a commoner such as herself. At this moment, she realized that titles didn’t matter at all.

Julia trembled, the rage boiling within her evident in her quivering gaze.

“Linda, to think I once considered you a good friend. Had I known this would happen, I would never have defended you against those insults. I would have allowed those ruffians to ravage you. Then you wouldn’t dare to act all high and mighty in front of me,” Julia spat. Her eyes then darkened as her tone turned frigid. “Do you think you can be a part of the Hadley family just like this? I could take your illegitimate child back to the Hadley family and separate you from your child. Don’t worry. I will take good care of your son and make sure he grows up just fine!”

Her words made Linda’s heart skip a beat, for Linda knew that Julia was taunting her.

How could Julia, who loathed her so, possibly treat her child well?

In a panic, Linda grasped Julia’s shirt and yelled like a mad woman, “I will never hand my son over to you! You will not separate us!”

“What do you think you’re doing? Let me go!” Julia shouted.

Standing by the staircase, the young Francis observed the two quarreling women.

Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed through the house, and Linda tumbled down the stairs, blood seeping from her body.

Although she was rushed to the hospital, her unborn child couldn’t be saved.

Having suffered the physical trauma, Linda would never be able to conceive again.

This tragedy had been a constant source of pain for Linda, and she was willing to endure the

condemnation rather than let Julia enjoy her life.

Francis stayed silent for a while. A cold gust of wind stirred him from his thoughts. Bending slightly, he lifted his mother into his arms. “It’s late. You should rest.”

Christina heard the sound, opened her eyes, and saw Linda with tears clinging to her lashes.

“Ms. Macall, are you not feeling well?” Christina asked with concern.

“Mom wants to rest. Let’s not disturb her,” Francis said, tucking the blanket around Linda before leading Christina away.

Francis drove along the city streets.

Patches of silvery moonlight filtered through the branches, casting a melancholic glow on his handsome face. His androgynous features, strikingly cold yet enticingly soft, had been a boon to his acting career.

The recent film release was met with rave reviews, and as if by magic, his net worth had multiplied overnight.

In a soft voice, Christina said, “Perhaps it’s best if you don’t see me off. Why don’t you head back early and catch up on some rest?”

“Concerned about me, are you?” Francis‘ lips curled into a faint smile.

Christina huffed, avoiding his gaze, and crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re reading too much into it.”

Is it necessary for our casual conversation to be laced with such ambiguous tension?

Francis was charmed by the sight of her flustered state, especially when her face flushed a delicate rosy hue, like a ripe little apple.

Suddenly, the car came to an abrupt stop.

Christina lurched forward, nearly colliding with the windshield.

She was about to voice her irritation when she caught sight of Francis‘ handsome features turning deathly pale as an agonized frown creased his forehead.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“My heart hurts,” Francis said, grimacing in pain.

“Really? A few harsh words, and you’re clutching at your chest? Can you be any more delicate?” Christina teased, not realizing the gravity of the situation.

Why do both the son and mother like to feign illness?

Francis clutched at his chest, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. “There’s a bottle of medicine in the glove compartment. Get it for me,” he muttered in pain.

Christina finally noticed the alarming pallor of his face and the purplish hue on his lips. Only then did she realize that he wasn’t just being dramatic.

She quickly opened the glove compartment to look for his medicine, and there was indeed a bottle of metoprolol,

It was a medication used for treating heart conditions.

Christina opened the bottle, to which Francis immediately popped a few pills into his mouth.

“Drink some water,” Christina said, offering her thermos flask.

-It took some time before Francis finally returned to his normal self.

“Did I frighten you?” he asked. His pallor complexion was now replaced by a melancholic look.

Christina was truly startled. Who could have guessed that the enigmatic and charismatic Francis suffered from a heart condition?

She had seen him perform demanding stunts in films. Wouldn’t that affect his healthy

“How did you come to have a heart condition?” Christina asked.

Francis turned to regard her and spoke with an air of resigned acceptance. “When I was young, I trained. alongside Nathaniel. Once, during a physical training session, I was pushed and I fell, injuring my heart. I’ve had this condition ever since.”

After all, for some time, he had also been trained to become the heir of Hadley Corporation.

Christina was stumped by this revelation.

She wouldn’t have believed that Francis had a heart condition if she hadn’t just witnessed his attack firsthand.

She felt a pang of guilt for having misunderstood him earlier.

Gently ruffling her hair, Francis reassured her tenderly, “Don’t worry. I’m not about to drop dead.”

Christina wavered. The sincere look in his eyes had moved her.

She averted her gaze and swatted away his hand. “If you don’t take care of your own health, who will?”

Francis‘ lips curled into a smile. “You will. Ever since spending that night with you in the pit, my heart condition has been acting up more frequently.”

“Don’t blame me on this. I’m not covering your medical expenses,” Christina retorted, her voice faltering slightly.

Francis chuckled. The sight of her never failed to lighten his mood.

Shaking off his thoughts, he started the car and drove away.

It was already midnight when Christina returned to Scenic Garden Manor.

Nathaniel had yet to return, likely entangled in work affairs.

After a soothing bath, Christina nestled into the welcoming embrace of her bed and drifted off to sleep.

Morning light streamed through the window. Christina awoke to find herself nestled against a comforting warmth.

She shifted slightly, and a rush of warm breath caressed her ear.

Christina opened her eyes and took in the sight of the man’s flawless handsome visage. She couldn’t help. but be stirred by the enticing sight as a flurry of emotions flooded her heart.

Turning over, she cuddled deeper into his arms. “When did you get back?”

Nathaniel gently stroked her hair, his voice a soothing baritone. “When you fell asleep.

His work had been demanding of late, often keeping him out until midnight.

Christina traced a finger gently over the dark circles under his eyes. “You’ve been staying up too late recently. I’m off today, so why don’t we sleep in a bit more?”

As she finished, she buried her head deeper in his chest, hugging him tightly as though afraid he would get up to work again.

Chapter 208

The two of them lay in bed until it was almost noon.

Christina had to attend a cocktail party held by designers after the meal, so she went upstairs to get changed after telling Nathaniel about it.

The cocktail party was held on the highest floor of a high–end hotel in Jadeborough.

Right as Christina stepped into the area, she noticed many familiar faces. Anna, who was in a champagne- colored dress, walked over to Christina.

She held Christina’s hand and said with a smile, “Quite many designers have come today. Let me introduce you to Ms. Timeton.”

Heidi Timeton was the daughter of the Timeton family, and she had recently taken over her father’s clothing company.

Timeton Clothing was rather well–known in the industry. The company had managed to steady its businesses despite the turmoils in the industry, and that was a sign of its capability.

However, Christina did not think too well about it.

Still, Anna seemed enthusiastic about the introduction, so Christina did not stop her.

“This is Christina Steele. She’s the one behind the trending clothing and dresses of Radiant Corporation,” Anna proudly introduced.

A few people began studying Christina. She’s young, but the young ones are truly impressive nowadays.

Christina responded with a small smile before her attention was attracted by Heidi. Heidi was wearing a customized fur coat that was worth millions,

Christina immediately deduced that Heidi had to be someone of significance.

After a brief small talk, Christina left.

Those people were managers in the company, and they did not click that well with the designers.

Anna hooked her arm around Christina’s and chuckled. “Christina, Ms. Timeton, seems nice, doesn’t she? To be honest, she was thinking of asking you to join her company, and she’s offering a salary several times more than what Radiant Corporation offers you now.”

Christina had already deduced that those people she had talked to a while ago were no ordinary people. She asked Anna, “When did you become a headhunter instead?”

Anna let out a sheepish chuckle. “Ms. Timeton told me that she’s going to open a studio for me as long as I can complete the tasks she assigns me every month. She won’t even forbid me from taking personal projects.

For an entrepreneur, the opportunity of getting paid while obtaining a studio without any costs was something one should not let slip by.

However, instead of getting tempted, Christina reminded, “You’ve been working in this industry longer than me. You should have heard of the Timetons‘ business style. Ms. Timeton is a businesswoman, and craftiness is her second nature. How could she possibly give you such good terms without asking for

anything in return? Moreover, the Timetons are always stealing other people’s designs and pushing the blame on their designers if anything goes wrong. A handful of their designers have already been

imprisoned because of this. I’d say it’s best to stay away from someone like her.”

That was why the Timeton family had been able to keep their company afloat even after the storm.

Their favorite move was to steal other companies‘ best–selling designs, change the branding and make slight edits before selling those designs as theirs.

Many smaller companies that were not as influential as they ended up getting kicked out of the fashion industry because of this.

As a designer, Christina looked down on sly people like them the most.

Anna’s expression darkened a little. “That’s in the past now. Ms. Timeton is an understanding woman, and she definitely won’t do something like this. Moreover, she just said that she appreciated original designs most than the others.”

Knowing that she could not persuade Anna otherwise, Christina muttered, “Well, just mull over this yourself. I won’t be joining her company.”

After a while of chatting, Christina left. To each their own.

It was up to Anna to choose whether to change a company, and all Christina could do as her friend was to give her a piece of advice.

While Christina was chatting with a designer she had just met, she heard someone crying out, “You’re the mysterious Ms. Ada?”

The name Ada caught Christina’s attention. Did someone just figure out my identity?

Right as she turned around in confusion, she spotted a few designers huddling around a woman in a black dress, talking to her with admiration bright in their eyes.

Christina curiously walked over to them. The closer she walked to them, the clearer she heard their conversation.

“Ms. Ada, I really like your work!”

“May we please have your autograph?”

“Will you be coming up with a new design? I’m waiting to worship your latest design!”

The woman smiled shyly. “I’m almost done. You’ll be able to buy it in Radiant Corporation’s flagship store when it’s released.”

Christina took a few steps closer and finally recognized who the self–proclaimed Ada was.

It was Shelley.

Shelley was showing off Christina’s design drafts on a tablet.

Christina could not believe that someone would have the guts to show off what they had stolen, and it was her first time encountering someone that shameless.

“You’re Ada?” she questioned.

Shelley froze. It was her habit to make Ada’s works as her tablet and phone wallpapers. She had never thought one of the designers would recognize Ada’s works and ask for her autograph and mistake her for

Ada.

< ū

Shelley had momentarily been dazed by the compliment. It had been a long time since she studied design, and she had been working hard to gain someone’s recognition.

In her prideful daze, she had decided to not correct the designer’s mistake and accept the compliment.

Then, when she saw Christina, she stiffened in guilt.

“I’m sorry, but I have something to attend to, so let’s talk another time.” With that, she rushed off.

Christina ran after her.

The two of them tugged each other and struggled for a while before entering the stairwell. When their gazes met, the air turned awkward.

“Why did you lie to them? You know you’re not Ada,” Christina said.

Flying into a rage out of humiliation, Shelley said, “Who told you I’m not Ada? Are you Ada? Why don’t you get Ada to confront me instead?”

Shelley had memorized Ada’s design style, and she was capable of replicating her style in design drawings.

After a moment of hesitation, Christina decided to come clean to Shelley about her identity. However, just as she was about to speak, a janitor came in and interrupted their conversation.

With a scoff, Shelley lifted the ends of her dress and left.

Christina wanted to call out to Shelley, but the latter was already gone.

Christina did not mind someone impersonating her. She just did not wish to see Shelley, who was only at the start of her career, walk down the wrong path.

Stealing another designer’s identity was illegal.

Those who relished in others‘ achievements would only end up losing their own identity.

Christina thought that Shelley would stop the chaos after that night, but something else happened the next day.

Early in the morning, Gina came into Christina’s office after her meeting.

“You need to pause your designs for the current season. The higher–ups said that they were going to let Shelley take over the season’s designs. From now on, she’s no longer your assistant.”

Christina was taken aback, but she soon asked, “What kind of relationship does Shelley have with Mr. Sacchetti?”

She had to be someone important to be able to skip the probation period in less than three months to become the designer of the latest season.

 

Chapter 209

Gina did not hide anything from her as she said, “Shelley’s Mr. Sacchetti’s younger cousin.”

Christina arched a brow and realized what was going on. “So she was the one who decided to work with me?”

“Yes. The higher–ups told me to arrange for her to work with you.” Gina seemed exasperated, for she had not expected Shelley to switch roles so quickly.

Christina seemed unfazed, however. “Time can’t restrain those who can work well. You were just doing your job.”

Meanwhile, chaos was unfolding outside the office.

Shelley had to have a powerful background to rise to such heights despite only being a simple assistant.

What the people were focused most about at the moment were Shelley’s designs. As the people crowded around each other, they began chatting.

“Aren’t her designs too much like Ms. Steele’s?”

“They’re even using the same common elements.”

“Isn’t Shelley just copying her?”

Just then, Shelley entered the office, her heels clacking behind her. She seemed haughty as she raked her gaze across the office as if she was searching for the perfect product in a luxury goods store. In the end, her gaze landed on Anna.

“You. Be my assistant.”

Anna was livid. She was an old employee in the company and had a relatively high position among the designers. How could she possibly be an assistant’s assistant?

“I have a handful of work I need to deal with recently. I’m afraid I won’t be able to do the job well, Anna rejected icily.

To her surprise, Shelley was ruthless. “Stop acting all high and mighty. You used to be Ms. Steele’s assistant too. Weren’t you buttering her up all the time? You should appreciate the opportunity I’m presenting to you.”

Shelley even deliberately dragged her last word in mockery.

Anna’s face turned bright red, and she jumped to her feet. “What are you trying to say, Shelley? I’m willing to work for Ms. Steele because she’s capable, but are you as capable as her to make others willing to follow you?”

She had decided to work for Christina because she wanted to find out the limits of Christina’s capabilities. After that, it was because she felt that Christina was someone worth working for.

On the other hand, Shelley only wanted Anna to work for her to assert her dominance in the office. People who resorted to trickery were people Anna looked down upon.

Anna’s responses made Shelley’s expression change. “Just wait and see if I’m capable or not. The latest season’s clothing is about to go on the market, and my designs will sell as well as Christina’s. But if you

dare to reject me now, I’m going to get Ms. Tanner to deliver you a warning letter!”

Right as Christina was about to intervene in the argument, Anna, who was livid, took off her work identification pass and threw it on her desk. “You don’t need to hand me the letter. I quit!”

Having said that, she stormed out.

Christina dashed after her. “Anna, you don’t need to do this. I’ll explain this to Ms. Tanner.”

“It’s fine, Christina. I’m glad to have a coworker as sweet as you. I’ve already been thinking about changing companies. This is just the last straw.” A relief look crossed Anna’s face. “I wanted to humiliate her and let her know that taking shortcuts will only make others look down on her. Take care of yourself and be careful now that I’m no longer in Radiant Corporation.”

Anna felt that Christina was far too naive. She was always worried about others, and she always forgot to take care of herself.

Despite the reluctance, Christina could not find any reason to make Anna stay.

She could only give her blessings to Anna for her departure from Radiant Corporation.

After Anna’s incident, Shelley picked another person as her assistant and left with her new assistant.

A week later, Shelley’s designs entered the market.

However, her designs were far too similar to the designs Christina had released a few editions before, and that included the elements and style.

The sales were not great, but it was not terrible.

Nevertheless, Radiant Corporation’s staff knew what the situation was–Shelley had simply designed by combining Christina’s previous designs.

How could that be considered an original design?

Still, no one dared to voice a word about it. They had to keep their comments inside them, for Shelley was Zachary’s cousin.

Zachary was rather satisfied with the sales, however.

Recently, Radiant Corporation and Timeton Group had jointly organized the next season’s dress exhibition, and Zachary had given Shelley the role of lead designer.

“Good job, Shelley. Keep up the good work,” Zachary said with a smile and patted her on her shoulder.

Blinded by her slight achievement, Shelley began thinking that she was on par with Christina in terms of design.

“Don’t worry, Zachary. Leave this to me. I’ll come up with the design drawings in less than a week.”

When Christina saw Shelley’s design on the official website, she was not at all threatened.

She thought Shelley was going to present something far more impressive, but as it turned out, Shelley could only copy her ideas.

Before getting off work, Christina received a call from Linda. “I’m going to be at a cocktail party. Change

into some nicer clothes and come with me.”

“I just got off work. I’m not free.”

Right as Christina was about to end the call, Linda hastily said, “If you’re not free, I’m going to have to get Charlie to keep me company instead. I’m sure he has all the time in the world right now.”

This again?

“Send me the address, and I’ll be there as soon as possible.”

Having achieved her goal, Linda could not help but chuckle. “You better hurry.”

Once the call ended, Christina received the address.

She could not wrap her head around why wives of wealthy men were so free to hold cocktail parties all the time.

Christina changed into a fitting black dress with a mermaid tail. It accentuated her figure so flawlessly that she almost looked like the messenger of the goddess of beauty.

After that, Christina headed to the location.

The second she stepped inside, Linda came over to tow her inward.

Christina uttered, “Ms. Macall, didn’t you just recover from your illness? Why don’t I accompany you home to rest instead?”

“I’ve been stuck in the hospital for such a long time. If I stay there any longer, my health is going to deteriorate for good!” Linda protested.

Christina was led into the event hall. The second Linda spotted someone, she started introducing Christina to them. “This is my daughter–in–law. She’s a famous designer.”

The wealthy women could not help but shower Christina with praises.

After all, Christina was an elegant and pretty woman.

However, Christina felt ill at ease hearing her introduction. “Ms. Macall, I don’t think your introduction is quite right.”

Christina did not mind someone introducing her as their daughter–in–law to compete with other families‘ daughters–in–law, but Linda’s introduction would create misunderstandings.

Furthermore, Lindá had been hostile toward her back in the hospital.

Christina had no idea why Linda now seemed like a completely different person.

What is she trying to do this time?

Linda patted her hand and said in a sweet tone, “What are you talking about? I’m Charlie’s second wife, and in the past, my husband’s children should all be mine. Therefore, you are my daughter–in– law.”

Linda seemed to make sense, but not at the same time.

Christina retracted her hand and stiffly rejected, “Ms. Macall, I still don’t think this is a good idea. It’s best

if I go back now.”

“Why are you so stubborn? Julia doesn’t want to acknowledge you as her daughter–in–law, but I do!”

Linda grabbed Christina, not wanting her to slip away. With the excuse of wanting to introduce Christina to the others, she pulled Christina over to her side.

“I’ve heard of people snatching other people’s partners, but I’ve never heard of someone snatching another’s daughter–in–law. Linda Macall, is there anything and anyone you have that you didn’t acquire through underhanded means?”

The second Julia’s stern voice echoed in the area, the atmosphere turned tense.

 

Chapter 210

Linda looked so pretty that no matter where she went, she was the center of attention. Not only was she in good shape, but she also had a beautiful smile. Besides, she looked very elegant because she was a cultured

woman.

However, she was nothing compared to Julia, a woman from a prestigious family.

That evening, Julia was wearing a graceful gown, and she was the embodiment of style and grace. That was definitely something Linda could only wish to have.

It was a face–off between a wife and a mistress. The atmosphere was extremely tense.

“Come here, Christina!” Julia demanded coldly.

Linda crossed her arms and sneered, “Don’t go to her. She doesn’t even respect you, and she doesn’t acknowledge you as her daughter–in–law. It would be shameless of you to do as she said!”

Linda was using Christina to provoke Julia.

Christina gave Linda a troubled look before making her way toward Julia.

Linda saw red when she looked at Christina’s back.

It was a class reunion event that evening, so their ex–classmates all swarmed over.)

In truth, the feud between Julia and Linda had started ever since they were in school. Now that the women. were both adults, they somehow became love rivals.

Before that, Julia had never bothered to attend such events because she didn’t want to see Linda and listen to others gossip about them.

That year, after enduring silently for so many years, Julia made an appearance as a victor.

“When you didn’t have money for food, I shared my lunchbox with you. I even lent you my skirt when you ripped your school uniform. I treated you with kindness as though you were my sister, but you ended up seducing my husband. And now you’re even trying to lure my daughter–in–law away from me. Do you have no shame, Linda?” Julia roared.

Having endured years of getting badmouthed, Linda was unperturbed when she heard those words. She glared at Julia and argued, “Julia, stop pretending to be high and mighty. I was very grateful to you when you sponsored me financially back then. However, you promised you wouldn’t tell others about it. You told me you wouldn’t embarrass me and let others make fun of me.” Linda’s eyes were brimmed with tears. past. “In the end, you told our teacher about it! The teacher then told everyone how generous and kind you were. From then on, I became the butt of everyone’s joke in school!”

when she recalled the

Linda could never forgive Julia for how Julia had humiliated her back then.

After thaj, Linda left school to work instead of finishing her studies. As time went by, she met Charlie, learned that he was Julia’s husband, and everything was history.

Linda swore to ruin Julia’s life because she couldn’t bring herself to see Julia happy.

Julia’s gaze darkened immediately. Back then, that teacher read my diary, told the principal about it, and requested to commend me. I didn’t plan to humiliate her in public!

“Still, you shouldn’t have come after me. A petty person like you will always blame others for everything that goes wrong in your life.”

Julia threw Linda a disdainful glance before leading Christina out of there.

Linda was left in a daze and staring into the void with a glint in her eyes.

In the car, Christina was sitting uneasily because she didn’t know if Julia was mad at her. “Mom, what happened tonight was-”

With an elegant sitting posture, Julia interrupted in a casual yet stern tone, “Keep a close eye on your husband. I don’t want my grandchild to grow up the same way Nathaniel did,”

It was dark in the car, so Christina couldn’t see the emotions in Julia’s eyes when Julia gave her advice.

“I’ll keep that in mind, Mom,” Christina answered.

She acted like an obedient and respectful child, which was why Julia was fond of her.

After their conversation, silence filled the air once again as they made their way back to Scenic Garden

Manor.

Before Christina got out of the car, Julia said, “I’m going to the church this weekend to pray. Come with

me.”

Christina was flattered because Julia had never invited her along before. “Sure, Mom. I’ll be on time.”

“I’ll get the butler to fetch you from Scenic Garden Manor.”

“Okay, then. I’ll go home now.” Christina alighted from the car and waved goodbye in the direction of the

car.

Helen, who was in the passenger seat, turned around and said to Julia, “It seems that Christina has won your heart.”

Julia’s gaze darkened, and with a calm expression, she answered, “I’m not sure about that, but I know she’s a nice girl.”

A nice girl? Christina has finally gotten Mrs. Hadley to like her. It’s so nice to see them living in harmony.

Helen was beaming within.

Christina was humming a tune as she sat on the couch and blew her hair dry, clearly in a good mood.

The hairdryer was loud, so she didn’t hear the door being pushed open.

Nathaniel grabbed her hairdryer from behind, and she turned around to smile at him.

“What are you so happy about?” Nathaniel asked. Sebastian told me Christina was robbed of her position as lead

– designer at Radiant Corporation. What could possibly turn her mood around?

“Mom invited me to go to church with her on Sunday. Say, do you think she no longer hates me?” Christina asked curiously.

Nathaniel was stunned for a while, but he returned to his senses almost instantaneously. “Most probably.”

Nathaniel knew Julia had the habit of going to church to pray, and she would only let the people closest to her keep her company.

Since Mom is willing to bring Christina along, it’s highly likely that she’s starting to accept Christina.

“I think so, too!” Christina giggled adorably.

Once her hair was dried, Nathaniel carried her in his arms and walked toward the bed.

“It’s late. You should go to sleep.”

Christina felt Nathaniel’s hot breath on her forehead.

Why did that feel as though he was building a barrier to keep me safe and sound?

When Christina entered her office the next day, she saw someone flipping through her belongings. suspiciously.

The documents and design drawings had been flipped through, and her desk was in a mess.

With a chilly look in her eyes, Christina asked, “What are you doing?”

Shelley jumped in fright and gazed back at Christina anxiously. “I left a document in your office, so I came to retrieve it.”

“Did you find what you were looking for?” Christina walked up to Shelley. It doesn’t look like she was looking for a document. Instead, it seemed like she was looking for design drawings. She discovered

that I kept my design drawings in my drawer when she was my assistant.

Shelley pretended to remain calm and answered in a slightly hostile tone, “No. Forget about it.”

Upon leaving Christina’s office, Shelley returned to her office, shut the door, and vented her frustration. Prior to this, I told Zachary I would give him my design drawings in a week! One week has gone by, and I still haven’t started drafting my design drawings!