Chapter 596 The Negotiation Failed
Azure’s pride ran deep, reaching a breaking point as she could no longer tolerate Christina’s scathing remarks. Anger laced her voice as she retorted, “Christina, is this the result of your upbringing? How can you disregard your own family and lick the boots of outsiders?”
Christina’s gaze turned icy as she responded, “I grew up with my adoptive mother since young. I might not have received formal etiquette training, but she has taught me to discern right from wrong and never sacrifice my conscience for personal ambition.”
Each word she uttered felt like a stinging slap on the Gibsons’ face.
Azure was aware of everything that had happened, but driven by her thirst for revenge, she feigned ignorance even when Anya and Nigel schemed against Christina, plotting to kill her.
Azure’s expression betrayed her disappointment. “Christina, deep down, you still harbor resentment for the Gibson family’s failure in finding you back. We’ve already explained that we did try to find you. and when you returned to the family, we also did our best to make amends.” !
With a self-deprecating chuckle, Christina responded, “Go ahead and blame me for not appreciating your kindness. I don’t need you guys to make it up to me. I don’t need it, and I don’t want it.”
After uttering those words, she pushed her chair back and stood up, casting a disdainful gaze down at Azure. “I’ll repeat this once again. Anya’s kidnapping has nothing to do with me, and Nigel’s confinement in the police station is the consequence of his own actions. When my dear father finally sorts himself out, then you can come to find me.”
When Christina was about to turn around and leave, Azure stopped her. “Christina, I’ll cut to the chase. You can sever ties with the Gibson family if you want, but you must convince Nathaniel not to press charges against your Uncle Nigel. You must also bring Anya safely back to us and help solve the Gibson Corporation’s financial issues.
Three conditions were proposed in exchange for Christina’s single demand. What made Azure think Christina would insist on returning to the Gibson Corporation?
Christina turned back, her gaze filled with mockery as she confronted Azure. “Do you still believe that the Gibson family reigns over me? Mrs. Lazuli, this isn’t the appropriate way to seek a*sistance from
someone.”
Approaching the dining table, she placed her hands firmly on the edge, locking eyes with Azure. Her gaze was cold and unwavering. “So, you expect me to fix the Gibson Corporation’s situation and give away more of my a*sets to Nigel? That’s quite a brilliant idea, but you’ve overlooked one crucial point. Everything Nigel and his family are currently enjoying rightfully belongs to me. Why should I hand over what is rightfully mine to someone else? Even if you insist on a clear division of a*sets, remember that my mother has a rightful share in the Gibson Corporation. Here’s a proposal: return my mother’s a*sets, and I’ll let go of everything else. After all, Timothy is still my father, and I won’t abandon him, especially when I have the means to provide for his well-being.”
Christina’s intention was not to separate the Gibsons. She was aiming to destroy the familial bonds within the family!
Azure believed she had unraveled Christina’s plots and manipulations. Instead of maintaining her facade of forced amiability, she exposed her ruthless nature. “Christina, you’re too ambitious! No doubt you’re the rightful heir to the Gibson family, but let’s not forget you have a brother too. If you decide to step aside, he’s more than capable of taking the reins and becoming a stellar successor to the family.”
Christina responded with a faint grin, “Oh, really? And how do you propose he should inherit the family? As the eldest son or as the adopted son?”
Azure was seething with anger, so the underlying meaning behind Christina’s words was completely lost on her. It’hat has that got to do with anything?
“Does that matter? Yerek will always be the grandchild of the Gibson family,” she uttered.
Christina withdrew her gaze and said meaningfully, “If that’s how it is, then there’s not much left for us to discuss. I have only one request, and if you’re not willing to fulfill it, I won’t suffer any losses either.”
She turned around and walked away.
Azure’s face contorted with anger as she sank back into her seat, her complexion turning pale. She shot a furious glare toward the direction of the folding screen. “So, you heard it all, didn’t you? Your daughter has quite the appetite, more ambitious than you were in the past. Let’s see if she’s capable of fulfilling her grand ambitions!”
Timothy emerged from behind the folding screen on his wheelchair, wearing a grim expression. “Had you been a little more courteous to her just now, things probably wouldn’t have escalated to this point.”
Azure let out a frustrated chuckle. “So you’re blaming me for mishandling the situation?”
Timothy’s voice remained calm as he lowered his gaze. That’s not what I meant.”
Azure sneered, “You were the one at fault for keeping me in the dark from the beginning. I wouldn’t have been so agitated if you had informed me earlier about Christina’s request.”
Observing Timothy’s silence and his subsequent withdrawal into a listless state, Azure could not bring herself to criticize him any further.
Her tone softened as she spoke. “Timothy, I want you to know that my intentions aren’t driven by favoritism. Even if Christina decides to separate herself from the Gibson family, I don’t believe you’re in a position to guide her in managing the Gibson Corporation given your current condition. It would be better to let Nigel take over for now. Once Yerek becomes capable of running the company, Nigel can hand over the reins to both you and Yerek.”
Despite the bitterness and mockery surging within Timothy, he managed to maintain a composed. expression, accepting his mother’s decision. “You’re right. My health is deteriorating, and Nigel should shoulder the burdens of both the family and the company. Don’t worry, I’ll not mistreat Nigel.”
Azure wore a satisfied smile. “You and Nigel are blood brothers, and it’s important for you to support each other. Even when you were younger, Nigel had always thought of sharing everything with you. Now that he’s taking on the heavy responsibility of managing the family business on your behalf, the two of y maintaining a united front will ensure that we can resolve any issues smoothly.”
At this point, Azure felt compelled to offer Timothy a word of caution.
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To Azure, Christina posed an unpredictable threat. She could not shake off the possibility that Christina could manipulate Timothy and sway him to her side. If Timothy were to distance himself from the Gibson family, Azure worried that it would create a challenging situation for herself and Nigel.
Timothy responded calmly, “Mom, I’m not feeling well. I’ll go back to the hotel and rest.”
Once again, Azure emphasized. “Remember to prioritize the urgent matter at hand. You must handle your brother’s situation promptly and continue to persuade Christina. After all, you are her father, and the
bond between a father and daughter is unbreakable.”
Timothy deftly maneuvered his wheelchair and replied softly, “Got it.”
Azure finally stopped talking. She gracefully picked up her cutlery, savoring the flavors of the meal
+5 Bonus
After exiting the restaurant, Timothy approached a black car parked by the roadside. His former meek and submissive demeanor dissipated, replaced by an ominous and intimidating presence. “Let’s not rush to release Nigel from lockup. Allowing him to spend a few more days inside will serve as a valuable lesson.”
The man seated in the driver’s position nodded in acknowledgment. “All right. How about Ms. Christina? How should we handle her?”
A spark of derision flickered in Timothy’s eyes. “Since she enjoys her own theatrics, let’s just play along”
