Chapter 265 Get Your Blood Flowing
Madison was beginning to regret not rejecting the offer earlier. She stared at the card, suddenly realizing it was causing more trouble than it was worth.
On the other hand, she could not reject Luke to his face. After considering it for a moment, she thanked him and pocketed the card.
At that moment, Sebastian returned with the freshly printed agreements. He placed one on Nathaniel’s desk and handed the other to Luke’s a*sistant.
“I’ll let my lawyer take a look before I sign it.”
“Very good. See you again soon.”
After exchanging several more words of courtesy, Luke departed with Sebastian seeing him off.
Remaining in his office, Nathaniel opened the agreement and perused the details they had just negotiated. Being meticulous by nature, he never allowed any mistakes to slip past his cyes.
As she tidied up at the bar, Madison threw occasional glances at the office. The rays of dusk filtered through the windows and over Nathaniel, casting the silhouette of his strapping figure onto the glossy floor.
With a sense of unease, she arrived before his desk. “I do not intend to work elsewhere, Mr. Hadley. Please don’t misunderstand! I only took it because I did not want to embarra*s Mr. Larson.”
By that point, she wanted nothing more than to get rid of Luke’s card. Sh*t! I was careless. I shouldn’t have done that or I will be doomed if it angered Nathaniel.
Nathaniel raised his placid gaze that was still as water. His chiseled features were expressionless like the cold steel of a machine. “Your contract with Hadley Corporation is ending soon. I won’t stop you want to work elsewhere. In fact, you don’t even need to pay the penalty for breach of contract if you’re in
if you a hurry to leave.”
“I do not intend to leave, Mr. Hadley. I want to remain by your side,” Madison cried, revealing her heart’s desire in a moment of panic. After a pause, she continued, “There are many things to learn by working alongside you.”
She wanted nothing more than to cut her heart out and show Nathaniel how much she loved him. However, she was forced to suppress that feeling and lock it away in the deep recesses of her heart.
Nathaniel’s gaze remained as still as a frozen lake. “I see. Get back to work, then.”
“Yes, Mr. Hadley.”
Madison picked up the documents. It was only after she turned around that she felt the searing pain in her
heart.
After the office door closed, the space regained its solemn air.
Sebastian knocked and entered. After casually turning the lock shut, he arrived before the desk to report, “There’s news from Hallsbay. Our private investigator has found more dirt on the guy. He has stolen and conducted armed robbery. All of this information has been dropped anonymously into the precinct’s mailbox.”
“Have somebody take care of him.”
A dark glint rose in Nathaniel’s eyes and he looked like he wanted to murder that man. His knuckles crackled menacingly at the thought of the man who harmed Christina.
I want to teach that f*cker a lesson with my bare hands.
“Have you ascertained who the mastermind is?” he urged.
Though Sebastian knew that Nathaniel’s rage was not directed at him, the hairs on his back stood on end at the sight of the hatred pouring forth from his employer.
“It’s most likely Holly,” he answered hastily, “but she’s not going to admit it because it’s a more serious crime…”
As long as she remained adamant, the Jenson family could still rescue her, given their influence.
That was why Holly refused to admit it.
Nathaniel stood up, a dangerous air emanating from his hulking figure. “Investigate all the factories under the Jenson family, and send every bit of dirt you find to the police.”
Sebastian grew nervous upon hearing that. This is going to keep them busy and up all night.
Nathaniel’s eyes darkened further like the heart of the jungle. “Keep an eye on Jenson Group’s share price in the paper starting tomorrow. Buy it up when it begins to fall.”
“Yes, sir.” Sebastian was not surprised by that decision.
Mr. Hadley has always been this cruel. Without exception, those who incur his ire will be crushed.
Seated on the couch, Christina was exploring her illustration software. Having figured out many new features, she was well on her way to mastery.
At the same time, she had her phone between her ear and her shoulder. She was also having a conversation with Bailey.
“Didn’t you mention that Gwyneth has commissioned a custom–made gown? Is it done?” Bailey asked curiously.
It was only upon being reminded that Christina remembered with a start. Due to her attention being occupied by the competition, she had forgotten all about it.
“Oh, no. I’d forgotten all about it!” Christina checked the calendar on her phone and found that she had less than a week to go.
Gwyneth has not followed up with me because she had been busy on set, which is why I have forgotten all about it. Having taken the deposit, I’ll get into trouble if I cannot produce the piece on time.
“You used to remember everything. What happened?” Bailey teased, chuckling.
Christina did not tell anybody about her mishap, which had finally healed over the past few days. The scar, concealed by her hair, was not visible.
“How lucky of me to have you around. I’m heading back to the studio tomorrow, or I wouldn’t be able to deliver the piece on time.”
“I’ve never been in your studio! What don’t I go visit you tomorrow?” Bailey suggested.
Though Mom has grounded me, I can use Christina as an excuse to slip out.
“Of course. I’ll send you the address later.”
“All right. See you tomorrow.”
Christina sent her the studio’s address immediately after hanging up. Making use of the time on her hands, she scrolled through her phone to see what Gwyneth had been up to.
There was activity practically every day on her Twitter feed. Some were posts of work, and some were emotional quotes against the backdrop of melancholic landscapes. Most of them were sad.
In the comments section, her fans were asking if she had broken up.
Christina remembered during their last encounter that Gwyneth said the gown was to be worn to a wedding.
Unable to comprehend it, she gave up thinking about the love lives of celebrities. Instead, she began researching her client’s style for daily outfits and red–carpet events.
Soon after, inspiration struck.
With her tablet, she began sketching the draft she wanted on the software and did not stop even after the sky had turned dark.
Suddenly, the dark room lit up, and Nathaniel entered. “It’s bad for your eyes to work in the dark.”
This little girl will lose track of time as soon as she gets into it and forgets her meals. She can’t seem to rid herself of that stylus.
Christina looked up. Her
eyes were rather dry. “What time is it? I think I am hungry.”
“It’s almost seven. Come downstairs. I have the kitchen prepare some dinner.” Nathaniel snatched her tablet and placed it on the desk.
Christina rose from the couch and held her arms out meekly. “Carry me downstairs, please. I’m exhausted from sitting all day.”
She looked like a coy child. Her head swayed, and he was mesmerized by her watery eyes.
Chuckling, Nathaniel stood before her. “Shouldn’t you get your blood flowing after being on your butt for the whole day?” he asked after a light scoff.
