Chapter 323 Back To The Studio
Christina picked up the offer letter and scanned it. “Are you offering me a job as the owner of Christina’s Studios?”
You’ll be getting a higher salary than what your studio is currently paying you. You have no reason to turn it down.”
Nathaniel knew her very well. She would become restless if she were away from her work for longer than two days.
Since she wants to work, why not let her work under my nose? That way, I can keep an eye on her too.
“Christina’s Studios is mine. Since when did it become yours?” Christina scowled, feeling as though the fruits of her labor had been stolen from her.
“Well, it’s mine now. If you refuse, I’ll just hire another designer. Don’t say I didn’t warn you if they make a mess of it.” Though Nathaniel employed a tone of lazy nonchalance, his gaze remained fixedly on her face.
Christina’s expression turned sour. He’s forcing me into a corner to present me with a choice he has plotted for a long time as the only option.
Nathaniel knew how misleading her meek demeanor was; she was more stubborn than anybody he knew when it came to principles. Even the prospect of money would not tempt her otherwise.
In that case, why not have a written contract bind her by my side?
Christina did not speak. The atmosphere around there turned tense.
Nathaniel walked over and placed a fountain pen in her hand. “You are going to need a job. It’s the same wherever you work, so you might as well work for me. You get decent benefits, and the boss doesn’t ask for much.”
Before Christina realized what was happening, he was already holding her hand and signing her name with the patience of an adult teaching a child to write.
Moments later, Christina’s signature appeared, fully formed and irrevocable, on the agreement.
“From today on, you are my employee. You can start work immediately.”
Nathaniel brought Christina to Hadley Corporation. Her office was on the twenty-first floor.
“Since when did my studio move here?” Glancing about, Christina had the distinct feeling of somebody pulling one over on her.
Nathaniel opened the door and led her in. “Given Hadley Corporation’s recent acquisition of Christina’s Studios, I don’t see a reason for your office not being in this building
The layout of the twenty-first floor had been recreated to her specifications at the prior location.
When she entered, the sight of the familiar decor and the unused fabrics in the tailor room sent her into a nostalgic reverie.
“Christina!” a familiar voice sounded. It was Rayne.
Having not seen one another for four years, the pair embraced like old friends while exchanging comments on the changes they had gone through.
Nathaniel stood quietly by. He noticed the smile finally breaking over Christina’s face.
This is the first time she has smiled so genuinely since her return.
The faint morning rays illuminated her face. Her eyes, having turned to slits in her joy, shone wonderfully. Her smile struck him like a bullet through his heart, from which a dull throbbing began.
When Christina turned around after her chat, she realized Nathaniel had left.
Rayne told Christina that Nathaniel had been footing the bill for the studio and keeping her on. Over the past four years, she had been faithfully updating the social media accounts of Christina’s Studios.
The photographs they used, however, were old ones taken long ago.
“Good thing I took many pictures. Also, I have been maintaining and our online presence with the help of the archives. Now that you’re back, I don’t have to use the old pictures anymore.”
Christina sat down. What surprised her the most was that the clients who had commissioned pieces four years ago did not cancel their orders.
She tasked Rayne with contacting the clients on the waitlist, intent on completing the unfinished pieces. Soon, Rayne was put through to the first client on the list-Karen Singer.
They quickly agreed on a time to meet, but the client wanted Christina to come to her house. She even offered to pay extra.
Christina did not hesitate when she heard the offer and agreed on the spot. After ascertaining the location, they took off.
Karen lived in a luxurious residential area on the east side of the city. It was rather deserted, with greenery as far as the eye could see.
Karen welcomed them warmly when they entered her house. “Are you Ada, the designer?”
To promote Christina’s photographs, Rayne had included a card with Ada’s name on it. As the name held particular esteem in the design industry, their wealthy clientele held on to their orders.
“Yes, Mrs. Singer. What style would you like for your gown? May 1 get your measurements?”
“Could you have it done for me by the end of the month? I heard I am your first client upon being back in business. The ladies would be green with envy when I show up to a banquet in one of your dresses!” Karen chuckled, her eyes alighted with glee.
“It would be doable, but I must trouble you to decide on a design as soon as possible.” Christina produced a tape measure and got to work while Rayne took notes.
Halfway through, Rayne received a call from home, so she took a cab back.
Katen was pleasant. She obliged Christina with everything the latter wanted and helpfully described the style she was after.
Over the years, Christina had developed the ability to sketch quickly. Guided by Karen’s request, she soon
produced a draft.
Karen did a twirl of excitement. “Yes! That’s the look I’m after! I can’t wait for the finished product. When the time comes, I will show off your design, Ada.”
In her clation, Karen chattered on with Christina until the sky grew dark.
When it was time to leave, Christina tried to hail a taxi several times, but because of the remoteness of the area, none took her on.
Helpless to do much else, she decided to walk out and take a bus home.
With the map on her screen as a reference, she began her trek. As a result of the darkness, she suddenly found herself quite lost.
After a quick scan of the surroundings, Christina cursed when she realized she could no longer identify the route she had come from. Thus, she produced her phone to call for help.
After scrolling through listlessly, she finally called the police.
Christina sat under the street lamp and waited. She produced her phone to send Nathaniel a text but realized there was no signal.
Suddenly, the roar of motorcycle engines cut across the desolate night.
It was a duo of bikers who had come to an isolated mountainous stretch to race. Along the deserted stretch, they noticed the figure, slender as a willow tree. The two motorcycles screeched to a halt.
After an exchange she could not quite discern, they turned around and stopped before her.
“Are you lost, young lady? How about we give you a ride out of here?”
Christina looked up.
leave.”
Her discerning gaze flickered beneath the orange lamps. “No, thank you. You should
The man descended his bike and leered at her. “Hah, you seem to be a stubborn one, aren’t you? Interesting!”
