Chapter 158 A Gift From Madison
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Julia noticed that the branded bag in the photo Olivia was holding was one of the items purchased using her credit card.
Olivia had told her that Christina brought her to Radiant Corporation to buy some inexpensive gowns, but had mentioned nothing about buying a branded bag.
Julia reasoned that if Olivia really liked the bag, she wouldn’t mind buying it for the latter. However, the fact that Olivia lied through her teeth about it indicated that she had a defective personality.
The photos accompanying the news made it impossible for Olivia to deny her involvement.
Olivia felt cold sweat drenching her back when she noticed Julia’s expression turning dark.
Her voice was trembling as she explained, “Aunt Julia, that was fake news. Photos can be photoshopped, so don’t trust that!”
Christina was certain that the photos were not fabricated, as she recognized the man in the pictures as Edward Olson. The snapshots of the two of them laughing and chatting couldn’t have been photoshopped.
However, she wasn’t about to chime in right this moment.
After all, she knew Julia wasn’t a fool to be tricked by Olivia’s lie.
Julia shot Olivia an exasperated glare. “You’re a young lady in your twenties, but you’re having an affair with an old man! I’m not going to believe any of your excuses. How could you become his mistress? Aren’t you ashamed?”
Julia’s marriage was destroyed by a homewrecker, so she despised immoral women.
Olivia’s actions had struck her sore spot.
“I wonder how your mom educated you over the years. You might be adopted, but you’re still part of the Stone family. If word gets out, the Stone family won’t let things slide easily,” Julia warned.
Tears rolled down Olivia’s cheeks as she sobbed, “Aunt Julia, listen to me. It was a misunderstanding!”
Her tears were merely part of her act, and no one sympathized with her.
Julia rose to her feet, looking both indifferent and disappointed. “You don’t have to explain anything to me. Save your excuses for the Stone family. Raymond, give her a ride home.”
Raymond nodded readily and got the housekeeper to pack up Olivia’s stuff swiftly.
“Ms. Stone, this way please.”
Olivia paled as she dropped to the ground to grovel at Julia’s feet. “Aunt Julia, please don’t kick me out. My mom will kill me if I return. Please, Aunt Julia…”
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she cried miserably.
Julia hesitated before prying her hands off firmly. She then pivoted around and strode up the stairs.
Chapter 158 A Gift From Madison
Raymond and the help dragged Olivia out and got her into the car.
When silence was restored in the living room, Christina snapped out of her reverie.
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On the way back, she couldn’t help but ask, “Did you arrange for the news to be reported on TV?”
She found it strange that he asked to switch on the TV right after their arrival.
He then requested to tune in to the entertainment channel, and Olivia’s news was reported shortly. after. She refused to believe that it was purely a coincidence.
Sitting in the pa**enger seat, Sebastian was inwardly pleased.
Mrs. Hadley finally discovered one of the many things Mr. Hadley had done behind her back for her sake.
Nathaniel leaned against the car window, propping his arm up and resting his chin on his palm in a suave and commanding pose.
His calm gaze swept over Christina’s curious expression and replied, “As the saying goes, ‘He who is unjust is doomed to destruction: What she did will be exposed sooner or later.”
All he did was expedite the matter and reveal the truth to the public ahead of time.
Christina remembered that the branded items Olivia used in the photos were quite conspicuous. Some. of them were even enlarged, making it easy to see the branded bags and scarves she was carrying.
The person who took the photos must’ve done that on purpose so Julia could see clearly that it was Olivia who used her card to buy the branded items.
As realization dawned upon Christina, she grinned and rested her head on Nathaniel’s shoulder.
Whenever she leaned on his broad shoulder, she felt safe and secure, just as he always made her feel.
He never boasted about the things he did but was still able to give her a sense of security.
Back in Scenic Garden Manor, Nathaniel returned to his study to work.
Christina prepared home-cooked dishes for dinner that night, and Nathaniel had a hearty appetite, cating more than his usual amount.
Nevertheless, Christina thought he ate his usual portion.
In the late hours of the night, Nathaniel was engrossed in reading a contract in his study while Sebastian busied himself with organizing documents on a corner of Nathaniel’s desk.
Right then, Madison’s call arrived. She was still abroad.
“Mr. Hadley, I’ve finished work here, and I’ll be back tomorrow. Do you have any other orders for me?” Madison asked in a soft voice.
She gripped her phone tightly, waiting for his reply.
“Mm.” Nathaniel grunted in response.
Knowing Nathaniel was consenting to her return, Madison was inwardly delighted.
Chapter 158 A Gift From Madison
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Despite sounding calm, she couldn’t help but grin. “It’s late, so I won’t take up your time anymore. Sleep early.”
For over two months, she had been working overseas. Every night, as she returned to her hotel room after work, Nathaniel would occupy her thoughts.
She couldn’t shake off the image of Nathaniel working seriously, reading contracts, and talking to her.
After the call ended, Madison poured herself a gla** of red wine before texting Francis: How are things going on your end?
A while later, Francis sent her a photo of him attending Renee’s wedding with Christina.
Madison observed the photo and brushed her fingers across their figures, covering the newly-wedded couple standing between Christina and Francis. They look like a great match.
Radiant Corporation was focusing on developing Epean-style sweet but S**y female clothing brand for the second half of the year.
Zachary called for a meeting early in the morning, gathering the directors and group leaders of the design department with the directors of the PR department to discuss the research and development program for the market, as well as its feasibility.
Christina listened along as she made notes.
Being employed in a large company had its pros and cons, and one of the downsides was that she didn’t have the freedom to design whatever she pleased. The designers were obligated to create appropriate designs in line with the company’s chosen style.
After spending the entire morning in the meeting, Christina felt like her ears were buzzing.
At noon, she left work to have lunch with Nathaniel.
The receptionist at the front desk of Hadley Corporation recognized her, so Christina took the elevator and went straight to the CEO’s office.
She pushed the door open and walked in.
Madison turned over her shoulder and gave her a smile. “Christina, I’m glad you’re here. I have a gift for you.”
She retrieved a petite leather branded bag from her luggage, which shimmered under the light.
Christina had seen the bag being featured in the latest fashion news and knew it cost at least six figures.
Though the gift was expensive, she couldn’t bring herself to reject it. “Thank you.”
“I think this bag is cute and suits your style a lot. I hope you like it,” Madison said, wearing a kind smile.