Ch. 581..590

Chapter 581 Consequences

When Nigel’s intentions were exposed, rage colored his countenance.

Putting on airs as an elder, he reprimanded, “How can you say that about your father and grandmother. Christina? Even if they did something wrong, they’re still your elders, and you shouldn’t hold a grudge against them. Everything they did, they did it for your own good. In the future, the Gibson family will rest in your hand. As a member of the family, don’t you think you should contribute as well?”

I’ve been alive for over twenty over years, and this is the first time I’ve seen someone phrase their desire for money in such a lofty manner. Christina mocked, “You’re the head of the Gibson family right now. If your words are true, will you willingly hand your position over to me? I know you won’t. After all, you already answered that question explicitly in the past.”

Nigel’s grimace intensified. “You’ve misunderstood me, Christina. Back then, I objected to the power transfer because you weren’t experienced enough. Managing a family business isn’t a child’s game. One small mistake and massive issues will surface.”

Christina refilled her glass of fruit juice and took a sip. Its sweet, refreshing taste washed away the bitterness in her throat.

“You may be right, but even with your wealth of experiences, Gibson Corporation is still failing under your leadership. I heard it’s now on the verge of bankruptcy. Even after selling family properties and luxury cars, you still can’t stave off the company’s ill fate. The way she spoke was nonchalant, as though she was an outsider, and the survival of the Gibson family mattered not to her.

Christina’s bluntness embarrassed Nigel further.

Nigel was willing to lower himself and seek Christina for help in order to protect his hard-earned throne. glory, and wealth for the rest of his life. He wanted to prove to everyone that he wasn’t any worse than Timothy.

The Hadley family was, at that moment, the top dog of the business industry. Hence, they could aid the desperate Gibson family in innumerable ways. For example, granting the Gibson Corporation a project with a multi-billion investment. If the company could convince Nathaniel to collaborate with them, their crisis would be resolved.

However, Timothy and Azure were too sly and harsh to the Hadley family back then. It was why Nathaniel held a grudge against the family. No matter how Nigel tried to ingratiate Nathaniel, the latter refused to meet with the former.

Therefore, after contemplating his options, Nigel decided to approach Christina.

She can keep denying my request, but she can’t ignore the fact that the blood of the Gibson family flows in her veins. Suppressing the humiliation, Nigel remarked, “I admit that I’m not competent enough, which is why Gibson Corporation is in a pinch. However, I’m not solely responsible for this outcome. You played a part in the company’s downfall as well.”

Christina arched her eyebrow, staring at Nigel and waiting for him to continue.

“If you had offered a few words of advice when Nathaniel canceled all collaborations with Gibson Corporation, things would’ve been fine. Gibson Corporation wouldn’t have fallen to its current state. Nathaniel even employed dirty tricks to force other companies not to cooperate with Gibson Corporation To deal with the Gibson family to teach us a lesson. As such, the company couldn’t find any new partners, and its capital chain was severed. That is why the company has no choice but to beg Nathaniel for help. Christina, the tragedy of Gibson Corporation is Nathaniel’s fault. Your parent’s accident back then is intricately tied to the Hadley family. Stop being stubborn, and don’t allow Nathaniel to continue to fool you! Never forget that romantic love will never be as precious as your mother’s sacrifice! All the glory and wealth you enjoy today was the result of your mother’s death!”

An icy expression was set on Christina’s face as she squeezed the glass in her hand, so much so that the veins on the back of her hand bulged.

Bang!

She slammed the glass on the coffee table, drawing attention from many of the guests nearby. However, she ignored them.

“Are you threatening me with my mother’s matter?” She sneered overbearingly. “The truth about what transpired five years ago still hadn’t been discovered. Do you have proof that the Hadley family is responsible for that incident? You insinuate they are cruel and immoral, yet you’re secretly trying to get their help to make a comeback. One mustn’t be too hypocritical. In fact, I suspect you might have a part to play in that accident. After all, you were the one who would benefit the most from my parent’s accident.”

Nigel’s pupils constricted as he scowled. “What nonsense are you talking about, Christina? I’m your uncle! Your father is my older brother! Why would I harm my own family for personal benefit? If you slander me any further, don’t blame me for burning bridges with you!”

Christina covered her mouth as she chuckled and responded casually. “If you think I’m speaking nonsense, why are you so angry? You’re just making others think that you’re guilty.”

With reddened eyes, Nigel glared at her. “In any case, you’d better consider my words. Even if you don’t care about Gibson Corporation, you still need to think about your parents.”

He did his best to protect his dignity until the end and retreated swiftly before more people paid attention. to their argument.

The smile on Christina’s face slowly faded, replaced by amusement and mockery. Nigel had some nerve to mention my deceased mother when he failed to persuade me by using Gibson Corporation. Even if my father had personally come to lecture me, I probably wouldn’t have shown him respect. Yet, Nigel thought he could gain my support. How ridiculous!

With a grimace, she emptied her glass of juice.

After shaking off the guests, Nathaniel hastily marched toward Christina with furrowed eyebrows. “What did Nigel talk to you about?”

The edges of Christina’s lips curved upward. “It’s nothing serious. He was asking me to help him save Gibson Corporation. However, I declined. I disliked people bringing up familial love to threaten me.” Even though I avoided mentioning the part about Mom, I doubt I can hide that bit from someone as smart as Nathaniel. Once Nigel is driven to desperation, he’ll find a way to meet with Nathaniel. When the time comes, Nathaniel will solve the problem, so I’m not worried.

In response, Nathaniel sneered, “Nigel has some nerve to threaten my woman.”

Christina didn’t want Nigel to ruin her plan for the night, so she said. “Let’s forget about him. Where’s Winston? I don’t see him anywhere.”

“He’s here, waiting for us in the lounge.”

As she set her glass down somewhere, a sly and excited look flashed past her eyes. “We should visit him quickly. I’m almost full from drinking fruit juices for the whole night.”

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Chapter 582 I Am Not A Mistress

The advice Nathaniel offered wasn’t to encourage Christina to confront Winston directly. He simply wanted to let her know he would do whatever it took to fulfill her desires. L

Even if he had to pay a dear price, he would safeguard her.

Having spent a long time with Nathaniel, Christina had reached a level of tacit understanding with him and was willing to accept his intention.

“I know what to do.” A hint of haughtiness flashed across her eyes as she blinked. “If I acquire important clues from Winston about the past, fail to control myself, and end up crippling him, you have to protect me.”

Nathaniel scratched her palm lightly with his fingers. “Do as you please. Winston won’t dare to cause you any harm.”

“Where’s the lounge? Let’s hurry over.” Christina could hardly suppress her excitement to stir up trouble, yearning to meet the well-known figure. Winston, in person.

Nathaniel held Christina in a protective stance while leading her toward the lounge.

When the two were passing through a garden, they heard a commotion resonating across the night sky.

Christina didn’t want to meddle in others’ affairs, but one of the voices sounded too familiar.

She stopped in her tracks and turned toward the source of the noise.

Nathaniel frowned. “Christina, do you want to go over and watch what’s happening?”

Now that Christina was pregnant, Nathaniel wasn’t fond of her mingling in crowded and chaotic places. After all, if there was any pushing or uproar, she might easily get hurt by accident.

The high-end banquet venue was filled with members from prestigious families and celebrities. Arguments were commonly seen during such occasions as those elites of the society fought to be in the limelight. Bullying others on the spot had become a norm for them to satisfy their desire for victory.

Christina uttered, “I think I just heard Bailey’s voice. I have to go over and take a look.”

She quickly slipped out of Nathaniel’s arms and hastened toward the center of the ruckus.

Nathaniel trailed behind her expressionlessly.

When Christina arrived, the area around the pool was already crowded with onlookers.

Two beautiful women were brawling, one of them straddling the other. The woman on top pulled the hair of the woman beneath her and repeatedly slapped the latter while incessantly hurling insults. “Julian is my fiancé, and everyone knows about this. Aren’t you a daredevil for having the guts to seduce my man under -my watch? You even climbed into bed with him. I’ve arranged for someone to follow you for some time now. You could’ve done anything else, yet you chose to be a despisable mistress. Since you’re so adept at seducing men, I suppose you must’ve slept with countless of them all the time. The Cook family has done a poor job raising their daughter. I’ll flay you today and help your parents teach you a lesson about dignity. and self-respect, you shameless woman!”

Christina pushed her way through the crowd, and the sight before her made her gasp.

The person being bullied and pinned down was Bailey,

Bailey’s makeup was ruined, and there was even a scratch on her face, smearing her countenance with blood.

Even worse. Bailey’s dress was drenched in alcohol and torn to shreds, leaving her body barely covered.

Nonetheless, the woman hitting Bailey was unrelenting Her ferocious demeanor appeared no different from a crazy woman. The onlookers were all enjoying the spectacle, and none stepped forward to break up the fight.

“Ill kill you?” That woman strangled Bailey with all her might using both her hands.

Bailey’s face was turning purple. She was absolutely no match for her opponent. “Let… go of me. Help!”

Christina was enraged. She picked up a bottle of wine on the table and flung it at the woman’s back.

“Christina!”

Following Nathaniel’s growl, the wine bottle smashed against the woman’s back, scattering glass shards and splashing wine over the three women.

That woman turned around and glanced at Christina in bewilderment before her body went limp, and she tumbled off Bailey. The striking red liquid flowed on the green lawn, forming a spine-chilling sight as others failed to discern whether it was blood or wine.

“Ahh! It’s murder! Someone hurry up and call security!” someone in the crowd suddenly screamed, causing the scene to erupt into chaos.

Nathaniel took off his suit jacket and wrapped it around Christina, cradling her in his arms. He kissed her forehead and continuously reassured her in a gentle voice. “Don’t be scared. It’s all right. She’s not dead. Don’t look.”

Christina’s face was pale. Her body and hands trembled greatly. A surreal sense washed over her as her mind buzzed and her brain throbbed painfully.

While listening to his soothing consolation, she felt a warm and large palm covering her eyes.

“Be good. Don’t look. You’ll have nightmares.”

Christina sobbed and buried her face in Nathaniel’s chest.

Bailey inhaled sharply and gazed at Zeila Langford, who was lying in a pool of blood, in stupefaction. She clambered a few steps sideways.

Immediately afterward, Julian’s towering figure appeared in Bailey’s line of sight.

Taking in that horrifying scene before him, he riveted his astonished gaze on Bailey.

The pent-up grievances within Bailey’s chest instantly collapsed. Bailey looked at Julian with an anticipatory look. “Jul”

However, the rest of her words got stuck in her throat when she noticed his subsequent actions.

Julian strode past Bailey, carried Zeila in his arms, and growled at the security guards behind him. “What are you standing there for? Hurry up and call an ambulance!”

Then, he swiftly walked away with Zeila in his embrace without uttering a single word to Bailey the whole time.

Bailey’s expectations and fear intertwined, forming an impenetrable and suffocating net that ensnared her.

Heart-wrenching pain erupted in her chest, and the agony was so intense that she almost suffered an emotional breakdown.

Bailey sat in her spot, staring blankly ahead and allowing others to direct mocking and disdainful glances at her. She didn’t retort even as the onlookers besmirched her reputation and berated her.

Julian’s appearance quickly pulled Christina back to her senses.

“Bailey, let’s leave this place for now.” Christina crouched down beside Bailey, took off the suit jacket on her, and draped it over the latter. “Let’s go.”

Bailey grasped Christina forcefully, her grip so strong that it left red marks on Christina’s fair skin.

Nathaniel received two blankets from a server and handed them to Christina. “There are a lot of reporters outside. We should leave from the side door.”

Christina shot him a grateful look and took the blankets from him. She wrapped one of the blankets, around Bailey’s body and draped the other over her head, concealing Bailey’s face.

Nathaniel had alerted Sebastian in advance to bring the car to the side door.

The trio successfully navigated through the deserted path and got into the black Maybach parked at the side door.

Nathaniel looked at Christina. “You take her to the hospital. I’ll stay here to handle the aftermath. If you need anything, let Sebastian know. I’ll join you shortly”

He leaned over the car window and kissed Christina’s forehead before indifferently instructing Sebastian to roll up the car window.

After that, the black Maybach slowly moved out of the manor.

Christina had seen Bailey in her prime, and she had also seen the latter heartbroken and despondent. However, she had never seen Bailey in such a miserable and helpless state before.

Bailey held Christina’s wrist tightly as if grasping her last lifeline. “Christina, you must believe me. I’m not a mistress. I never intended to steal another person’s husband!”

Chapter 583 He Is All Right

Christina could not comment on Bailey’s statement, as she did not know the whole story.

Feeling sorry for Bailey, she hugged her and gently comforted her, “Bailey, let’s go to the hospital to take care of your wounds first. We’ll talk about this later, okay?”

Bailey buried her face in Christina’s arms as she sobbed.

Sebastian glanced at the two women through the rearview mirror before averting his gaze. He avoided cavesdropping on their conversation and looking at them. He kept his eyes on the road and focused on driving to the nearest hospital.

He chose a hospital that the Hadley family invested in and purposely parked the car in the underground parking. Several doctors and nurses, who had received an order from the higher management, had been waiting for them. They rushed to the car and hurried to help Bailey onto a stretcher before using the elevator to the consultation room.

The entire floor had been cleared in advance.

Christina sat on a bench in the hallway, anxiously awaiting the results of Bailey’s checkup. Nathaniel’s bloodied blazer was draped over her shoulders. Occasionally, she would look up at the closed doors of the consultation room.

She had sent several messages to Nathaniel but did not receive any immediate replies.

She was deeply concerned about Nathaniel’s and Bailey’s situations.

“Mrs. Hadley, it’ll be a while before Ms. Cook’s checkup is complete. You must’ve been frightened. Why don’t I have you registered so you can get a full-body checkup as well?” Sebastian suggested.

Christina shook her head. “I’m fine. The blood on me isn’t mine. Bailey’s emotions are unstable. I’m worried about leaving her alone. It’s better if I wait for her to come out. Mr. Taggart, I can’t reach Nathaniel. How are things at his side?”

Sebastian was also clueless. After all, Nathaniel would usually reply to Christina’s messages first before he replied to others.

“Mrs. Hadley, please don’t worry. There is no problem that Mr. Hadley cannot solve. No one would dare to assume airs in front of him either.” Sebastian chose his words carefully to reassure Christina.

Christina was as pale as paper but still forced a grin on her lips. Suddenly remembering the woman she had smashed with a wine bottle, she asked, “Mr. Taggart, do you happen to know who Zeila Langford is?”

Sebastian felt his head ache when he heard the familiar name. However, he could not lie to Christina about Zeila as he feared she would misjudge the situation and stir up even bigger trouble.

“Ms. Langford is the only daughter of the richest man in Gerton. She and Julian are engaged. The Langford family and the Forrester family are family friends. Half a year ago, they held an engagement party for Zeila and Julian, but their wedding date is yet to be confirmed. The Forrester family prefers to lay low, so the media in the country doesn’t know about the couple’s engagement.”

I didn’t know that Julian was engaged! But if that’s the case, why is he entangled with Bailey?

As the saying goes, it takes two to tango. Christina would not push all the responsibility onto Julian without first learning about everything from Bailey.

She tightened her fists. But if I find out that Julian was the one who made the first move, I definitely won’t let him off the hook!

“It must be hard to deal with the Langford family, huh?” Christina asked. “I think I might’ve caused a lot of trouble for Nathaniel”

Christina was sure she had caused a severe injury on Zella’s back from the amount of blood the latter lost.

The Langford family only had one precious daughter. They would not let things slide even if it cost their pride and dignity.

However, Christina did not regret doing it for Bailey.

Sebastian replied. “The Langford and Hadley families are partners. Both families are equal in terms of power too. However, the Langford family still has to be respectful in front of Mr. Hadley. Besides, you’re not the one entirely at fault, Mrs. Hadley. Even if the Langford family has any dissatisfactions, they will have to consider your identity before doing anything.”

Although Sebastian’s words were pleasant to the cars, they failed to comfort Christina.

Feeling tired, she leaned back into the chair and closed her eyes to take a nap.

Just then, the doors to the outpatient clinic opened, and a nurse pushed Bailey out in a wheelchair.)

Christina immediately approached Bailey. Anxiously, she asked the doctor, “Doctor, how is she?”

The doctor answered earnestly, “All the wounds on the patient are superficial, so she’s all right. She’ll recover after having some rest at home. However, I suggest you register her to see a psychiatrist and have them run some tests. Her emotions are all over the place. She needs professional counseling.”

Christina nodded. “Thank you, Doctor. I’ll make sure to take her to see a psychiatrist.”

The doctor and the nurse turned to leave after that.

Bailey stared blankly ahead, ignoring Christina no matter how many times she called out to her.

Christina’s eyes reddened. “Bailey, I’ll take you home.”

A switch seemed to have flipped inside Bailey when she heard that. She wanted to get up from the wheelchair, but Christina beat her to it and pushed her back down.

Bailey struggled desperately. Unable to hold her down any longer, Christina switched to hugging her instead.

“Bailey, look at me. I’m Christina, not Zeila. It’s over. No one is going to hurt you.”

Bailey smacked her head hard as she cried, “I don’t want to go home! I don’t want to go home! I don’t want to go home!”

Sebastian quickly pulled the duo apart, afraid that Bailey would hurt Christina. He stepped in and held Bailey down. “Mrs. Hadley, Ms. Cook’s emotions seem to be quite unstable. How about we check her into. the hospital for observation? This hospital has a talented psychiatrist. If you agree, I’ll bring her to the ward and have the doctor inject her with a sedative.”

Christina held back her tears as she nodded. “All right.”

She looked at Bailey and gently coaxed. “Bailey, we’re not going home. I’ll stay at the hospital with you while you rest. After that, you can come back to Scenic Garden Manor with me. You can stay as long as you want, okay?”

Bailey stared at Christina blankly, tears streaming down her face as she nodded.

Sebastian had someone arrange a VIP ward for Bailey. She fell asleep after the doctor sedated her.

Christina continued her attempts to call Nathaniel but still could not get through.

Sebastian returned with supper after completing the hospitalization procedure. “Mrs. Hadley, you should cat something.”

However, Christina did not have an appetite. “Is there any news from Nathaniel?”

Sebastian replied. “Mr. Hadley’s bodyguard just contacted me. He said Mr. Hadley’s phone battery is dead. so he isn’t able to reply to your messages. Mr. Hadley and the respective heads of the Langford and Cook families are currently discussing the issue with you and Ms. Cook. He can only come to pick you up from the hospital later. Mr. Hadley wanted me to tell you that he’s all right and that you shouldn’t worry.”

Christina finally heaved a sigh of relief as her tense nerves gradually relaxed. She suddenly felt hungry and tired.

“I’m glad that he’s all right.” Christina sighed again before she took the risotto from Sebastian and started eating.

As Sebastian was around, Christina did not have to do anything else.

After some time, Christina got bored from staying in the hospital room, so she went for a stroll to stretch her slightly stiffened muscles. Not far from where she was, she heard two nurses on duty gossip as though. no one was around.

“What is going on with the world today? Their best friend was taught a lesson because she was someone’s mistress, yet they became her accomplice without first knowing the truth.”

Chapter 584 The Death Of Me

The nurses’ voices were sharp and clear, which made it easy for Christina to listen in on the conversation between them. She pricked her ears and stared at their backs icily.

“I’ll bet you a month’s breakfast that the two women online are the ones from Ward 502. Take a closer look. The woman holding the wine bottle is clearly pregnant. The guardian for Ward 502 is also pregnant. Plus, they’re both wearing the same gown.”

“No way. I’m not going to bet with you. Someone on the internet has already revealed the identities of those two women. Birds of a feather flock together. There must be a certain reason those two are the best of friends. Perhaps the pregnant woman isn’t even pregnant with her husband’s child.”

The two nurses were immersed in their conversation about the viral video spreading online that they did not realize someone was standing behind them.

Christina reached over and snatched the nurse’s phone.

“Hey! What are you-oh gosh!” The nurse, whose phone had been taken away, held a hand up to her mouth. Her face was drained of all its color as she stared at Christina in shock.

Christina withdrew her gaze from the nurses to the phone in her hand. She tapped on the video and watched as it played.

The insults and offensive words in the title of the video were eye-catching.

The recording started with Zeila insulting Bailey, and Christina soon appeared on the screen. It showed her raising the wine bottle and smashing Zeila with it. The angle then panned to show Julian taking Zeila away while Nathaniel and Christina covered Bailey. The video ended with the trio leaving the banquet.

There was no narration or subtitles throughout the entire video, but it attracted the attention of many and started trending on various social media platforms.

The majority of the netizens criticized Christina and Bailey. With their identities revealed, the Hadley and Cook families became the talk of the town. Zeila, who had been the first to make a move, however, received pity and sympathy from everyone, so much so that they ignored the fact that she had hit and insulted Bailey.

Christina was trembling in anger. She slammed the phone onto the table, causing the two nurses to jump in fear and shock.

“Let me give you two a piece of advice. Don’t jump on the trend and judge others before the truth is revealed.”

Sebastian had just returned from throwing the trash when he saw Christina reprimanding the two nurses. He scarcely grasped a few of the words she said and hurried to her side.

“Mrs. Hadley, what happened? You must take care of yourself and not get angry.”

Christina took a deep breath and returned to the hospital ward with a cold expression.

Sebastian was not as courteous as Christina. His respectful attitude disappeared the moment Christina was out of sight. It was replaced with a domineering and terrifying aura.

“The hospital did not place you in the VIP ward to sit around and gossip. If you feel humiliated and aggrieved, you can voice your complaints to the hospital. I’ll have someone new transferred over here.”

The two nurses responded in a shaky voice, “We’re sorry, Mr. Taggart. We didn’t say those things on purpose. Please forgive us. We’ll be fired if the director finds out about this.”

Sebastian scoffed. “Leave your explanation to the director!”

He turned around and returned to the ward without a second glance. The nurses started to push the blame on one another as they cried and fought.

The hospital soon discovered and immediately dealt with the issue by replacing those two nurses with new ones.

Sebastian arranged for the Public Relations Department to remove the trending video and sent people to investigate the person who revealed Christina’s and Bailey’s identities. He worked non-stop for more than an hour before everything was settled.

“Mrs. Hadley, I’ve asked them to remove the trending video. We’ve also found the person who revealed your identities.”

“Who is it?”

“It’s Anya Gibson.”

Anya! Why is it you again?

If it weren’t for the fact that Christina had been busy lately, she definitely would not have let Anya get an opportunity to stir up trouble.

The issue with the Gibson family must be resolved as soon as possible. The branch family, especially, is getting more and more unreasonable, each worse than the other.

“Are there any developments with Madison’s case?” Christina suddenly asked.

Sebastian could guess what Christina was thinking. “Nothing as of right now.”

Christina sneered. “Nothing at all? Then, you should find a way to make progress. Since Anya used public opinion as a tool to bully others, we should let her have a taste of her own medicine. Have the

media bring the public’s attention back to Madison’s case and make it a trending topic. It might even bring the police new clues. Hype the case as much as possible and get it to trend for some time. It’d be even better if the Taggart family went to look for Anya.”

Sebastian’s heart trembled when he heard what Christina said. He hummed in response and left the room.

This time, Anya had crossed Christina’s limits. The mess between the four wealthy families-the Langford family, the Forrester family, the Cook family, and the Hadley family-was already chaotic enough. Anya must be seeking death for continuing to stir up trouble.

Sebastian was efficient in his work. Within half an hour, the Public Relations Department had instructed ghostwriters to bump Madison’s case to the top of the trending topics. Several netizens popped out like mushrooms after rain to voice their opinions on the issue.

A post mentioned that someone at the mental hospital had seen Anya leaving Madison’s hospital ward in a hurry on the day Madison died.

With the publication of that post, other uncertain pieces of evidence also appeared on the internet.

Photos and videos were posted, showing that Anya had indeed been at the mental hospital on the day of Madison’s incident.

The news of Madison’s case immediately pushed Bailey’s incident to the bottom of the trending list.

A sarcastic smirk appeared on Christina’s lips when she saw the effect brought by the trending topic

Let’s see how Anya will solve this problematic situation of hers

Anya was lying on the massive bed in the hotel, overjoyed that her plan had been executed perfectly. However, she felt something was unusual when she noticed her name had replaced the video on the trending list.

She tapped on the trending list and scrolled to see that a netizen had posted a thread about her relation with Madison’s case. She jumped in shock and threw her phone away as though she had just seen a ghost.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

All of a sudden, there was a violent knock on the door of the room.

“Anya! Open the door!” Nigel yelled from outside. “Open up! I know you’re in there!”

Damn it. Dad must be looking for me because of Madison’s case!

Anya paced back and forth anxiously as she bit her nails, her eyes filled with fear.

“Anya! If you don’t open the door, I’ll have someone tear it down!” Nigel kicked the door in frustration. “Do you not have the nerve to face me after creating such a big mess for me to clean up?”

Bang!

Anya jumped as another loud bang sounded from the door. Her heart was racing, and her ears were buzzing. She took a deep breath before walking to the door and opening it.

No sooner had the door opened than Nigel reached forward to slap Anya.

“You brat! You’re going to be the death of me!” Nigel rushed in and closed the door behind him.

Anya staggered backward from the force of Nigel’s slap, causing her to knock her waist against the corner. of the shoe rack behind her. Tears streamed down her face as pain coursed through her. She

dared not make a sound, afraid that it would anger Nigel further.

With Madison’s case gaining the public’s attention again, it would only mean Nigel would be exposed for covering up for Anya sooner or later.

Nigel was already in a difficult situation. He did not mind that Anya could not help him share his troubles. However, he did not expect her to turn his life into a living hell.

“The Taggart family are targeting you like mad dogs. Can’t you just behave yourself and lie low?”

Chapter 585 I Am Really Stupid

The Taggart family has their eyes on me?

Anya was completely unaware of that. She had registered a new account and posted it online after recording the video at the banquet. She then continued to attend the banquet with Nigel as if nothing had happened and returned to her hotel after the banquet ended and remained there throughout the night.

For more than half the time, Anya was constantly checking if people were viewing her video and did not pay any attention to the newest public opinion.

She was the one who killed Madison. Given the Taggart family’s vengeful nature, it would be a lie if she claimed that she wasn’t scared of them.

After all, if the truth was revealed, not only would she be sentenced to decades in prison, but she would also lose her status, reputation, and freedom. She was not even sure if she would be able to come out of prison alive.

She was certain that the Taggart family would not let her off.

At the thought of the hopeless situation she could potentially face, Anya dropped to the ground in tears.

Hugging Nigel’s thighs, she said, “Dad, I’ve realized my mistake. We can’t let the Taggart family find out the truth. I don’t want to go to jail. Please help me just this once!”

Seeing Anya’s tears and pitiful expression, Nigel felt his heart ache.

He doted on his daughter ever since she was young and had given her nothing but the best.

Even though Christina’s presence was an obstacle to his plans, Nigel was still hoping that his children. would be the ones inheriting Gibson Corporation.

Despite her timid nature, Anya had always listened to Nigel. Moreover, she had always lived up to his expectations and had never disappointed him.

Nigel simply could not bring himself to give up on the daughter whom he had spent so much effort. raising.

“Anya, you’ve really committed a huge mistake this time.” The man sighed. “The scandal involving the Langford family, the Cook family, and the Forrester family was none of your business. You should have never gotten yourself involved in this mess.”

Knowing that it was too late for regrets, Anya started to cry even harder.

“Dad, I didn’t know Zeila has such a complicated background. My intention was to ruin Christina’s reputation. I didn’t expect Madison’s murder case to be brought up.”

Initially, the discussion online had steered in the direction Anya had predicted.

Even if it was revealed that Anya was the one who posted the video, there was no reason anyone would link it to Madison’s case.

Suddenly, a thought struck Anya. “Dad, it’s Christina. I’m sure she was the one behind it. She must have gotten someone to expose Madison’s murder. She’s trying to get back at me for posting the video that humiliated her and Gabrielle!”

As Christina was also a victim, it had never occurred to Nigel that she could be the instigator.

Realization finally dawned upon him when he heard his daughter’s words, and anger rose in him like a tide.

However, what angered him more was that Anya had thwarted his plans.

The next moment, Nigel slapped his daughter across the face.

Anya looked at the man in disbelief and yelled, “Dad, what did I do wrong again? Why did you slap me?”

Both sides of my face are swollen. How am I supposed to meet anyone tomorrow?

Nigel glared at Anya, appalled by her ignorance. He wondered what she was thinking.

“I canceled my meeting with an important customer just to attend the banquet. What do you think my purpose is?” Nigel roared in frustration. “I approached Christina and had a chat with her earlier this evening. I was hoping that she would have some conscience and try to persuade Nathaniel to give us a sum of money or let us work on Hadley Corporation’s projects. That would help Gibson Corporation turn things around.”

It was impossible for him not to be angry, given that all his efforts had gone down the drain because of what Anya had done.

Anya widened her eyes in shock. She had thought that the purpose of Nigel attending the banquet was to network with potential business partners and find promising collaboration opportunities.

Never did she imagine Nigel would ask Christina for help behind her back.

“It’s all over. You’ve ruined everything!” Nigel had lost all hope and felt as if the world was coming to an end. “Christina has never been fond of the Gibson family, and you should know how protective Nathaniel. is. If he knows that you’re the one who posted the video attacking Christina, he won’t hesitate to destroy Gibson Corporation. I’ve worked so hard my entire life to achieve everything I have. Why did I give birth to such a dumb daughter like you!”

His head started throbbing as a fresh swell of rage rose in him.

Unable to stand the sight of Anya, he kicked her to the ground.

“If you’re courting death, don’t drag the entire Gibson family down with you. Clean up the mess you created; otherwise, don’t blame me for disowning you!” he said in a threatening tone.

With that, Nigel stormed out of the room.

Anya was so terrified that her stomach started cramping. She had completely no idea what to do without Nigel’s help.

In a state of panic, she thought of a person. Scrambling toward the bedside table, she picked up her phone and dialed a number she had not dialed in a long while.

“Yerek, I’m in deep trouble! You’re the only one who can help me now. Please save me!”

While Anya was in deep water, Christina was not having much peace either.

Bailey had woken up from a nightmare and started crying nonstop. She had thrown a huge tantrum that her wound, which had just been bandaged, started bleeding again. She had also incurred some fresh cuts on her body.

Christina patiently let her finish venting before allowing the doctor to inject her with a tranquilizer.

She then instructed Sebastian to fetch her a basin of warm water. While she wiped off the bloodstains from Bailey’s face, she said, “Bailey, I know you’re really upset over what happened, but you can’t vent your frustrations by hurting yourself.”

Staring at Christina blankly, Bailey grabbed her wrist and said in a hoarse voice, “Christina, he lied to me. He knows how much I love him. How could he be so cruel to me?”

It was clear to Christina that the “he” Bailey was referring to was Julian.

“I know he has a fiancée, but he told me that they were not officially engaged and that it was just a verbal agreement between their families. He promised he would settle it and marry me.” Bailey said bitterly, her voice trembling as she looked at Christina.

Trying her best not to let her tears fall, she continued, “He said he would leave the Forrester family for me. He said no one could come in the way of our happiness, and I trusted him. Haha… I’m really stupid, right? Although everything he said was so cliche, I did not doubt him at all! He took me to banquets and bought me lots of expensive jewelry. He made me so happy. In fact, I have never been happier. But look, his fiancée tried to kill me.”

Bailey’s eyes were filled with hatred and regret. She looked over Christina’s shoulders and fixed her gaze on the door to the ward. “Where’s Julian? Why didn’t he come to see me?”

Chapter 586 Let Her Go

Bailey’s extremely unstable emotional state and tendency to overthink made reading her thoughts really difficult, so Christina didn’t dare agitate her too much.

“Julian was here, but you were asleep at the time. I didn’t tell him to stay because I figured you didn’t want to see him just yet.”

“You’re lying! Julian never came to visit me!” There was a hint of despair in Bailey’s smile. She took a deep breath and continued with certainty. “He’s trying to show me that Zeila is more important than I am!”

Christina teared up slightly and found herself at a loss for words. She didn’t know how to comfort Bailey.

Despite being in a dazed state from time to time, Bailey was actually aware of everything going on around her.

With a bright smile on her face, she let go of Christina’s wrist and said confidently, “Christina, Julian and I are over!”

Bailey felt as though something deep inside her broke when she said that, and the pain was so intense that it could tear her heart apart.

Even so, no one could help share that pain of hers, so Bailey would have to endure it all on her own.

The light in the corridor flickered, and a chilly breeze came in through the window.

Christina felt a shiver down her spine as she sat there and stared at Bailey, who had been venting her emotions for over an hour.

Bailey’s last sentence kept echoing in Christina’s mind, and her pained expression was practically etched into Christina’s memory.

Because Christina had a similar experience in the past with Nathaniel, she was able to understand Bailey’s feelings.

“It’s getting late, Mrs. Hadley. How about I send you home?” Sebastian suggested.

Christina stood up and stretched her aching legs to relieve some of the pain as she replied, “Have you made the arrangements for Bailey’s protection? She’s emotionally unstable right now, so I’m very worried about her safety. Her caretakers must be very alert and meticulous when looking after her.”

“Yes, you may rest assured that all the arrangements have been made,” Sebastian replied.

Christina tugged at her coat and made her way toward the elevator.

The elevator doors opened, and her eyes grew cold when she saw the man standing inside.

“It sure is ridiculously hard to see you, Mr. Forrester. Are you here to visit Bailey? What if your fiancée finds out and throws another tantrum?” Christina asked, making no attempt to hide her sarcasm at all.

Julian was in no position to defend himself, so he simply shot Christina a glance as he stepped out of the elevator.

“I heard Bailey is emotionally unstable. I won’t stick around for too long,” he said with his fists clenched.

Christina let out a sarcastic chuckle as she walked up to him with her arms crossed.

“You chose to be with another woman when Bailey needed you the most. Julian. You have lost the right to care for her, let alone stay by her side.”

Julian’s expression slid into a frown, and the veins in his forehead bulged as he tried to keep his anger suppressed. “Mrs. Hadley, this is between me and Bailey. You have no right to interfere.”

Christina glared at him. “Gabrielle used to love you with her entire being, but she no longer wants to see you ever again after you abandoned her. It was her who decided that it’s over between you two, not me.”

Julian’s face was filled with disbelief when he heard that. “S-She wants to break up with me?”

No, this can’t be true! There’s no way Bailey would do that!

Julian shoved Christina aside and ran straight toward Bailey’s ward.

“Mrs. Hadley!” Sebastian reached out to catch Christina as she staggered to the side.

Christina rubbed her aching shoulder and shouted, “Stop him, Sebastian!”

Given the state Bailey is in, I can’t let them see each other!

Sebastian quickly ran after Julian and grabbed him by the shoulder. In one swift motion, he pinned Julian’s huge frame against the wall.

“Let go of me!” Julian yelled with a vicious look in his eyes.

However, Sebastian was trained in hand-to-hand combat, so he had the strength and skills to subdue opponents who were much bigger and stronger. Even Julian was unable to break free from his grip.

“Unless you want Ms. Cook to take her own life before your very eyes, I suggest you not go visit her, Mr. Forrester,” Sebastian said before letting go of Julian.

Julian stood rooted to the spot, his lips pale. “What do you mean by that?”

Ignoring the look of anguish on Julian’s face, Christina said with a disdainful snort, “I don’t know how much of what you told Bailey is true, but she was so upset that she ended up needing therapy. Even Zeila’s actions did not hurt her this much. You should just let her go, Julian. Think of it as making it up to her.”

Julian turned around and glanced at the door of Bailey’s ward. A few seconds later, he started making his way toward it. Sebastian was about to stop him, but Christina motioned for him to stay put.

I’ve already told Julian everything he needed to hear, so I trust that he understands the gravity of the situation.

Christina and Sebastian simply observed Julian as he stood outside the door.

Nathaniel arrived at the hospital right as the clock struck two.

Christina flashed him a sweet smile. “You’re back!”

Nathaniel held her hands which had turned red from the cold. “I’m sorry for being late. Dealing with the Langford family turned out to be a lot tougher than I had expected. You must be tired, right? Come on, let’s go home.”

Christina remained rooted to the spot and continued staring at Julian.. disgrace himself like that. Besides, the Langford family has agreed to prevent the two from seeing each other.”

There was a look of surprise in Christina’s eyes when she heard that.

This was the ideal solution to the problem, and she had also anticipated this outcome herself. However, she still felt bad for Julian and Bailey’s relationship.

This is the first time Bailey has experienced so much pain in a relationship. She would probably find it hard to fall in love again in the future.

Christina let out a sigh and said, “I want to go home, Nathaniel.”

“All right. Let’s go home.” Nathaniel wrapped an arm around her shoulder and walked her to the elevator.

Christina didn’t know when Julian left the hospital that night, nor was she interested in finding out.

Surprisingly, all of the media companies practically said nothing about their relationship. It was as though the entire incident was an absurd farce that gradually got replaced by more shocking news.

Anya, however, was unable to free herself from Madison’s case. Thanks to Christina pulling the strings behind the scenes, Anya was interrogated by the police and confronted by the members of the Taggart family.

When questioned by the police, Anya insisted that the pictures and videos on the internet were fake. She claimed that it was the work of someone who wanted to defame her.

As the police had yet to obtain any new evidence on her, they released her after she paid her bail.

Anya had just gotten into a car that was parked in front of the police station when someone opened the door on the other side.

Emilia got into the car and sat right next to Anya. She said, “It’s been a while, Anya. 1 see your situation is as crappy as always.”

Chapter 587 You Have My Word

Despite being in a horrible situation, Anya still looked down on Emilia. She refused to admit that Emilia, who had lost everything, had it any better than she did.

“I don’t recall giving you permission to get in my car! Also, you stink! Get out right this instant!” she yelled while glaring at Emilia.

For added effect, Anya even covered her nose and mouth to emphasize her feelings of disgust.

Emilia’s face turned gloomy instantly. Instead of leaving as she was told, Emilia shot the driver a glance. and said with a sneer, “I have something very important to discuss with Ms. Gibson. I’m fine with doing so in front of the police station if she’s okay with them hearing it.”

That seemed to have struck a nerve. Anya grabbed Emilia by the shoulder and squeezed it hard as she shouted, “What are you playing at, Emilia? Do you think you can threaten me?”

Emilia arched an eyebrow at her in response and reached for the door handle as she said, “Oh, well… I suppose I should have just minded my own business instead. As difficult as Madison’s case may be. I’m sure you’ll be able to handle it, Ms. Gibson.”

Anya’s heart skipped a beat when she heard that. She immediately grabbed Emilia’s arm and exclaimed anxiously. “You know what? I think we need to have a little chat, Emilia!” Anya then turned to the driver. “Drive us to that alley on the side and wait outside the car.”“

Emilia let out a sly giggle and closed the car door.

The driver drove the car into a quiet alley and got out for a smoke.

“What exactly are you playing at?” Anya asked while glancing at Emilia.

Emilia whipped out her phone from her handbag, played a video on it, and tossed it at Anya. “You’ll soon find out.”

Whatever arrogance Anya had was gone in an instant after she watched the video. She tossed the phone. away in shock and grabbed Emilia by the collar.

“Where did you get this video from? How much do you want?”

Emilia flashed her a gleeful grin and patted Anya on the back of her hand. “Let go.”

As though she had touched something disgusting, Anya quickly let go of her and backed away slightly.

“I’ll pay you as much as you want if you delete that video and keep that secret.”

“Just like with Madison? Listen to your lies, carry out your orders, and get silenced before the truth gets revealed? Or like my mother, whom you used to pit me against Christina and got burned to death in that old house?” Emilia asked with a sneer.

Anya’s face was as white as a sheet.

Miranda did a perfect job, so how could Emilia possibly know it was my idea?

Anya swallowed hard and tried to look calm as she replied, “You claim that I killed your mother, but do you have proof of it? Your mother and I have nothing against each other, so why would I take the risk and kill a down-and-out nobody?”

Emilia whipped out a clear plastic bag containing a pink diamond earring.

“This earring was found in the ruins of the fire. It is custom-made by a certain brand, and it is the only pair in the world. All jewelry products of this brand have their own unique serial numbers and

certificates. If I hand this carring to the police, you will be charged with the murder of two people. How long do you think the prison sentence will be?”

“N-N-No, please! We can work this out. Emilia! You can’t do this!” Anya exclaimed while lunging at the carring, but Emilia was prepared.

She opened the car door and jumped right out of the car.

Anya grabbed nothing but air and ended up with her upper body dangling outside the car. She even nearly hit her head on the road.

Anxious and desperate, she quickly got back up and pleaded with Emilia, “What do I have to do to have you spare me, Emilia?”

Unbeknownst to Anya, Emilia had never planned on sparing her. However, she didn’t want to get her own hands dirty, so she decided to threaten Anya with evidence of her crimes.

–

“I need money.”

“I have money! I can pay you as much as you want!”

“I also need a new identity, a luxurious house, and a fancy car.”

“I can give you all of that!”

A satisfied grin spread across Emilia’s face when she saw how terrified Anya looked.

She patted Anya on the head and spoke to her as though Anya were an obedient dog. “As long as you obey my instructions, we will be able to work very well together. After all, who doesn’t want to live a comfortable life of wealth, right, Ms. Gibson?”

Anya nodded profusely in agreement. “Will you give me that earring in return, then?” she asked cautiously while eyeing the earring in Emilia’s hand.

“You can think about negotiating after you have fulfilled my requests. I need to make sure you’re not making empty promises here,” Emilia replied coldly while putting the earring back into her handbag.

“I will definitely keep my promises! You have my word!” Anya exclaimed with tears of desperation in her eyes.

Emilia let out a disdainful snort and handed her a business card.

“Also, I want to get into the entertainment industry, so I want you to take care of this manager for me. Deliver everything I asked for within two days, or you will be seeing this carring on the table of the police station interrogation room,” Emilia added with a gleeful grin before strutting off.

Anya waited until Emilia was gone before letting out a frustrated scream.

“Emilia, you b*tch! How dare you threaten me?” she yelled with bloodshot eyes as she glared daggers at the business card.

Anya’s violent outburst was interrupted when her phone started ringing all of a sudden.

Noticing that it was an incoming video call from Yerek, she quickly put on a sweet smile as she answered the phone. “Yerek…”

“Since you have been released on bail, you should hurry up and return to Hallsbay, I don’t have that much time and energy to keep cleaning up your messes, so stop causing the family any more trouble.”

As Nigel had abandoned Anya, she had no choice but to depend on Yerek for everything. After all, the two of them were close.

If Christina gives up on the Gibson family’s inheritance, Yerek will become the ultimate winner in all this!

With that in mind. Anya replied with a sweet smile, “I know. I’ll pack my stuff at the hotel and head to the airport right away.”

Yerek had a brief chat with her and hung up the phone shortly after.

Anya shifted her gaze toward the driver, who was still puffing away on his cigarette, and yelled angrily, “What are you doing standing there? Hurry up and drive!”

The driver tossed the cigarette into the trash, got back into the car, and drove the car out of the alley.

Noticing that the back seat was way too quiet, he turned around and saw two men carrying a huge sack into a black van.

Someone had just kidnapped Anya.

 

Chapter 588 Do Not See Eye To Eye

Christina was asleep on her soft bed when Nigel stormed into the residence.

After Raymond woke her up, she sat on the bed with the blanket wrapped around her and spaced out. Her scrunched eyebrows and frown indicated that she was in a bad mood.

Everyone in the Hadley residence knew that Christina disliked being woken up.

That morning, before Nathaniel left, he had emphasized to Raymond that no one should disturb Christina’s rest. However, Raymond could not carry out his order to the end, as an uninvited guest had shown up at the residence.

Raymond observed Christina’s expression and carefully said, “Mrs. Hadley, the guest mentioned that he’s your second uncle. He won’t leave if he doesn’t get to meet you. He’s causing quite a stir downstairs.”

Even without Raymond telling her, Christina had already heard the cursing, screaming, and sounds of things being smashed from downstairs.

She lifted the blanket and got out of bed. She sneered, “I don’t have such an unreasonable relative. Make sure to list down everything he destroyed and have him compensate for them at their full price. Leave nothing out!”

This is the Hadley family’s territory. How dare Uncle Nigel come and cause a ruckus? Doesn’t this behavior of his show that he has zero respect for me and Nathaniel? Not anyone can call themselves my relative as they please!

Christina wrapped a robe around herself and went to the walk-in closet. “Let him wait. I’ll go down when I’ve washed up.”

Raymond nodded respectfully. “Yes, Mrs. Hadley.”

With that, he left.

Raymond had just reached the last step of the stairs when a porcelain vase was smashed to the ground beside him. He pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up the bridge of his nose before calmly taking a notebook and pen from his pocket and recording everything Nigel had thrown.

“This porcelain vase from the eighteenth century costs twenty million. This costs eight million…”

Nigel stared at Raymond. He had wanted to ask him why it took so long for Christina to come down. However, his heart lurched when he heard Raymond muttering numbers and writing something into his notebook. He yelled in anger, “I asked you to get Christina. Where the heck is she? Why aren’t you doing what I told you to? What are you doing muttering to yourself over there? I want to see Christina!”

Raymond hastily added the last item to the list before he looked up at a furious Nigel. He replied calmly, “Mrs. Hadley just woke up. She’s upstairs washing up right now. Mr. Gibson, if you can’t be patient and wait for her, you can take your leave. Remember to make an appointment before you come the next time.”

I haven’t seen her yet, but she’s chasing me away?

Nigel shamelessly sat on the couch and said aggressively, “I can leave if you want me to, but you must first ask Christina to release my daughter!”

Christina was halfway down the stairs when she heard what Nigel said. She raised her eyebrows and asked. “So that’s why you barged into my home so early to make a mess? To look for Anya?”

Without waiting for Nigel to respond, Christina mocked. “Since when did the Gibson family become so useless? Why would you go to other people’s homes to look for your daughter when you can’t find her yourself? Is this how a member of the Gibson family should behave?”

Nigel’s face contorted in anger. He said through gritted teeth, “Christina, anyone who knows you know that you and Anya are always at each other’s throats. Jadeborough is your and Nathaniel’s territory. It must be you who sent people to kidnap Anya. Who else would make things difficult for the Gibson family if not you?”

Christina slowly descended the stairs and approached Nigel. She glanced at Raymond and instructed, “Mr. Patel, please warm up some milk for me.”

“Right away, Mrs. Hadley.” Raymond turned and left.

Nigel was about to explode from anger when he saw how calm Christina was. His daughter’s whereabouts were still unknown, yet Christina still had the time to drink warm milk.

“Christina, what exactly do you want me to do so you’ll let go of Anya?” Nigel stared at her angrily. “No matter how much you don’t see eye to eye with Anya, the two of you are still cousins. The Gibson family no longer poses a threat to you, so why must you go to such extreme lengths to destroy the family?”

Christina sat elegantly on the single-seater couch and pulled the fleece shawl tighter around herself. She took the milk from Raymond and slowly drank half before her gaze fell onto Nigel’s haggard face.

“You’re right. Now that the Gibson family has fallen and is no longer a threat to me, why would I waste time and energy to kidnap Anya? What benefits would I get from kidnapping her?” She flashed him a sarcastic smile. “I’m not short of money or power.”

Compared to the luxurious and extravagant interior of the mansion, Nigel stuck out like a sore thumb with his suit that was worth hundreds of thousands.

Christina’s words were like knives stabbing at Nigel’s heart. He suddenly felt embarrassed and remorseful. No one could enter the Hadley family’s territory as they pleased, but he did it. Even if Christina did not want to return to the family, he was still her elder.

He refused to believe she would disregard their relationship and humiliate him.

Now that I think about it, Christina can have whatever she wants since she married into a wealthy family. With her ignorant attitude toward the Gibson family, she doesn’t need to kidnap Anya to get revenge. She could’ve just sent some people to kill Anya secretly.

Nigel suddenly had the answers to all his doubts. However, he shamelessly ordered Christina, “Well, 1 don’t care. Something happened to Anya in your territory. Even if it wasn’t you who kidnapped her, as one of the indispensable members of the Gibson family, you must take responsibility for it until the very end.”

When the Gibson family was distributing the family assets, the branch family wanted nothing more but to see her die. Even now, they still acted high and mighty when they were the ones who needed her help.

Regardless, Christina was no pushover. She would not let anyone walk all over her.

Christina placed her mug on the coffee table before she remarked coldly. “That’s the Gibson family’s matter. Anya’s life or death has nothing to do with me. Nigel, I’ve endured your provocations countless times, but that does not mean that I care about the family. On the contrary, I didn’t grow up in the Gibson residence, so I don’t owe the family anything. If we are to find fault within the family, I only feel apologetic toward my birth parents. I address you as Uncle Nigel in front of others because I respect my parents. Back then, if my parents hadn’t gotten into an accident, you wouldn’t have become the head of the Gibson family. Gibson Corporation is the fruit of my parents’ labor. Technically speaking, it should be you, the branch family, who owes us, the main family.”

“I can save the Gibson family and have Anya return safe and sound if you want me to, but that depends on what you’re willing to sacrifice. If you’re incapable of agreeing to my terms, you should get out of my sight.” Having said that, Christina turned to look at Raymond. “See our guest out. In the future, do not let anyone in without my permission.”

Raymond spoke into the walkie-talkie. Within a few seconds, several muscular bodyguards appeared in the living room. They grabbed Nigel by the arms and dragged him out.

Nigel finally snapped out of it and screamed at Christina, “Christina, don’t think you can cut ties with the family just because you’re doing great! I won’t forgive you if anything happens to Anya!”

Raymond followed them and closed the door behind him when they exited the mansion, completely shutting out Nigel’s curses and insults.

Outside, the two bodyguards threw Nigel into the puddle at the side of the road as though they were throwing trash.

Raymond ripped out a piece of paper from his notebook, folded it, and tucked it into the chest pocket of Nigel’s shirt. He remained expressionless as he said.

Chapter 589 Whose Idea

Raymond instructed the guards to close the gates. After that, he turned and left without a second glance.

Anger bubbled within Nigel. He opened the paper with trembling fingers, and his eyes widened in shock when he saw the number written at the bottom.

Those things were worth more than ninety million? If I had that amount of money, Gibson Corporation wouldn’t have gone bankrupt.

Nigel almost fainted at the roadside when he realized the severity of the situation. It took him a while to snap out of his daze. Shaking, he took out his phone and dialed Timothy’s number.

Timothy, please talk some sense into your daughter. She’s so heartless she won’t even let her family members off!”

Christina had just finished breakfast. She was humming a happy tune as she sat in the living room and waited for the kitchen to finish preparing the nutritious soup she would be bringing to the hospital.

Half an hour prior, she had received a call from Sharon’s attending doctor saying that Sharon was awake and she was currently in good health.

Sharon had also borrowed the doctor’s phone to reassure Christina that she was all right. She also mentioned that Bailey’s emotions were stabilizing, and the latter could be discharged in two days.

Just then, Christina’s phone rang.

She furrowed her brows as she stared at the number flashing on the screen.

After hesitating for a few moments, she accepted the call and spoke in a tone entirely devoid of emotion. “What’s the matter?”

“Christina, are you still mad at me and Grandma? Timothy’s voice rang through the phone. Without waiting for Christina’s answer, he continued, “We’ll be relocating your mother’s grave in two days. If you’re free, come back so the family can gather for dinner.”

They’re going to relocate Mom’s grave? What the heck? Why is the Gibson family using such a poor excuse to get me to return?

Realization struck Christina as her lips curved into a grin. “I assume Nigel has told you everything.”

Timothy fell silent momentarily before answering. “Christina, I’ll be straightforward since we’re family. Even if you have a grudge against Anya, it’s still considered a family matter. The Gibson family must unite as one. You mustn’t treat her safety as a game. Nigel’s just worried about his daughter. Don’t take it to heart if he said something to upset you. You shouldn’t let outsiders make a fool out of the Gibson family.”

A gleam of derision gleamed in Christina’s eyes. “I don’t care what Nigel told you. If you want me to save Anya, you must agree to one condition. Nigel must return Gibson Corporation. From then on, the company must not have anything to do with them.”

Christina was not cold-blooded and ruthless, but she could not trust Nigel. He had too many secrets.

Just ten minutes before Timothy called, Christina had received several photos and a document from

Sebastian. The photos looked old, but they showed that Nigel and Winston had often met in private and gone to high-end places together. From their behavior, anyone could tell they were more familiar than others portrayed them to be.

Hallsbay was a large city. It was normal for businessmen to get together often to socialize or invite each other to places. However, it was considered unusual for Nigel and Winston to do such things.

Nigel had never revealed to anyone that he knew Winston. They had often met in private the month before Christina’s birth parents got into an accident.

After that, when Nigel took over Gibson Corporation, he stopped contacting Winston. Coincidentally. Raveworks Enterprise, which Winston founded, progressed significantly within a year and successfully introduced many products into the market.

Before that, Raveworks Enterprise had struggled financially. Winston was from an average family. He did not have a mighty and powerful background or connections. He had also committed a crime when he was younger. Because of that, many investors looked down on him and refused to do business with him.

For a company to turn its losses into profit within a year, expand the business, and develop new products regularly, it must have a massive amount of funds.

Nathaniel had asked Sebastian to investigate Raveworks Enterprise’s new and old accounts. They discovered that most of the data in the new accounts were fake.

Most importantly, where did Winston get the money to expand his company?

It was common for the members of wealthy families to fight for assets and power. The person who would benefit the most after Timothy got into an accident was Nigel.

From the document Christina received, she vaguely connected the dots. Initially, she did not intend to make a move on Nigel that quickly, yet he was persistent in provoking her.

No matter how tolerant she was, she could not endure provocation from him repeatedly.

Timothy did not expect Christina to push them into a corner. He got angry as he said, “Christina, you weren’t this heartless before. Tell me honestly. Was it your idea or Nathaniel’s?”

Since it had come to this, the Gibson family should be busy taking care of themselves, yet they were still persistent in going up against Nathaniel.

Christina replied icily. “You were the one who said this is the Gibson family’s personal matter. Since you acknowledge me as part of the family as well as the heir, it’s only natural I’ve considered Gibson Corporation’s future development before I came up with my condition. Moreover, with the Gibson. family’s current situation, we still need to ask for the Hadley family’s help, so whose idea do you think it was?”

Thud!

The sound of something heavy falling came from the other end of the call. Timothy huffed, “Christina! The Hadley family killed your birth mother! Their hands are stained with her blood. Even if Gibson Corporation goes bankrupt, I will never receive such dirty money from them!” He smacked the table. “Did Nathaniel cast a spell on you or something? Can’t you tell they’re your enemies?”

Christina’s face fell. She gently rubbed her ear, which hurt from all the screaming, then switched her phone to the other side to alleviate the pain. With a smirk on her lips, she said, “Before you blame me for not being able to distinguish between right and wrong, you should look for Nigel and have him confess what despicable things he has done behind your back. He always shows his loyalty to you and Mrs. Lazuli. He also claims to want to take revenge for you and Mom. Then I’m sure you didn’t know he’s been contacting Nathaniel desperately for a collaboration. As a matter of fact, he even tried to persuade me to use pillow talk with Nathaniel to get Hadley Corporation to invest in Gibson Corporation. The family’s dignity that you are determined to protect will always be weak against anything that benefits the family or the company.”

After saying all that, Christina hung up.

She had been too agitated that she felt pain in her lower abdomen.

Returning to her seat on the couch, she picked up her glass of warm water and downed it.

Since Timothy had been going to physiotherapy behind the Gibson family’s back, he must have known about what Nigel had done. However, he had chosen to take things slow and did not confront Nigel about it because he was considerate of their brotherhood.

Yet, Christina was not Timothy. She did not mind lending him a hand to let the cat out of the bag since he could not do it himself.

Not only was Gibson Corporation the fruit of Timothy’s labor, but it was also Christina’s mother’s. The latter had even exchanged her life for the company.

No matter how heartless Christina was toward the Gibson family, she could not give up Gibson Corporation.

It had been some time since her call with Timothy had ended, but she could not calm down. Just then, her phone rang. It was from Nathaniel.

“Have you finished reading through the document Sebastian sent you?” Nathaniel’s voice was gentle. It seemed to have a magical effect that gradually made Christina relax.

Christina composed herself before she answered, “Yeah, I have.”

“Winston willingly offered it up as a bargaining chip for the negotiation of a collaboration.”

 

Chapter 590 Revealing The Truth

Christina was flabbergasted.

It made more sense for one to attempt to conceal their misdeeds instead of exposing them for all the world to see.

Nathaniel must have sensed her confusion as he continued, “Nigel possesses shares within Raveworks Enterprise and is its largest stakeholder. Now that Gibson Corporation has fallen into a financial crisis, he embezzled a sizable amount of Raveworks Enterprise’s funds to salvage the situation. He even contacted buyers interested in Raveworks Enterprise behind Winston’s back.”

Winston built Raveworks Enterprise five years ago when it was still a small factory from the ground up to the powerhouse it was today. Five years later, Nigel now had authority over Gibson Corporation. After becoming its stakeholder under the guise of collaboration, he began eroding Winston’s efforts and even tricked him into signing a contract to give up his position in the company.

The damage Nigel wrecked in Gibson Corporation began showing itself during the company’s decline. It wasn’t until late that Winston discovered the company’s accounts did not tally. He realized then that Nigel had been planning to sell off Raveworks Enterprise after assigning someone to shadow him.

Winston pulled an all-nighter to investigate the company’s accounts. Finally, it dawned upon him that he’d been set up since Nigel approached him to collaborate for the first time.

I will drag him down to hell with me!

Winston initiated contact with Nathaniel to feel him out cautiously and picked the time when Nigel hit rock bottom to expose part of his crimes.

Nathaniel went along with the situation and created opportunities for Winston to get close to him.

“Winston plans on using someone else to do his dirty work, then claim the credit for himself?” Christina was amused.

“It’s more like he and Nigel are adamant about destroying one another. After all, they are in the same boat. If one sinks, the other will surely follow. Anya’s kidnapping is a complicated matter. Don’t involve yourself in it no matter what the Gibson family members say, understood?”

Christina made a sound of agreement and asked curiously, “Nathaniel, does Anya’s kidnapping have anything to do with you?”

Nathaniel chuckled. “Do you think I’d engage in such meaningless activities?”

Christina was instantly silenced. She apologized sincerely. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m not mad at all,” Nathaniel gently assured her. “When will you be heading to the hospital? I’ll ask Sebastian to drive you there. I don’t trust others to take good care of you.”

Christina raised her head to check the time. She had almost forgotten about her plans to visit the hospital.

“I’ll let Raymond arrange a driver to drop me off. Sebastian’s your assistant. It wouldn’t do for him to leave your side with how much work you need to get done. Besides, it must be tiring for him to travel back and forth. Victoria would not let this slide if she knew of this.”

“All right, then. Send me a text message once you’ve arrived at the hospital.”

“Okay,”

Raymond was carrying two thermal flasks into the living room when Christina hung up the call. “Mrs. Hadley, are you going to the hospital now? Your soup is ready.”

Christina nodded. “Please ask the driver to get ready.”

Raymond departed with the two thermal flasks. “Just a moment.”

Christina entered Bailey’s ward with two thermal flasks half an hour later.

Since no one was inside, she opened the door to the adjacent ward and saw Bailey and Sharon engaged in a lively conversation.

“Christina, you’re here.” Sharon’s eyes lit up at the sight of Christina. “Come on over here and let me have a good look at you. You seemed to have lost a lot of weight.”

Christina brought the thermal flasks and placed them on the side table beside the bed. Sharon gripped her hands and rubbed them before eyeing the slight bump in her belly. “I was right.”

Christina had no idea how to respond to Sharon. “Contrary to your observation, Ive gained weight instead. Take good care of yourself. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Bailey scooted over and said, “Ms. Zapler, I swear upon my good name that Mr. Hadley is spoiling her. They’re pretty much inseparable. He would have carried her in his pocket if he could. That is how protective he is,”

Christina cast Bailey a glance. Her relaxed stance made it seem as if last night was a dream, and in reality, the vivacious version of her was the one she was most familiar with.

Bailey lifted the thermal flask to her nose and sniffed its contents. “Christina, what did you bring for Ms. Zapler and me? It smells great.”

“It’s a nutritious soup prepared by my chef. Drink it while it’s still hot.” Christina reached for the second flask and was about to open it when Sharon interrupted her.

“You shouldn’t overexert yourself now that you’re pregnant. Here, sit down and rest. I’ll do it myself.” Sharon took the flask from Christina and scooped out some soup for her. “You should have some as well.”

Christina shook her head. “I’ve already eaten at home. Besides, I had this soup prepared specially for both of you. I can’t simply drink this.”

Bailey’s eyes gleamed with hunger as she was drawn to the aroma of the soup. “Ms. Zapler, can I try if Christina won’t have it?”

“Go ahead. I can’t finish it myself.” Sharon handed the thermal flask to Bailey.

Bailey took hold of it and poured the soup into a bowl. She then curled up on the couch in the corner as she happily slurp up her meal.

Sharon only took several sips as she did not have much of an appetite.

“I heard that Emilia was arrested by the police. Has she been released now?” Sharon had just regained consciousness and learned about recent happenings from Bailey.

“She has.” Christina gazed at Sharon with a complicated look on her face. “But Miranda died in the fire.”

Sharon’s jaw dropped as she struggled to find words. “Does her death have something to do with me?”

Christina saw through her at once and held her hands comfortingly. “Mom, her death has no relation to you and is caused by something else. You need not feel an ounce of guilt for someone who intended to harm you.”

Sharon asked urgently, “How did the fire happen?”

Christina answered vaguely, “I’m not so sure myself. The police are still investigating the matter.”

She had no plans of revealing the truth behind Miranda’s death to Sharon.

Sharon was an innocent person who ended up suffering because of Christina.

Sharon lowered her eyes. “She came to me that day to get money to bail Emilia and came across me talking to Gideon. She began making a scene. I don’t think she meant to push me because she did help me call an ambulance. Her circumstances must have forced her to take such drastic actions, so she isn’t rotten inside.

Sharon empathized with Miranda as she’d been in her shoes.

Christina was about to speak when she caught sight of a figure at the doorway from the corner of her eye. She briefly comforted Sharon and came up with an excuse to leave the ward.

“What are you doing here?”