Ch. 471..480
Chapter 471 Insignificant
Christina went into the house and saw Anya waiting for her inside with her arms folded.
She ignored her and walked in.
“Stop right there.”
Christina arched a brow. “What’s up?”
Anya’s gaze darkened. “The financial department told me you asked them for my recent reimbursement and contracts. What are you trying to do?”
Christina was momentarily stunned. She did not expect the news to reach her ears so soon. “It’s just a standard cross-checking procedure. Why are you so nervous?”
“My financial reports are all approved. Why do you need to cross-check them?” Anya asked. her eyes narrowed.
“In that case, why did you come to ask me about it? Are you guilty of something?” Christina scoffed.
Anya was bereft of words.
Seeing that she had nothing else to say, Christina walked away and went upstairs. Judging by Anya’s reaction, it’s obvious that she’s guilty of something. There must be something fishy going on with those financial reports.
Christina only put her guard down after she arrived in her room upstairs.
After taking a shower, she went to bed with her damp hair.
When she woke up the next morning, she felt her head spinning. Back then, Nathaniel would dry my hair for me before I went to bed.
She quickly shook her head. Why am I thinking about him?
Christina changed into a dress and walked out of the room. A housekeeper approached her and said, “Ms. Christina, Mr. Gibson is asking for you. He’s in the study.”
“All right. Thanks” Christina went to the study on the third floor.
Only one of the windows was opened in the study, and it was quite stuffy inside.
He was sitting at his desk and practicing writing, exuding an intimidating and stern aura.
“Did you ask to see me, Dad?” Christina walked in.
Timothy never liked being disturbed, so no one would dare to disrupt his rest on the third. floor unless he asked to see someone.
“Christina, how’s work?” Timothy asked in a deep voice.
Christina walked up to him, got him another pen, and replied, “Not bad.”
Truth be told, Timothy knew everything that had been going on at the office.
He nodded in satisfaction and focused on his writing.
“You’re amazing at this, Dad!” Christina praised.
Timothy put his pen aside and looked at Christina fondly. “Christina, today is your mother’s death anniversary. I think it’s time I bring you to see her.”
Christina’s heart skipped a beat. I mentioned this to Dad plenty of times before. Although he said he would bring me there, he never did. It turns out he’s been waiting for this day.
Timothy and Christina left the house shortly after that, and their driver sent them to the entrance of the cemetery.
Christina pushed Timothy in, and instead of stopping in one of the quiet corners, they stood. in the open. Weirdly enough, the initially good weather had worsened, and clouds were gathering above their heads.
The black-and-white photo on the tombstone showed the face of a graceful woman with gentle facial features.
Christina stared at the photo, and her eyes reddened.
She was filled with sadness.
Looking gloomy, Timothy piped up. “Christina, I think it’s time I tell you that it was the people from Hadley Corporation who murdered your mom back then. And my leg…”
Timothy’s eyes grew grimmer as he spoke.
Christina furrowed her brows. After a short moment of silence, she said, “Dad, that was an accident. That wasn’t a-‘
“You’re wrong.” Timothy proceeded to reveal a secret he had been keeping to himself for
“Gibson Corporation and Hadley Corporation competed for the land rights of years.
Horington back then. The winner would ultimately become stronger in the industry. At that time, Hadley Corporation was having trouble due to the shoddy real estate properties they built. Hence, their reputation took a hit. They committed the cruel act when they realized they were losing out to Gibson Corporation. On that particular day, they invited your mother and me to discuss a deal between the two families. The landslide happened shortly after we arrived at the meeting spot. According to the experts,
the landslide was most probably man-made. Back then, there weren’t any surveillance cameras, so no one was ever caught. Years have since gone by, and I still haven’t avenged your mother. I feel so sorry her.”
Christina could only stare at the photo on the tombstone. She was dumbstruck when she heard about what had happened back then.
After a long while, she finally returned to her senses when she felt her legs going numb. “What do you want me to do, Dad?”
Christina felt an obligation to avenge the Gibson family.
Timothy’s gaze darkened. “I know Hadley Corporation is bidding for the Beluga Bay Resort project. I want you to find out their reserve price so that Gibson Corporation can win the bidding for the project.”
He’s asking me to cheat?
There was a glint in Christina’s eyes. “Okay. I’ll get it done for what they did to Mom, but I don’t want to have anything to do with Hadley Corporation after this.”
“Okay. You have my word,” Timothy assured.
When the two were heading out, they bumped into Yerek at the entrance.
Wearing a black suit and sunglasses, he looked rather dejected as he held a flower bouquet in his hands.
“Hi, Dad,” Yerek greeted.
Timothy nodded in response. Although Yerek wasn’t his biological son, he loved Yerek just as much. He couldn’t give Yerek the company’s shares, but he never considered kicking Yerek out of the Gibson
family.
“Your mom loved you the most when she was around. It’s nice of you to bring her flowers. every year.”
“What I do is insignificant. Dad, I would like to talk to Christina.”
Timothy did not stop him and told the driver to push him away.
Just then, it started drizzling. Yerek and Christina were standing in a corner, but as the wind blew, droplets of rain fell on Christina.
“Hurry up and say what you need to say.” Christina hated Yerek to the core.
Yerek frowned and said, “I know you’re looking into Anya’s accounts. Almost all the executives in the company are in cahoots with her. You ought to be careful.”
Anya had won over the executives in the company, and it would be hard to take them down.
However, instead of trusting Yerek, Christina thought he was playing tricks on her. “What made you think I would trust you? Do you take me for a child, Yerek?”
Yerek heaved a sigh in response. “I know you’re angry at me because of the incident at the clothing factory, but I wasn’t going after you back then. I was targeting Nathaniel.”
Chapter 472 You Have To Believe Me
Silence ensued.
Christina furrowed her brows in frustration, and she was no longer interested in talking to him.
Yerek grabbed her wrist and uttered in a deep voice, “If you’re still angry at me for what happened at the clothing factory, I can pay you back all the money. If I do that, will you hate me less?”
Christina pulled her hand away from his grip and glared at him. “You can pay me back the money, but how about the life you owe me?”
Her tone was so cold that Yerek could feel a chill running down his spine.
“What are you on about? I owe you some money, and that’s it. But you want me to give my life to you?” Yerek was incredulous.
He didn’t know what Christina was talking about.
Christina said sarcastically, “Why, it didn’t take you long to forget about the evil act that you had committed.”
Yerek was still looking at her in puzzlement.
Taking in the innocent look on his face, Christina added, “Don’t look at me like that, and don’t think this is over just because I don’t have proof that you burned my house down.”
“Burn your house down? What nonsense are you talking about?” Yerek knitted his brows. Why is she saying that I burned her house down?
Christina couldn’t suppress her anger. “You will be punished for this, Yerek!” He obviously committed all those despicable acts. However, he’s acting dumb and innocent.
She wanted to leave after saying that, but Yerek wouldn’t let her go. He pulled her hand and said, “Say something that I can understand! I can’t let you accuse me of something I didn’t. do.”
“You investigated me four years ago. You were afraid that I would return to the Gibson family to snatch the right of inheritance from you, so you burned my house down. Did your know my granny died in that fire? Although she wasn’t related to me by blood, she raised me. I was close to her, even closer than my own family.” Christina tried to keep her voice down, but she couldn’t keep her tears from streaming down her cheeks. found your address. But I didn’t start a fire! I was merely collecting your information! I never meant to harm you, Christina. You have to believe me!”
“Believe you? You teamed up with Anya that night to frame me in the office. Are you going to deny that as well?”
Christina never said it out loud, but she remembered everything. She was just waiting for the right moment to take revenge.
Yerek lifted his hand to massage his temple. “Well, I wasn’t heavily involved in that. I employed those people, but I told them not to hurt you. I even went back to look for you after I left, but you were no longer in the office. If you don’t believe me, you can check the surveillance footage.”
Christina went silent, not knowing if Yerek could be trusted.
After all, she never had a good impression of the man.
Yerek heaved a sigh when he noticed her hesitation. “Christina, Hadley Corporation has always been my only target.”
Suddenly, it stopped drizzling, and the place became misty.
Christina kept mum for a while more before turning around to leave.
Upon exiting, she got into the car, and the driver drove off.
On their way back, Christina was staring out the window, daydreaming. All of a sudden, she turned around and asked, “Dad, what do you think of Yerek?”
With a tender look in his eyes, Timothy uttered, “I raised him, so I know he’s a good person. In fact, he never asked me for the company’s shares.”
When Timothy told Yerek that Christina would be receiving the shares, Yerek had no complaints. you “He told me I could only get the company’s shares if I were to marry him, but how did manage to transfer the shares to me, Dad?” Christina asked.
Timothy shook his head and explained, “If you were to marry him, he would receive your mother’s shares. Otherwise, the shares would automatically be transferred to you.”
So he wanted to use this to trick me into marrying him. Luckily, I wasn’t interested in inheriting the shares back then. Otherwise, I would’ve fallen into his trap.
“Don’t worry. No matter what happens, you’ll always have me.” Timothy patted Christina’s hand.
Christina was even more determined to help her father get the project when she saw the sincere look in his eyes.
By the time Christina arrived at her office, there was a huge stack of documents on her desk.
Lina came in with a cup of coffee and put more documents on the desk. “Ms. Steele, you have to go through all of them today. I think you need to pick up your pace.”
“Sure. Please make three copies of this. I need them for the meeting.” Christina flipped open the folders and started working. She had been working intensely recently, so she was a lot quicker than before in going through documents.
If she were to go through documents every day, and each document required thirty minutes, that would be all she could do daily.
In the blink of an eye, working hours were over, and the ringing of a phone tore her away from her thoughts.
It was Sheridan who called her. “We made an appointment to settle the accounts together tonight. You haven’t forgotten about it, have you?”
“Of course not. I’ll finish up and meet you later.”
Sheridan chuckled in response. “Hold your horses. Let’s have dinner after work so that we’ll have the energy to work afterward.”
“You’re right. Dinner’s on me!” Christina knew he was working overtime for her sake. She felt it was only right to buy him dinner.
“As long as we can have a pleasant meal together, it doesn’t matter who pays for dinner. I’ll fetch you after work.”
“All right. See you later.” Christina hung up the phone and lowered her head to think about. something.
Right then, Lina came in to fetch some documents. “Ms. Steele, what’s on your mind? You seem happy.”
“Happy? Me?” Christina regained her senses and closed the document she had signed earlier.
“I caught you smiling!”
Only then did Christina realize she was smiling. I guess it’s because Sheridan is easy to get along with. That’s why I smiled when I heard what he said just now.
Upon completing her tasks, Christina kept her belongings and left her office.
Chapter 473 Like Stars In The Sky
Anya’s gaze darkened at once. She’s really good at pretending. She displayed a tough attitude in front of me, but when she was with Sheridan, she began flirting with him. Sheridan must be blind to like a woman like Christina.
Just then, a luxury car stopped in front of Anya, and she got in and left.
“Why the long face?” The woman in the driver’s seat was dressed like a trendy girl, wearing a short blouse and skirt. She had an expensive diamond necklace on her and exuded the elegance of a wealthy heiress.
“Do you know Sheridan, the eldest son of the Stone family? He’s already in his thirties. Why isn’t he married yet?” Anya asked curiously.
The woman’s eyes lit up, and she exclaimed excitedly. “Of course I know him! I heard he studied. accounting overseas and returned to take over the family business in recent years. He’s still single. Are you friends with him? Introduce me to him.”
“What? Sheridan studied accounting?” Upon hearing that, Anya almost jumped up from her seat.
“Yes, he has a double degree and holds a globally recognized accounting certification. He also owns a highly reputable accounting firm in Hallsbay. Our family’s accounts are handled by them. Let’s not talk about that. Are you going to introduce him to me?”
A dark glint flashed past Anya’s eyes. Sheridan is an accountant, so Christina’s intention in getting close to him might not be to seek higher social status but to investigate accounts.
Everything suddenly made sense.
Anya felt that Christina was indeed cunning for secretly plotting against her.
However, she would never give Christina a chance.
Meanwhile, Christina and Sheridan arrived at the restaurant. As soon as they took their seats, the waiter served their dishes.
“But we haven’t placed an order yet,” Christina said in a puzzled tone.
Sheridan responded, “I placed the order in advance. Take a look at the dishes. If there’s anything that doesn’t suit your taste, we can add more dishes.”
Christina glanced at the food. They were all her favorites. “You really know what to order. I eat all of these.”
“Of course. I did my homework in advance.” Sheridan chuckled gracefully, displaying a refined and gentle demeanor.
The two of them dined together. As they got engrossed in conversation, they also opened a bottle of red wine.
After having dinner, they both headed back to the finance company. Fortunately, with several individual’s lending their assistance, it was likely that the data would be available within a week.
The moments of the two of them entering and leaving the restaurant, and entering the company together while chatting and laughing were all captured by a private detective hidden in the shadows.
Those photos were sent to Nathaniel through the Internet.
He stared at the photos on the screen and saw the smile on Christina’s face. It had been a long time since she had smiled at him so gently.
That made him very angry.
I have only just left, and she’s already getting close to another man behind my back?
Nathaniel’s brow furrowed, and his face turned grim. He clenched his fist and slammed the table.
The people in the office were completely shocked by that.
The director of the marketing department, who was giving a presentation, was especially frightened and had no idea where he had stopped.
A few of them stared at Nathaniel in a daze. A while later, the director of the marketing department asked cautiously. “Mr. Hadley, are you not satisfied with my report?”
The director of the marketing department felt that his job was at stake, and the expressions of the other directors weren’t any more positive. Despite the exceptional performance of the marketing department, Nathaniel’s dissatisfaction made them tremble as they looked at the reports in their hands,
Sebastian’s eyes also widened in surprise. These reports have all met the target. It shouldn’t be a matter of performance that’s making Mr. Hadley angry.
He cast a quick glance at the computer. The next moment, his pupils abruptly constricted. Mrs. Hadley is smiling and flirting with another man. No wonder Mr. Hadley’s angry.
Nathaniel remained composed as he lazily lifted his icy gaze and instructed, “Go on.”
Only then did the director continue the presentation, and the tense atmosphere began to ease slightly.
Meanwhile, in Hallsbay, it was late at night.
As Christina waited in the office, Sheridan walked in with some pastries. The accountant is still sorting out the data. We’ll have the data later in the evening
“No worries. They’ve been working late. When it’s time to settle up, feel free to charge me,” Christina said as she picked up her cup of tea and took a sip.
“Don’t worry. I’ll give you a special discount.” Sheridan chuckled gracefully. “By the way, there’s an art exhibition tomorrow evening. Shall we go together?”
It was a renowned art exhibition, and tickets were hard to come by. Christina felt that she had found kindred spirit. She smiled and asked, “Do you also enjoy visiting art exhibitions?”
“I do. To be frank, when I come across a painting I like, I can spend a long time just gazing at it.” Sheridan’s eyes were filled with tenderness, like stars in the sky.
Just as Christina was about to respond, her phone rang.
The moment Christina saw the caller ID, her expression grew solemn. “Lucas, Camila?
“Mommy, Camila has a fever, and she’s been crying Mommy, where are you? Can you come back and accompany Camila?”
Christina’s heart seemed to have stopped beating, and her expression froze. She became anxious. “Don’t be scared. Camila. I’ll be home soon.”
After ending the call, she swiftly kept her things and got up to leave.
Sheridan caught up with her and asked worriedly. “Christina, what happened?”
“I need to go back to Scenic Garden Manor. I’m sorry, but we can discuss the accounts later,” Christina said as she continued to walk out of the room.
Seeing how worried she looked, Sheridan couldn’t leave her alone. “It’s too late for you to book a ticket. now. Let me send you there.”
“But…” Christina was taken aback. She felt hesitant to accept his offer, feeling it was too much trouble for him.
This time, it was Sheridan who took the initiative to hold her hand and walked toward the elevator. “What are you waiting for? It’s an urgent matter, isn’t it?”
“But what about the accounts?”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I have reliable professionals handling the accounts, and they are well aware of the need for confidentiality.” While speaking. Sheridan took her hand and led her into the elevator.
When they got back to Scenic Garden Manor from Hallsbay, it was already past midnight.
Sheridan parked his car at the front gate. A hint of fatigue appeared on his handsome face, but he didn’t mind. He helped Christina unfasten her seatbelt.
“Hurry and go back,” he said.
Christina was stunned. She felt a twinge of guilt from his kindness. “Thank you for giving me a ride. How about I book a hotel for you to rest?”
He had driven her over hundreds of kilometers without a word of complaint. Leaving him like this made her feel a bit guilty.
Sheridan could tell what she was thinking. He thoughtfully helped her open the car door. “Don’t you have something urgent to handle? I’m a grown man. I can take care of such matters. Hurry up and go inside.”
“Okay. Let’s stay in touch if anything comes up.”
Christina got out of the car. Her slender and graceful figure soon disappeared into the house.
Meanwhile, in the study, Nathaniel was dressed in loose pajamas. His gaze was cold and intense as he stared at the car outside. Suddenly, there was a sharp sound as he shattered the glass in his hand. The cold whisky dripped from his palm, and the air was instantly filled with a strong smell of alcohol.
Chapter 474 Think All You Want
Christina entered the house and went upstairs directly. She did not even change into her house slippers.
Right before she walked into the room, Nathaniel got hold of her and said in a deep voice, “Camila has just dozed off after taking her medicines. Don’t wake her up.”
Christina withdrew her hand from the knob but decided seconds later that she would make her way into the room discreetly. As she walked closer to the children’s bed and saw them fast asleep, she felt a lump in her throat.
She bent her body to gently rub Camila’s forehead and caressed her little face, only to realize just how much weight Camila had lost. Her chubby cheeks had become slimmer.
She touched Camila’s face and was relieved that it was not very warm. She gave Camila a peck on the check before going over to check on Lucas.
Lucas was sleeping soundly on his side. Christina took in his little round head and thick, long lashes covering his eyes and planted a kiss on his cheek.
She continued watching them for a while before leaving their room.
As soon as she stepped out of the room, she saw Nathaniel waiting there patiently.
It was almost midnight, and the dim lights that shone on him made him look imposing and hostile.
“I’m going to take a rest in the guest room downstairs,” said Christina before heading down.
When she walked past him, he held her wrist in a vice-like grip. He was a bit too aggressive that he hurt her a little.
Christina furrowed her eyebrows and asked in a low voice, “Is there anything else?”
Nathaniel’s gaze darkened. He did not reply but immediately carried her up and then strode to the bedroom.
“What are you doing? Let go of me!” Christina muttered, rejecting him. She was worried about waking the children up, so she dared not speak loudly. She became anxious when he remained indifferent. “Put me down!”
Nathaniel quickened his pace as he walked toward the bedroom. With a deft flick of his hand, he shut the door behind him and put Christina down.
She glared at him with wide eyes. Why can’t we talk this out? Must he use brute force?
She tried to be patient with him as she said, “Are you letting me have the master bedroom? If so, please leave at once.
She then turned her head to the other side, refusing to see his expression.
Christina’s resistance made Nathaniel lose his patience completely. He raised his hand and held her by her chin. “Who’s the man who drove you back just now?”
Fear flashed across Christina’s eyes. It was not because she came back in Sheridan’s car but because she was well aware of Nathaniel’s jealous nature and its consequences.
He was the kind of person who would get jealous very easily without considering the actual situation.
Christina explained briefly, “It was already getting late, and I couldn’t catch the last train, so I hitched a ride back with my friend. Is there anything wrong with that?”
“Oh? A friend?” Nathaniel’s menacing aura enveloped Christina’s small frame. “This particular friend of yours had dinner with you, worked with you till midnight, and drove you all the way back to Scenic Garden Manor despite it being a few hundred kilometers away. What a friend you have there!”
The tension in the room was so thick one could cut it with a knife. At that moment, Christina found it difficult to breathe. She knew that Nathaniel was infuriated.
“You can think all you want. It’s none of my business. My conscience is clear. Christina tried to explain to him nicely, yet he purposely twisted her words. There was nothing she could do.
Nathaniel’s temples throbbed. He was rendered speechless. Not only was she alone with a guy, but she also didn’t think it was necessary to reflect on herself.
He shot her a cold stare and asked, “What do you mean by your conscience is clear?”
Christina froze and held her breath.
“Does being alone in a room count? What about holding hands? Visiting an art exhibition together? Or kissing each other on the lips?”
Nathaniel closed in on her every time he asked a question. In the end, she retreated all the way from the door to the bed.
Christina felt an unknown sense of pressure engulfing her. She began to tremble as she explained herself. “We never held hands or kissed!”
“Really? Let me check.”
With that, Nathaniel sealed her lips with a passionate kiss. His warm breath awakened every cell in her body as a strong urge crept up on her and robbed her of her sanity.
It was not until the man’s breath fell on her neck that Christina’s nerves tensed up. “Let go of me, Nathaniel…”
He clasped her wrist. At that very moment, Christina was like a fragile crystal ball to him. She was exquisite, beautiful, and alluring, and she could only belong to him alone.
In the next second, he opened his mouth and bit her neck hard.
“Let me go, you jerk!” Christina choked out.
“Me! A jerk? The moment I left, you went flirting with another man. Who’s the real jerk here, huh?” Nathaniel continued biting her jaw like a bloodthirsty wolf who needed to be satisfied with flesh and blood
“Let go of me, Nathaniel!” Christina snapped at him as tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision.
“You’re my wife now. No one can do anything to stop me if I don’t let you go!”
His big palm landed on her sheer skirt. Soon, the sound of fabric being torn rang out as Nathaniel held Christina in his arms.
A cool breeze drifted through the open window and made the curtains billow. It was a particularly long night.
It was not until the morning sun streamed into the bedroom that Christina woke up. With a frown and an aching body, she dragged herself into the bathroom.
After taking a shower, she put on a long-sleeved shirt and casual long pants to cover up the red marks on her body. Then she left the room.
As soon as she walked into the children’s room, Lucas and Camila dashed out, shouting, “Mommy. Mommy!”
“Camila, don’t run so fast. You’ve just recovered.” Christina caressed her face.
Both her children threw themselves into her arms. Hugging her made them feel very secure. “Mommy, it’s so good that you came back. We missed you!”
“I missed you too. Did you two behave yourselves at home?” Christina wanted to carry her two darlings, but she felt a pain in her lower back and started leaning backward.
Luckily, Nathaniel came in then and supported her in time. “Are you okay?”
Steadying herself, she moved away from that detestable figure and ignored him totally. She put the two kids down and brought them downstairs for breakfast.
After breakfast, it was time for Camila to take her medicine. Christina was worried that Camila would not be willing, but little did she expect her daughter to finish it in one gulp.
“Mommy, quick, candy…”
Swiftly, Christina fed Camila the candy she had prepared in advance, and Camila grinned gleefully upon cating it.
“Aren’t you afraid of taking medicine? Why are you so obedient today?”
Camila smiled and replied, “Daddy said I won’t get to see you if I don’t eat my medicine. I want to be with you, Mommy, so I’ll be good and take my medicine.”
Lucas leaned against Christina’s chest and said in his childish voice, “Please don’t go, Mommy. Could you stay back and accompany us?”
Christina’s heart wrenched. She had had no choice but to leave them the last time. “Rest assured that I’ll bring you two along when I leave this time.” She patted their heads gently.
Chapter 475 Stomachache
As soon as Christina spoke, she heard footsteps behind her.
Turning around, she found herself gazing into Nathaniel’s eyes.
What a coincidence! Nathaniel shows up every time we say something about him. Did he put a wiretap in this house?
Nathaniel lifted Lucas and slung his schoolbag onto his shoulder. “It’s time to go to school, Lucas.”
“But Camila is sick. I want to stay and take care of her.” Lucas pursed his lips and blinked, trying to appeal to his father.
“There are plenty of people at home to look after her. You need to get to school on time.” As he spoke, Nathaniel marched toward the door with Lucas in his arms.
Having not seen his mother for a long time, Lucas was reluctant to attend kindergarten. Besides, he could recite the syllabus with his eyes closed.
He was determined to remain by his mother’s side. To that end, he clutched his stomach and yelled, “Ow! My stomach hurts! I don’t think I can go to school.”
Nathaniel scowled. He was fine earlier, and now he’s having a stomachache at the prospect of going to school. Nice try.
“I don’t care what hurts. You will go to school,” he insisted, his voice becoming dangerously soft.
Lucas’ panic grew when his father was about to leave the house with him. “Help, Mommy! It hurts so bad!”
Watching him gnash his teeth in agony, Christina became convinced that he was telling the truth. Concerned, she ran after the pair and stopped them.
“Didn’t you hear him say that he’s not feeling well?” Christina strode over and snatched Lucas out of Nathaniel’s arms.
Like a koala, Lucas clung to his mother. Thank God for Mommy. She loves me more than Daddy does.
Nuzzling against Christina’s bosom, he did not dare meet his father’s gaze for fear of being discovered.
“Where does it hurt? Show me.” Christina carried Lucas in and sat him down on the couch.
Lucas was not in pain, but he pointed arbitrarily nonetheless. “Here, and here.”
What kind of illness is this? It looks serious.
Christina examined Lucas anxiously. “Don’t worry, Lucas. I’ll take you to the doctor.”
Camila grew anxious as well. She trotted over. “Don’t be scared, Lucas. I’ll bring you some medicine.”
Christina was deeply amused by Camila’s innocent words. “You can’t share your medicine, Camila. Stomachaches require a different kind of medication, do you understand?”
Camila nodded blankly. “I understand, Mommy.”
The children’s personalities differed wildly. Lucas was witty and outspoken, while Camila was delicate and emotional.
Nathaniel stepped closer and studied Lucas’ expression intently. “I summoned the doctor. He’s coming to examine you and give you a jab if you’re unwell.”
Like most children, Lucas feared the needle. At the prospect of getting jabbed, he gave a violent start.
Going to school is infinitely preferable to getting jabbed!
With a sudden flash of inspiration, Lucas jumped up. “It doesn’t hurt anymore, Mommy. I’d better get going to school.”
Without another word, he got to his feet, looking good as new.
Despite looking so sickly earlier, he’s looking much better within a few short seconds.
Guessing his motives, Christina held his hand tenderly. “I’ll call in sick for you if you don’t want to attend school, but you must never lie to me again, all right?”
Lucas nodded earnestly. “I understand, Mommy. I won’t do it again.”
Just then, the family doctor turned up.
Christina accompanied Camila to her follow-up with the doctor. The girl was well-behaved. She remained in her mother’s arms while she held onto her father’s hand. “I’m not afraid with Daddy and Mommy here. with me.”
It did not take long for the doctor to finish his examination. “She’s doing much better, but she needs to continue taking her medication until her coughing stops. Remember to have plenty of rest.”
After the doctor left, Christina coaxed Camila to take her medicine and sketched while she stayed with her.
Soon after, Camila began to feel drowsy and asked her mother to put her to sleep. Christina glanced at the clock and, upon realizing it was their nap time, summoned Lucas.
Like old times, the trio lay in bed together. Amid the soft lull of nursery rhymes Christina crooned, the children soon fell asleep in her arms.
Christina waited until the children were sound asleep before leaving their room.
As she silenced her phone upon arriving home, she found that Lina had called her many times and left multiple text messages.
Christina entered the study and addressed them one at a time. She asked Lina to send the documents to her inbox, then returned her grandmother’s call.
Azure had been deeply concerned to hear that Camila was feeling unwell. After learning via a series of questions that it was nothing serious, she ended the call in relief.
Christina switched on the computer in the study. Nathaniel had never changed the password even after all those years. She keyed in the login credentials, and the screen unlocked.
A brightly lit photograph greeted her at once, and she froze.
Isn’t that the photograph of all of us together when we visited the amusement park? I can’t believe Nathaniel is using it as his wallpaper.
It was during a summer’s day several years ago before their fight had escalated to its current state. Overwhelmed by the memories, Christina felt a strange mix of emotions rising within her.
Nevertheless, she remained seated before the computer and dealt with her files. Just when she was nearing completion, her phone rang.
It was Sheridan.
Occupied by her work, she nearly forgot about him.
Christina hurriedly picked up the phone. “Have you found a place to stay, Sheridan?”
“I’m in a hotel in the middle of the city with a nice view. It’s been a while,” Sheridan said with a light laugh. He did not sound tired at all. On the contrary, it appeared that he had had a good rest.
Christina chuckled. “There are many more things to see. Since you hardly come to visit, let me treat you to lunch as a thank-you for the trouble of driving me home last night.”
“Giving a beautiful woman a ride is never any trouble. However, I won’t say no to a free meal,” Sheridan answered with a chuckle. His voice was gentle and elegant and it made her feel at ease.
“Send me the name of the hotel, and I’ll come to you,” Christina said, packing her things as she did so.
“All right.”
After hanging up, Christina headed to the garage. She selected a car less garish than the others and took off.
Twenty minutes later, Christina caught sight of Sheridan at the hotel entrance. He was dressed casually in a brown suit. He did nothing to his hair and allowed it to fall carelessly over his forehead, emanating a carefree and romantic air.
Upon spotting Christina’s car, Sheridan came over and got in.
“You look much younger like this.” Christina realized she had misspoken again as soon as the words left her lips.
Sheridan chuckled good-naturedly. “Maybe I look younger because I spent a lot of time around young people like you.”
The awkwardness dissipated at once. Christina smiled and started the car. “What would you like to eat?”
“Something local, please,” Sheridan said after a moment’s thought.
“Sure.”
Chapter 476 Too Much To Drink
The pair arrived at a nearby restaurant famous for local delicacies. The waiter appeared with the menus, from which Christina ordered several items. Soon after, the table was filled with a myriad of delicious- looking food.
“I didn’t order these. Did you get the wrong table?” Christina asked curiously.
The waiter checked the receipt. “No,” he confirmed. “The last few items were added later on.”
While Christina was in confusion, a series of footsteps sounded ahead before heralding the appearance of a tall, strapping figure. The surrounding atmosphere became stern.
What’s Nathaniel doing here? How did he know I was having lunch here with Sheridan?
Arriving at their table, Nathaniel seated himself casually next to Christina. “Is this your first time here, Mr. Stone? Allow Christina and me to be gracious hosts.”
Although he was wearing a friendly smile, Christina could not help noticing how insidious it looked.
His arrival caused the atmosphere at the table to tense up.
Sheridan was no fool. He knew Nathaniel was staking his claim. “Then let me thank you in advance, Mr. Hadley. I will be sure to take you up on that offer.”
Nathaniel picked up his fork and slipped Christina some cod. “You must be tired after last night,” he said. gently. “Have some protein.”
Christina’s pupils dilated. What is he talking about? Why would he mention what we did yesterday while we were eating? There’s someone else here, for God’s sake!
Her ears turned red. Hanging her head, she continued eating, not daring to make eye contact with Sheridan.
It was not because she cared about what other people thought but because she found it difficult to be frank about that subject.
Having achieved his goal, Nathaniel was satisfied. “How long will you be with us, Mr. Stone? Let me make the arrangements for your accommodation.”
Sheridan knew very well what Nathaniel was suggesting. His expression did not change. “I’ll be heading back after the meal.”
“So soon?” Christina was certain that Nathaniel’s words must have made Sheridan uncomfortable.
That realization made her feel worse.
Unexpectedly, Sheridan was magnanimous about it. “I have matters to attend to at work anyway. There’s also the matter of our secret… I’ll update you when it’s taken care of.”
At the recollection of the accounts, Christina chided herself for forgetting something so important. “Thank you for the trouble.”
Nathaniel’s expression stiffened at their easy conversation and the blatant mention of a secret they shared.
Do they not see me sitting right here?
Sullenly, he summoned a waiter. “I want a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade.” Then, his unfathomable gaze flickered toward Christina. “Your throat must be feeling so dry. You should have something sour to soothe it.”
What the hell is he on about this time? Sometimes he just talks too much!
Christina was so angry that she aimed a vicious kick at his shin beneath the table. “Stop running your mouth.” she hissed in warning.
Frowning imperceptibly, Nathaniel finally fell silent.
After their meal, Nathaniel had his driver send Sheridan back to the hotel.
Christina’s rage poured forth as soon as her friend was driven off. “Was that fun for you, Nathaniel?” she demanded, furious about the way he had conducted himself.
“I’m only concerned about you. Why am I getting yelled at?” Nathaniel did not think he did anything wrong.
Christina raised her eyebrows.
Why does Sheridan’s concern make me feel so at case while Nathaniel’s only irritates me? He revealed the details of our affairs in the name of concern.
“I heard you loud and clear. I saw what you were up to.” At that, she stood up abruptly without deigning to argue with him any longer.
Christina strode out. Nathaniel caught up with got into the car with her.
Christina scowled. “Get out.”
“This is my car. Besides, why can he get a ride but not me?” Nathaniel put on the seat belt.
Christina glanced at the time and decided she should be getting back as the children would be waking from their nap.
Unfortunately, they were stuck in a jam on their way home.
Christina became impatient after some time and slammed the honk irritably.
“Be patient. This stretch is always congested.” As he spoke, Nathaniel played some music and wound down the windows to allow the afternoon breeze in.
Resting her elbow on the window, Christina massaged her temple and hummed along to the upbeat music. She felt slightly better.
She glanced sideways at the passenger seat. The sunlight poured in through the window and onto the side of Nathaniel’s chiseled face. His heavily-lidded eyes concealed his expression. Still and serene, he looked like a work of art.
Right then, the sudden blare of a honk yanked her out of her reverie.
With a start, Christina hurriedly stepped on the gas when she noticed the car ahead had already become a speck.
Nathaniel seemed to have noticed what she was thinking. He smirked at the sight of her flustering.
Fortunately, the congestion only lasted a short stretch. After the traffic light, it was smooth all the way back to Scenic Garden Manor.
As soon as the couple entered, they were assaulted by two tiny figures.
“Where did you go. Mommy?”
“I thought you snuck away again. Mommy. What a fright you gave me.”
Christina felt as if the softest recesses of her heart had been struck a heavy blow. She missed the children the most during her time away and was determined to bring them with her this time.
“Don’t worry. I will never be apart from you ever again.”
The children’s eyes twinkled with delight. They extended their pinky fingers. “Pinky promise, Mommy. You can’t go back on your word now!”
Amused, Christina pulled them aside and hooked her fingers with theirs. “Pinky promise.”
“We haven’t played ball in a long time, Mommy. Join us, please?” Lucas took out a ball and gazed up at her, his eyes shining with anticipation.
Christina took the ball. “Let’s go!” she said enthusiastically.
“Let’s go!”
Christina spent the afternoon running around the yard with the children until they fell, panting, on the lawn. Their backs were drenched with sweat.
After a moment’s respite, Christina brought the children indoors for a bath. Having expended a good amount of energy, they were starving and had a lot for dinner.
Later, in the depths of the night, Christina settled down before the computer to work. As Gibson Corporation and Hadley Corporation had signed the agreement, the next phase was to execute it.
Her trip back could not have been at a better time. She decided to wait for Nathaniel to return so she could discuss matters with him and visit the site to ascertain their situation.
The crescent moon hung low in the sky. She realized with a start that it was past midnight.
Suddenly, Christina’s phone rang, making her jump. She quickly picked up. “Mr. Hadley had too much to drink at the club, Mrs. Hadley. Could you come pick him up? I have clients to entertain and can’t leave so soon.”
Chapter 477 An Excuse.
Christina rejected in a low voice, “Doesn’t he have a driver? You could call for a replacement driver too. If you can’t do that either, here’s another suggestion for you. Call Madison. She’ll definitely be eager to go.”
With that, she ended the call without hesitation.
Sebastian stared at the blank screen of his phone and broke into a cold sweat.
Mrs. Hadley is too ruthless. She hung up after saying she didn’t care!
With a grim expression, he turned to Nathaniel and said, “Mr. Hadley, Mrs. Hadley said…”
A scowl appeared on Nathaniel’s face. He had heard everything Christina had said on the other end.
What a vicious woman she is. Well, I’ll satisfy her since that’s what she wants.
“Call Madison.” Nathaniel commanded in a deep voice.
The corner of Sebastian’s lips twitched. Both of them are at odds with each other because of Madison, Wouldn’t he be adding fuel to the fire by calling her?
Nevertheless, he dared not go against Nathaniel’s orders and made the call.
Madison rushed over immediately when she received the call.
Even though Sebastian said Nathaniel was drunk, the latter didn’t seem that way, nor did he look like he was experiencing any psychological issues.
Sebastian opened the door and met eyes with Madison. He was stunned for a second. “Mrs. Hadley? No. Why are you dressed like that, Madison?”
The woman before him wore a white dress, her dark hair cascading straight down her shoulders. Besides looking a little taller, she looked similar to Christina in other aspects.
Madison broke into a gleeful grin when Sebastian had mistaken her for Christina. “What do you think? I look just like Christina, don’t I? I look more beautiful than her, right?”
Sebastian furrowed his brows. “How do I put it? Mrs. Hadley is a naturally gentle person. You just look weird like this.”
“Oh, what do you know? Move. I want to see Mr. Hadley Having said that, Madison walked into the room.
Nathaniel was sitting on the couch, looking mysterious and elegant under the dim lights. Holding his glass of whiskey with his slender fingers, he gently swirled it around, and a soft clink sounded as the ice hit the glass.
His eyes were slightly lowered. He was seemingly lost in thoughts.
Nathaniel’s eyes went wide for a second when he looked up, but he soon realized he had gotten the wrong.
“Why are you dressed like that?” the man asked, his eyes cold and his brows scrunched up.
Sensing his displeasure, Madison tugged her hair behind her ears and said. “I dressed this way the last time too. Didn’t you like it a lot?”
The last time? A thought flashed across Nathaniel’s mind.
I got drunk the other night and mistook Madison for Christina!
He stood up abruptly and handed the car keys to Madison. “Drive us to Scenic Garden Manor.”
The woman’s eyes lit up. Does this mean Nathaniel is finally going to acknowledge me? Is he accepting me as the lady of the house now?
“Right away.”
Christina worked at her desk for a long time after she hung up, only taking a break after she had taken. care of all the documents piled at her desk.
She was quite happy when she thought about how she could spend the next day with Camila and Lucas,
Feeling a little hungry when she finished working, she went downstairs to look for food.
The sound of a car engine rang out from the courtyard as soon as she arrived downstairs.
Is Nathaniel back? Should I go take a look?
Christina saw two figures walking in while she was still pondering over whether she should go out. The lights were turned on, and she instantly saw who they were.
Her gaze landed on Madison. She was stunned when she saw how the latter was dressed, but she soon looked at her like how one would view a clown.
Madison felt a tinge of guilt from being stared at. However, a smug look appeared on her face when she thought of how she would soon be the lady of Scenic Garden Manor. “Nathaniel, let me help you up to your room.”
As she spoke, she reached out to grab Nathaniel’s hand, but the man coldly avoided her.
Madison was surprised to see that things did not turn out the way she wanted. “Nathaniel?”
“You can go back now.” Nathaniel walked over to Christina when he was done speaking.
Christina observed how Madison’s expression changed. “Thank you, Ms. Taggart. Should I have the driver send you back?”
“It’s fine. It’s only right that I send Nathaniel back,” Madison said, trying to force a smile the whole time.
“No, that won’t do. You’re not an employee of Hadley Corporation now, and you have nothing to do with Nathaniel. We can’t have your hard work be in vain. Here, take the money. You can treat it reward”
Christina whipped out some money and handed them to Madison, nipping any idea the latter had in the bud.
Madison felt insulted as she stared at the cash. “Nathaniel contacted me right away, so that must mean he sees me as his friend.”
“No, he didn’t. I didn’t have time to pick him up, so he contacted you. Don’t think you’re so special because of this, Ms. Taggart.” Christina’s eyes were cold, and she seemed to have recalled something when she took another glance at Madison’s outfit. She kept the money since Madison wasn’t taking it. “I’ll have the driver send you home. I don’t want you asking us to take responsibility if something happens to you on your way home.”
Madison swallowed hard when she heard that. How did Christina know what I was thinking?
The sound of a car engine was heard right then. The driver had arrived.
“Go ahead. Should I see you out?” Christina asked, a fake polite smile hanging on her lips.
In other words, she would chase Madison out if she didn’t leave soon.
Madison’s face darkened, and she turned to leave.
The living room fell back into silence. Christina turned to Nathaniel and asked. “Are you satisfied now? Two women were competing for your attention.”
Upon saying so, she ignored the tall figure before her and walked toward the stairs. She had already lost. her appetite after all that had happened.
Nathaniel grabbed her hand, and Christina stopped in her tracks. Turning to look at him, she was instantly met with his scorching gaze. “I got drunk the other night and called you. I thought the one wearing white was you
“That’s just an excuse. Are you going to use the same excuse when the two of you end up in bed together?”
Nathaniel froze in shock.
Christina took this chance and shoved his hand away, quickly making her way upstairs.
Christina received Sheridan’s call the next day saying all the problematic accounts had been sorted out.
“I’ve already made a copy of all the data. I’ll come pick you up now,” he said.
Christina was feeling anxious at that moment. This information would decide whether or not Anya would stay at Gibson Corporation. “All right. I’ll wait for you. Thanks for coming all the way here.”
She felt a mixture of emotions when she hung up.
Right then, two little figures ran into her room. They each hugged her thighs and asked childishly, “Mommy, are you sending us to the kindergarten today?”
Christina lowered her eyes and was greeted by their cute faces. “Sure! Grab your bags. I’ll drive you guys there.”
Both kids turned around and showed her their bags. “We’re all ready! Come on, Mommy!”
Christina sent them to the kindergarten, then waited at a café.
Chapter 478 What Are You Doing
A tall figure walked in right after the waiter served her coffee.
Christina waved at him, and Sheridan walked over, smiling slightly.
It was obvious he had rushed all the way over.
“Christina, I think Anya knows you’re investigating her accounts,” Sheridan whispered.
“Really? That’s fast.” Christina was shocked to hear that. She had been very careful while dealing with this issue, after all. Did Yerek say something to her?
“Anya came looking for me when I returned one day, trying to find out if I’m helping you take care of the accounts. Don’t worry. I didn’t say anything. I sent the accounts over immediately when I was done with them.”
Christina was extremely grateful. Taking the flash drive the man had handed her, shesaid, “Thank you, Sheridan. I can’t thank you enough”
“Don’t thank me if you see me as your friend. Perhaps there will come a day when you can help me,” Sheridan answered with a smile.
Christina nodded as she kept the flash drive. “Send me the bill once you’re back. You’d better not give me a discount. Oh, and make sure you include your travel expenses.”
“It won’t be cheap since 1, the boss, drove to you personally,” he teased.
Christina burst out laughing at that. “Of course.” She stared out the window and saw it was almost evening. soon. “Why don’t you take a rest here tonight? I’ll book a room for you”
“Sure. The hotel I stayed at was not bad. I’ve already booked a room with them,” Sheridan said. He didn’t want to put Christina in a difficult spot. It could easily be misinterpreted if other people learned she had booked a room for him under her name.
Another wave of gratefulness washed over Christina. Sheridan was always putting others before himself. She didn’t feel burdened when she was with him.
They paid for their coffee and left the cafe. They had just stepped out when a motorbike drove toward Christina. It moved fast, and in the blink of an eye, the bike appeared before Christina.
The person in the backseat reached out and snatched her purse. Immediately after, the bike sped away from the scene.
Shocked, Christina staggered backward, and Sheridan quickly moved forward to steady her. “Are you okay, Christina?”
“I’m fine, but my purse was snatched away!” Her heart was still thumping loudly as the scene from that moment flashed through her mind.
It didn’t seem that those two on the bike had decided to rob her then and there. Rather, it seemed that they had been watching her and waiting for the right moment because a woman was carrying a luxury bag beside her. Yet, they had chosen to rob the one with an unknown brand.
“They might be targeting the flash drive in your bag. Sheridan suggested nervously,
“Fortunately. I didn’t put it into my bag earlier. I was worried I would lose it, so I put the flash drive in the pocket of my pants.” Christina instinctively reached down and patted her pocket. Good, it’s still here.
She heaved a sigh of relief at that, Could Anya have sent those peoplet
“What are you doing?” A cold voice sounded, interrupting Christina’s thoughts.
Nathaniel saw how Sheridan was holding her. His scorching gaze looked as though it was about to burn Christina
Sheridan quickly let go of his hand that was holding Christina. “We encountered a robber earlier. Christina almost got hurt,” he explained calmly.
Nathaniel grabbed the woman’s hand and pulled her to his side. He looked her up and down before saying, “You must be really free, Mr. Stone. Don’t you have to oversee things at your office in Hallsbay?”
Christina’s face darkened. Is Nathaniel implying that Sheridan is so free that he comes looking for me every day! Does this b*stard know what he’s saying? Has he ever thought about how disrespectful it is to me when he’s speaking like that to my friend”
She tugged at Nathaniel’s sleeve, implying that he should stop talking.
The man’s face was contorted. He looked as if the world had offended him.
Sheridan’s expression turned grim. “Shouldn’t you worry about your wife at a moment like this, Mr. Hadley?”
“I don’t need you to tell me what to do.”
Their words sparked a conflict between them, and Christina thought a fire was about to start when she saw how their gazes were burning.
Nonetheless, she didn’t look too good herself. After all, Sheridan had come all the way just to help Even though he didn’t have that kind of feelings toward her, he was still misunderstood. Anyone w feel uncomfortable if they were in his place.
With an apologetic look, Christina said, “I’m sorry, Sheridan. I’ll send you back to the hotel first.”
She left Nathaniel’s side and walked over to Sheridan.
Nathaniel reached out and grabbed her hand again. “Who said you could leave?”
“Stop it, Nathaniel. We’re in the middle of the street. This is not your house.”
Christina scowled in response, but she chose to ignore the burning rage she was feeling.
How could he get angry without getting an understanding of the situation first?
She wanted to pry her hand away from him, but Nathaniel kept a death grip around her wrist, not letting go of her.
Sheridan could finally get an understanding of their relationship. One hoped to be understood, while the other kept chasing after her relentlessly.
“Mr. Hadley, being overbearing is not how you should act while in a relationship. Why don’t you two talk it out?”
“Mind your own business. Nathaniel’s eyes were icy cold. His grip on Christina’s wrist tightened even more as a result.
Sheridan furrowed his brows at that. He glanced at Christina and said, “Contact me when you’ve taken care of everything here.”
“Sheridan, "- Christina felt sorry and embarrassed about the situation.
“It’s fine. Deal with your problems first.” Sheridan nodded, then hailed a cab and left.
Christina felt utterly embarrassed. She withdrew her hand and asked, “Are you satisfied now?”
Nathaniel’s eyes darkened further. She’s blaming me now?
His voice was low as he said, “How is it appropriate for you to be hugging another man in the middle of the streets?”
Christina noticed that communicating with Nathaniel was harder than climbing a mountain. If he was willing, the most he would do was listen to a few sentences she said. If he wasn’t, nothing she said would get through to him.
Back then, she would have taken the time and slowly talked to him. However, she didn’t feel like explaining herself anymore.
“Get in the car.” Nathaniel opened the car door and shoved her in. “Drive.”
“I want to go back to Scenic Garden Manor,” Christina said.
“No. Our collaboration has already started, so we should visit the site. There are many things we need to do. I’m sure you’ll cooperate with us, right. Ms. Steele?”
Christina was full of anger and frustration, but she couldn’t find an excuse to say no.
Chapter 479 It Is Still Early
Christina dragged herself near the window, getting as far away from him as possible.
After throwing her a glance, Nathaniel picked up his tablet and started working.
Soon, they arrived at Hadley Corporation, and the two took the elevator to the CEO’s office.
“Have a seat. Let me wrap up some work first. We’ll head to the construction site after that.” Nathaniel walked to his desk and sat down. A pile of documents was already waiting for him there.
Once Christina took her seat, an assistant placed a cup of coffee and exquisite-looking pastries on the coffee table. “Enjoy the food, Mrs. Hadley.”
It has been days since I returned, yet he has never mentioned anything about work. He must be using it as an excuse to keep me by his side because he’s worried I might go and meet Sheridan. What difference does this make from being monitored?
Meanwhile, when the robbers who stole Christina’s handbag arrived at the agreed place, they took off their helmets.
“We got what you wanted. Now, pay up. The man whipped out his phone and presented a QR code to the woman in front of him.
After she took the handbag from them. Anya transferred the payment. “It’s done. Remember, you never saw me.”
With that said, she turned and left.
Anya opened the handbag and rummaged through it, yet she failed to find the item she wanted.
How can this be? I clearly saw Sheridan give Christina the flash drive! Since it’s not in her handbag, it can only be on her, right?
The furious Anya dumped Christina’s handbag into the garbage bin. I need to find a way to retrieve the flash drive as soon as possible.
Christina’s phone rang shortly after she sat down.
“Our project with Hadley Corporation is about to start, right? Since I’m the assistant manager, I’ll be joining the site visit as well. I’m already on my way from Hallsbay, so I’ll see you there.”
At that moment, Anya was in the hotel room, gazing out languidly at the city skyline.
Upon hearing that, Christina furrowed her brows.
My handbag has just been snatched, and now, Anya seems impatient about coming over. Could this be a coincidence?
“Sure. Let me know where to meet when you arrive.”
After ending the call, Christina deliberated on what had just happened.
If Anya is behind the robbery, she must be meeting up with me because she failed to find the flash drive. It looks like she’s just using the project as a pretext for coming over.
When night came, Anya sent her address to Christina.
Christina responded to Anya’s message, saying she and Nathaniel would meet her at the construction site the next day.
After she put her phone down, the kids approached her with fresh flowers in their hands. “Mommy, we got these flowers from the backyard.”
“Do you like them, Mommy?”
The refreshing sight of the flowers lifted Anya’s mood. She patted the kids’ heads as she responded. “Of course I like them. They’re from both of you after all. Come, let’s put them in a vase.”
Getting to her feet, Christina walked out with the kids in tow. They found a beautiful vase to put the flowers in before placing it on the bedside table in the bedroom.
“Wow, that looks really nice. Mommy, you’re as beautiful as the flowers,” Lucas complimented with a grin.
“The flowers are not as beautiful as you, Mommy. You’re the prettiest person in the entire world!” added Camila as she threw herself into Christina’s arms.
Christina planted a kiss on the children’s cheeks. “It’s late. Let me tuck you in,” she said, thinking that the kids would like that.
However, as soon as she stood up, she was stopped by two pairs of small hands.
With his chest puffed out, Lucas declared, “We’re all grown up now, Mommy. We don’t need you to tuck us in.”
Camila nodded with a serious expression. “Daddy said we’re big now, so we have to learn to sleep by ourselves.”
“What? Daddy said that?” Christina asked in surprise.
They’re only four. Isn’t it too soon for them to sleep by themselves? Kids their age need their parents’ company the most. I should be spending as much time with them as possible.
Picking her children up, Christina said, “Don’t listen to Daddy. I’ll sleep with you whenever I can.”
The children, who had behaved like adults just now, turned back into babies as they snuggled up to Christina.
“Yay! I want you to sleep with us, Mommy!” the delighted Camila exclaimed as she nuzzled her face. against Christina’s neck.
“I want to hear a story about Transformers, Mommy!” Lucas added.
“No, I want to hear about Princess Elsa,” Camila whined.
The children fighting for her attention brought a sense of bliss to Christina.
Upon returning to the bedroom, Christina hugged the kids in her arms. With the night light on, she told them a bedtime story and gradually fell asleep first.
When Nathaniel came back from work, he went to the children’s room.
The night light illuminated the bed, revealing three sleeping figures in each other’s embrace.
He walked over and gently pried the kids’ hands from Christina’s body and covered them with the blanket. Then, he carried Christina back to their bedroom.
The alarm clock rang just as the morning sun illuminated the room.
Opening her eyes, Christina felt something pressing on her body, making it hard for her to breathe.
It turned out to be Nathaniel’s hand when she lowered her gaze to look.
Due to the deep slumber she was in, she had no recollection of him carrying her back.
She moved his hand away before carefully turning on her side to pick up her phone from the bedside.
“What are you doing?”
The icy voice jolted Christina. Before she could steady herself, she slipped right onto Nathaniel’s body.
An invigorating scent filled his nostrils, and he allowed himself to relish it.
His sudden move caused Christina to blush intensely. Why did he have to scare me like that?
Just as she propped herself up, she felt Nathaniel’s arm wrap tightly around her waist.
“Let go of me. I need to visit the construction site today, Christina said in a serious tone, indirectly reminding him that it was time to get out of bed.
“No hurry. It’s still early.” Nathaniel stared intently at her as if he was admiring a masterpiece.
Even if she didn’t need to go to work, Christina had no intention of wasting her time on him.
“I want to get out of-ah!”
Nathaniel pinned Christina underneath him. He planted his lips on hers before she realized what was going on.
Christina felt her blood course through her veins as if it had been set on fire.
She had no choice but to allow Nathaniel to kiss her indiscriminately. He was like a voracious beast that didn’t care for her feelings at all.
Christina attempted to nudge him aside but was unexpectedly pushed back down onto the bed.
Amidst the rising passion in the air, Christina felt sweat cover her entire body. She subsequently drifted back into sleep as everything before her turned hazy.
By the time both of them woke up again, they had clearly overslept.
Christina got out of bed and had a quick breakfast with Nathaniel before heading out.
Upon reaching the agreed meeting place, she could see Anya glaring impatiently at her. “What’s wrong with you? I’ve been waiting for you?”
Chapter 480 A Favor
Christina was amused by Anya’s anxious expression. “You were never punctual to the office, so what’s the big deal about waiting a while for me?”
Is she just anxious about finding out whether I’m carrying the flash drive?
Anya froze. “What are you talking about? I’ve never been late to work. I’m not someone without a sense of time like you.”
Was I making it that obvious? Does Christina suspect something? That would be unlikely. I was wearing a mask when I met with the motorcycle gang. I took every precaution, so there’s no way she would know.
Curling her lips into a smirk, Christina added to the mystery with her silence.
Soon, the engineers and their workers gathered at the scene.
“Now that everyone’s here, let’s survey the construction site.”
As the group entered the site, the engineers began to take measurements with their workers.
Christina, while flipping through the documents, came to the conclusion that the residential area would sell like hotcakes upon completion.
“After such an exhausting night, aren’t you tired of standing in your heels?” Nathaniel teased in a voice that was only audible to the two of them.
Does he not know that sound can travel far on this empty piece of land? Does he have no shame? How can he say something so embarrassing in front of this many people?
Christina gave him the side-eye. “I don’t need your concern. Just mind your own business.”
Nathaniel snorted in laughter. “I was just showing how much I care about you.”
Christina rolled her eyes at him before returning her attention to the document in her hand.
Soon, afternoon arrived after they worked through the entire morning.
Adopting an entirely different attitude, Anya held Christina’s hand and asked. “Christina, since this is my first time here, why don’t you show us around?”
Christina threw her a suspicious look. She’s clearly up to something. Let’s see what it is,
*All right. Where would you like to go?”
An insidious glint flashed across Anya’s eyes. “There’s a resort nearby and I happened to have my subordinates with me. Why don’t we head over there to relax?”
Christina agreed with a hod, “Sure, tell them we’ll drive there once they’re ready.”
Thereafter, the satisfied Anya walked off to gather her colleagues.
“Are you going out with them?” Nathaniel asked in an authoritative tone
With one hand placed on her hip and a darkened look in her eyes, Christina retorted, “Should I be writing a report to you about where I’m going”
The stern look on his face annoyed Christina. I was just kidding. Why does he have to take it so seriously?
“We’re done and ready to go now.” Anya then looked at Nathaniel. “Nathaniel, are you coming with us?“
“Nathaniel?” Christina knitted her brows, feeling somewhat disgusted by Anya’s tone.
Anya cocked a brow and pretended to be friendly. “That’s right. Since you’re my sister, doesn’t that make Nathaniel family?”
As she spoke, she gave Nathaniel an innocent look. Unfortunately, Nathaniel didn’t pay her any heed, so she retracted her gaze.
When the driver arrived in front of the two of them, Anya could see that three of her colleagues were already inside the car. Clearly, it would be too much of a squeeze for her to join them. “Christina, since there’s barely any space here, why don’t we go in Nathaniel’s car instead?”
Realizing that it would be rude to turn down such a trivial request in front of so many people, Christina agreed. “Sure.”
As Nathaniel led Christina away, Anya followed them from behind with a smug smile on her face.
When they arrived at the car, Sebastian opened the car door for Christina and Nathaniel before closing it once they got in.
“Are you blind? I haven’t gotten in yet,” Anya snapped.
Without showing any expression, Sebastian pointed at the car behind. “Your ride is the one behind this, Ms. Gibson. Go on.”
With that, he walked over to the front passenger seat. The car sped off the moment he got in.
“D*mn, that assistant. Why didn’t he let me take the front passenger seat?” After her plan to ride in the same car as Nathaniel was foiled. Anya had no choice but to get into the car behind.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the holiday resort.
The entire area was newly developed and designed with a romantic theme. Every subsection had its own unique sights.
When the group arrived at the hotel entrance, Sebastian went to check in, then distributed the keycards to Anya and the others.
“Five single rooms? That’s really generous. What are you guys waiting for? Hurry up and thank Mr. Hadley,” said Anya as if she was the host.
The group expressed their gratitude, and the solemn-looking Nathaniel let out an inaudible hum. He took. his keycard from Sebastian before leaving with Christina in tow.
Upon entering the VIP elevator, Christina commented softly, “That was rude of you. You should’ve at least acknowledged them”
“I did.” Nathaniel said.
Christina was amused by his response. The hum of his acknowledgment was so soft that even she couldn’t hear it despite standing right beside him. Forget it. I should count my blessing that he didn’t just walk off with a scowl.
Upon entering the room and hearing the door shut, Christina came back to her senses. She realized that she had walked into the same room as Nathaniel. “I don’t want to share a room with you.”
She still blamed him for the soreness she felt in her body for the entire day.
Leaning closer to her, Nathaniel asked in a deep and raspy voice, “In that case, who do you want to share a room with?”
Christina felt a little suffocated with him breathing down her neck. She lowered her gaze to avoid eye contact. Ever since she learned that Madison had pretended to be her in an attempt to trick Nathaniel, her resentment toward the matter had greatly decreased.
She pushed him aside and walked into the room. “Fine. If you want to stay, you’ll have to take the couch.”
A grim look flashed across Nathaniel’s eyes. I can’t believe you want me to sleep on the couch for no good reason!
He walked to the desk where he turned on his laptop and got to work. He was usually silent while doing so. The only sound that could be heard was the tapping of his keyboard.
At that moment, Christina received a call from Anya. “Christina, we’re having dinner at the third-floor restaurant. Come and join us. We’ll be here waiting for you.”
The call ended right after she spoke.
Just as Christina put her phone away and wanted to leave, she retraced her steps and decided to hide the flash drive properly.
But where is a safe place to put it? My bag was snatched the last time, so I can’t put it there. It’s not safe on me either. Anya would be able to steal it easily if she did something to me. This is really frustrating!
Just when Christina felt lost, her eyes suddenly lit up.
Her gaze soon fell upon Nathaniel. No one is capable of getting close to him, let alone stealing something from him.
Christina approached him with a glass of warm water. After placing it beside his computer, she flashed a smile at him. “You must be tired from work. Why don’t you take a break?”
As she wanted to ask him a favor, she naturally had to set her pride aside.
When Nathaniel looked up and saw the obsequious look on her face, he asked flatly, “Do you want something from me?”