Chapter 595 Adding Insult To Injury
The previous events had severed all ties between the Gibson family and Christina.
Azure mastered the art of emotional manipulation through years of experience. To rekindle Christina’s concern for the Gibson family, she had to resort to exploiting Timothy and Christina’s biological mother.
If it weren’t for desperate circumstances, Azure wouldn’t resort to such measures. Both Timothy and Nigel were her beloved sons, and she cherished them equally. However, the former was disabled and incapable of managing the family business like the latter.
However, Azure was displeased by Christina’s indifference. “Christina, you’re still young, and there are many things you don’t understand. Regardless of your current success, when you hit rock bottom, it is your family who will be there for you, caring for you the most.”
Feeling repulsed by Azure’s lecture, Christina retorted, “There is some truth in what you say, but not everyone deserves to be called ‘family. Some use their loved ones for personal gains or tools for revenge. Such family members are better off without.”
She would never forget what the Gibsons had done to her.
If there was anyone in the Gibson family who still had a chance to win her heart back, it would be her deceased biological mother.
The Gibsons were well aware of this, which was why they shamelessly exploited the memory of her deceased mother to manipulate her. Unbeknownst to them, they had already overstepped Christina’s boundaries.
Only then did Azure suddenly realize that she could no longer manipulate Christina with familial ties.
“Christina, don’t say such spiteful things.”
Christina merely scoffed at the absurdity of Azure’s words, which left Azure at a loss for what to do.
“Your father and I are at Jadeborough, so let’s have dinner tonight. Bring Camila and Lucas along”
“I’m sorry, but Nathaniel and I will be having dinner with his family tonight. I can’t join you for dinner.”
“If not tonight, then let’s find another time. There will surely be a time you are available.”
Christina knew that the Gibsons were determined to meet with her. She could avoid them for now, but she couldn’t evade them forever. They would always find a way to approach her.
“Let’s meet now. Give me your address. I’ll go to meet you.”
There was finally a touch of joy in Azure’s voice. “All right. We’ll meet in a little while.”
After ending the call, she promptly sent Christina the address, seemingly anxious that she might change her mind.
Christina changed into a loose-fitting dress, concealing her slight baby bump. Before leaving, she informed the butler, “Raymond, I’m going to meet two old acquaintances. If Nathaniel comes home early. please let him know so he won’t worry.”
“Mrs. Hadley, may I inquire who these two old acquaintances are? Ah… I’m not prying. I simply wish to be able to answer Mr. Hadley if he asks.”
After all, Nathaniel had repeatedly instructed Raymond to always be aware of Christina’s whereabouts. He also had to arrange for transportation and ensure that the bodyguards accompanied her.
Since there was no need to keep her whereabouts a secret, Christina decided to speak truthfully. “The Gibsons requested a meet-up. I need to talk to them about something. If nothing unexpected happens, I should be able to return before Mr. Hadley comes back.”
The butler carefully took note of Christina’s words as intended to notify Nathaniel in advance. “Would you like me to arrange a bodyguard for you?”
The Gibson family clearly needed something from Christina, so they didn’t dare to overstep their boundaries on the Hadley family’s territory.
“No need. Just arrange a driver for me.”
Raymond nodded. “Please wait a moment.”
He turned and walked into the villa so that he could inform Nathaniel about Christina’s whereabouts before arranging a driver.
Soon, Christina got into the car and gave the driver the address.
As she left Scenic Garden Manor, another black compact car followed closely behind. It was the bodyguard that Nathaniel had instructed the butler to arrange for Christina’s secret protection.
Christina showed up at the restaurant as promised. However, she only saw Azure seated at the table; Timothy was nowhere to be seen.
She calmly took a seat across from Azure, maintaining a poised posture devoid of any previous deference or decorum.
“Your father is feeling a little unwell, so he’s resting at the hotel. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you. to worry,” Azure said affectionately. “Order whatever you like.”
Christina had strict dietary restrictions, as Nathaniel forbade her from eating outside indiscriminately. “It’s all right. I’ve had some digestive issues these days, so I can’t eat anything that’s not home-cooked. I came here to discuss important matters with you.”
Azure ordered a few dishes from the menu and elegantly sipped her red wine. “Christina, I feel you have some misunderstandings about the Gibson family.”
Christina’s lips curled into a smirk. “Have you found Anya?”
Azure clenched the wine gla*s tightly, a glint of coldness flickering in her eyes.
“Seems like you haven’t found her yet. Aren’t you worried? After all. Anya is the legitimate daughter of the Gibson family,” Christina sneered.
“Christina, I-”
Before she could continue, Christina interrupted, “Anya has been kidnapped. Have the kidnappers not demanded ransom from you?” Christina chuckled. “Oh, wait. You think that I’m the one who kidnapped Anya. Nigel has come to me twice, and he almost got in a major car accident. He got himself entangled in
this.”
Azure frowned, displeased at Christina’s indifferent and mocking attitude. “Christina, he is your uncle, and Anya is your cousin. Even if you don’t care about them, there’s no need to add insult to their injuries.”
In response, Christina shrugged nonchalantly. “No matter what I do, you all think I’m a scheming and cold-hearted person. So, your opinion of me doesn’t matter at all.”
In a sudden burst of anger, Azure forcefully slammed the wine gla*s onto the table. The atmosphere grew tense, hanging heavily between them. However, their intense confrontation was momentarily interrupted as a waiter approached with a serving cart.
“Let’s eat first. We can talk later,” Azure said in an attempt to ease the tension in the air.
However, Christina was not one to be swayed easily. She preferred to speak and act of her own accord. “No, I can’t. I have something else to attend to tonight. I can’t waste my time on trivial matters.”
Rage was visible in Azure’s gaze. “Christina, the Hadleys are wicked. Wake up! They are deceiving you!”
However, Christina stared at her coldly and retorted, “No matter how high and mighty you Gibsons may think you are, you’re still at the mercy of the Hadley family. You still need to plead with the Hadleys to let Nigel off the hook, right?”
Azure’s face contorted with a mix of embarra*sment and discomfort as Christina’s words hit close to home for her.
Christina sneered, “But you still can’t let go of your pride, so you are trying to ask me to plead with Nathaniel on behalf of Nigel.”
