Chapter 648 One Of Our Own
Christina’s mood was not ruined because of what happened. She returned to her work instead.
Even though Lyle had taught Azure a lesson, he did not eradicate all potential troubles. That was not his style.
After contemplating for a long while, Lyle asked, “Mrs. Hadley, do you need me to send someone to keep an eye on Mrs. Lazuli?”
Christina closed the file and replied, “There’ll be no need to. She’s too busy dealing with Nigel and has no time to cause me trouble.” She thought about it before continuing, “We need to keep an eye on Old Mr. Stone. Nigel is his son. For all we know, Barnaby may be helping Mrs. Lazuli. If anyone from the Stone family comes and looks for me during this period, turn them away.”
Christina had to sort out the Gibson family’s problems and was also preparing to restart her design studio these days. There was no way she had the time or energy to deal with the Stone family.
Sadly, it was not up to her as Barnaby showed up that evening.
“Mrs. Hadley, Old Mr. Stone is here. He says that he has to meet you today. Otherwise, he won’t leave,” informed Lyle.
At that moment, Christina was watering the plants. She paused and put down the watering can, then turned around and looked at Lyle. “Let him in.”
Christina had just only moved into the mansion that Timothy had arranged for her that afternoon. She did not expect Barnaby to look for her there.
Christina did not think Barnaby would be there so soon.
Not long after, Lyle led Barnaby into the living room. Christina was seated on the couch with a pair of scissors in her hand, arranging the flowers.
“Lyle, please bring some tea.
Christina continued with her flower arrangement. When Barnaby sat opposite her, she looked up and cast a glance at him.
Barnaby had on a black long-sleeve shirt, and his white hair was combed all the way back. He exuded an awe-inspiring aura despite his expressionless face.
Christina noticed that Barnaby resembled Sheridan. However, that was where the similarity ended. Sheridan was a cultured and elegant man, whereas Barnaby was an aloof person.
“No need for tea. Mrs. Hadley, I’m not here for casual chit-chat. I don’t want to waste everybody’s time,” uttered Barnaby coldly.
“I like people who get straight to the point,” said Christina as she put down her scissors. “Tell me, are you here to ask me to let Nigel off?”
“That’s right. He may be an illegitimate son, but he is still part of the Stone family. Mrs. Hadley, if you have any conditions, feel free to let me know. I’ll fulfill them if they are within my capacity.” Barnaby was
very generous with his offer.
Most people would not reject such an offer from the Stone family.
However, Christina could not be bothered with it. She had no need for the support of the Stone family.
“Old Mr. Stone, are you aware of the illegal things that Nigel has done?” questioned Christina as the smile on her face disappeared. “He planned a murder and pa*sed it off as an accident. He killed my mother and caused my father to be disabled for the rest of his life. These grudges involve human lives. They aren’t something that can be bought off with money.”
Obviously, Barnaby was well aware of the atrocities that Nigel had committed. Otherwise, he would not have humbled himself in front of Christina and allowed her to ask for anything she wanted.
Nigel was the closest connection Barnaby had with Azure. No matter what mistakes Nigel had committed, Barnaby had to protect that unique bond.
There was a dangerous glint in Barnaby’s eyes. “Mrs. Hadley, those grudges belong to the older generation. Why must you drag the younger ones into this? If you promise to spare Nigel, I promise you that Nigel will never cause you any trouble again.”
Christina was relentless. “So, this is how the Stone family handles things. I’ve finally experienced it firsthand.”
Barnaby was not affected by Christina’s provocation. “Mrs. Hadley, even if you don’t care about the Gibson family, you should think of the Hadley family. In terms of business, the Hadley family and the Stone family have had a number of dealings in recent years. If both families go head-on, it can’t be good for
you.”
Christina raised her brows. The older, the wiser indeed. Barnaby must have done his investigation on me very thoroughly. That’s how he knows my soft spot.
“Nathaniel must have turned you down, huh? That’s why you’re here.” Christina smiled coldly.
Barnaby’s subordinate took out a few documents and two fifty million checks and placed them on the table. “These few contracts are worth a few billion. They are the most popular investment projects for this year. As long as you are agreeable, they will belong to you. Even if Gibson Corporation depends on Hadley Corporation, it will take you ten years before you can earn such an amount. Mrs. Hadley, you’re a newcomer. If you want to sit firmly in your position, you’ll need more than ambition and background. You’ll need to be capable. Your mother is already gone, but you have a long road ahead of you. You’ll have to learn to look forward.”
Christina glanced at the documents and checks and stopped herself from throwing them at Barnaby’s face. She said furiously. “I’m not as forgiving as you are, Old Mr. Stone. Nigel has to pay for what he has done even if it means that I will become an enemy of the Stone family.”
This is absurd!
Barnaby slammed the table, stood up, and glared at her. “Christina, you are asking for it!”
Christina met his gaze without fear and sneered, “You have gone to so much trouble for Nigel, Is Mr. Stone aware of it?”
Barnaby’s face darkened when he heard that. “This is the family matter of the Stone family. It’s none of
your business,”
To that, Christina retorted, “This is between me and Nigel. I hope you won’t interfere in the future. Even i I don’t talk about my mother’s incident, he has nearly killed my father. Nigel won’t come to any good end because of these two incidents.”
“Christina, you’ll regret your decision.” With that, Barnaby walked out.
Expressionlessly, Christina instructed, “Lyle, burn all of these and make sure Nigel suffers in jail.”
She was no pushover. It was time to teach Nigel a lesson. If not, they might think that she was terrified of them.
“Understood! I’ll make the arrangements at once.” Lyle turned around and left.
That night, Nathaniel could not make it back again to accompany Christina.
Nathaniel’s overseas company had encountered some major issues. He had to travel abroad to deal with the problems. Nathaniel did not explain in detail, and Christina did not ask too much either. After all, she knew nothing much about business.
Since Christina refused to let Nigel off, Barnaby tried to use his connections to get Nigel out of jail but to no avail.
Sheridan got wind of what Barnaby was doing. It was seen as a sign of provocation to Sheridan as the head of the household.
All of a sudden, Sheridan’s interference made Nigel’s issue even harder to solve. That was the first time Barnaby had an argument with Sheridan.
Barnaby questioned Sheridan lividly. Was it Christina’s idea? What did she promise you? Why are you making things difficult for one of our own?”
