Chapter 652 Confident
Christina turned to gaze at Lyle. “What did he leave me?”
“I’m sorry, but according to Mr. Hadley’s orders, I cannot give you the item unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
Nevertheless, Christina’s focus was not on the item that Nathaniel had left for her. Now that she had uncovered the reason behind his trip abroad, her next course of action was to wait for him to contact her.
At this moment, I must prioritize my own safety to protect others. Moreover, I have confidence in Nathaniel, and I’m sure he made a wise decision.
Despite Christina’s efforts to convince herself not to worry about Nathaniel, there was no denying that she was unable to fully control her own actions.
That night, she couldn’t avoid the restless grip of insomnia.
The following morning. Christina appeared in the dining room, visibly worn out. She half-heartedly had a couple of bites of breakfast, declining Raymond’s suggestion to have a doctor come and check on her.
She then went to the company and attended a scheduled meeting that lasted until noon before finally coming to an end. Christina, completely worn out, sank into her office chair, longing for a brief respite.
Lyle had gone out to fetch a nutritious meal for her. Thus, she instantly perked up at the sound of footsteps. Warily opening her eyes, Christina recognized the person standing in front of her and said with a hint of annoyance in her tone, “You’re not supposed to be here, Anya.”
The thick-skinned Anya casually plopped herself down on the couch in the lounge area and helped herself to the fruits and snacks on the coffee table.
Christina glared at Anya but did not call for her secretary to have the uninvited guest removed from her office.
After finishing a plate of snacks and a plate of grapes, Anya turned to regard Christina with a smile on her face. “Your life is becoming quite comfortable. You even had the gall to reject Old Mr. Stone’s offer of several billion as compensation. When did you become so confident, Christina?”
The negotiation between Barnaby and me took place at my mansion, with no more than five people present. Excluding myself and Barnaby, the other people present at the negotiation are our trusted confidantes. How did Anya come to know the details of our conversation
Christina rose to her feet and walked over, taking a seat opposite Anya. “Are you here to plead for leniency on Nigel’s behalf?”
The insincere smile on Anya’s countenance faded, only to be replaced by a sneer. “Plead with you? Why would I bother pleading with you? Nigel abandoned me and my mother. Whatever happens to him has nothing to do with me.”
Even so, Christina was not naïve enough to believe that Anya had come to see her just for a casual chat. “Get to the point. I’m busy,” she said, cutting to the chase.
“Grandma was in a car accident. She was in the emergency room all night, and her condition only
stabilized this morning,” said Anya. “I won’t beat around the bush. She’s your grandmother too, and the upcoming medical expenses require a substantial amount of money. I’m sure you’re well aware of our family’s financial situation and that we can’t afford those expenses. Right now, you’re the only one capable of covering her medical bills, so shouldn’t you step up and provide the funds?”
Timothy was still hospitalized. Logically, it should be Christina’s duty to fulfill the filial responsibilities on behalf of her father. Even though she was displeased with Azure, she couldn’t shirk the obligations that were expected of her in this situation.
Of course, Christina would provide the necessary funds for Azure’s medical fees, but she absolutely would not entrust the money to Anya. “I understand. I’ll send someone to the hospital to take care of the matters concerning Mrs. Lazuli. I’ll also ensure that all the medical expenses are covered. Thank you for making the trip here to inform me.”
Having been seen through, Anya didn’t bother hiding anymore. She boldly demanded what she wanted from Christina, “Grandma despises you the most. Even though you’re fulfilling your father’s duty on his behalf, I’m sure she wouldn’t be pleased if she were to find out that you were the one who paid for her medical expenses. If your actions end up angering her and bringing her harm, none of us will be able to shoulder that responsibility
Christina took a sip of water, her calm gaze seemingly carrying a penetrating power that struck directly at Anya’s heart.
“So, you want me to entrust the medical fees to you?”
“It’s for the best,” Anya stated brazenly. “You’re a busy woman, and I’m sure you don’t have the time nor the energy to take care of Grandma. Hiring a caretaker isn’t something my mom and I are comfortable with. We’ve already discussed it among ourselves and decided that the two of us will take turns looking after Grandma. If you’re not willing to contribute your efforts, then you should at least contribute the
money.
Christina didn’t interrupt Anya’s self-righteous speech, prompting the latter to add, “Also, considering the current market rates, hiring a caretaker is expensive. My mom and I can’t work for free. You’ll have to pay us for our services as well. How about starting with a million?”
Staring at Anya as if the woman was a fool, Christina said with a hint of mockery in her voice, “Anya. you’ve lived a life of luxury since childhood, and your mother spends her days attending gatherings. shopping, and traveling, yet you’re expecting me to pay you a million as compensation for your services? Do you really think I can entrust you and your mother with taking care of Grandma?”
Anya had been driven to the brink of madness by her mounting debts. Desperate to make money, she saw Christina as her prime target, and Azure’s medical expenses were merely a convenient excuse for her to approach Christina for money.
At that moment, as she realized things weren’t going in her favor, Anya swiftly shifted her stance. “Christina, don’t think I’m unaware that you’re involved in Grandma’s accident. Even the police have come looking for you. I’m sure you had a hand in this!”
“How do you know the police came looking for me? Did you bug me, or did you plant an informant in my house?” Christina asked solemnly.
Anya looked away. “I went to see you last night and happened to see the police officers entering your mansion with my own eyes. I didn’t come to see you after because I couldn’t leave the hospital.”
No matter how perfect Anya’s explanation was, Christina didn’t believe a single word that came out of her mouth.
“You suspect me of wanting to harm Grandma, but I have reasons to suspect you too,” Christina stated matter-of-factly. “In fact, the reason is simple. Grandma found out about your secret, so you wanted to silence her while simultaneously pinning the blame on me. Isn’t that right?”
“Nonsense!” Anya almost leaped out of her seat. Glaring at Christina, she continued, “I have always been transparent and truthful in my actions. Grandma is so good to me, so why would I ever want to harm her? Christina, you must’ve sent someone to do this. You’re unhappy that Grandma favors my father, so you want to seize her entire fortune.”
Christina had never been interested in Azure’s a*sets; her only desire was to seek justice for Timothy.
“Don’t think you can clean your hands of everything. Anya. The case involving Madison and Miranda isn’t fully resolved yet.”
“Madison? Who is that?” Anya feigned ignorance, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Oh, I remember now. Isn’t that woman your love rival? What possible gain would I have in killing her? She was after your man, not mine. And as for Miranda, she is even more irrelevant to me. She’s your stepmother, and we all know how much you despise Emilia. After all the abuse you endured from them, your reasons for wanting them dead seem all the more justified.”
Following the pa*sage of time, despite occasional moments of fear when she feared her deeds might be exposed, Anya grew increasingly confident.
After all, given the lack of concrete evidence, the police would be unable to establish her as the perpetrator.
“I have no patience or tolerance for your hara*sment, Anya. If you continue to bother me, I won’t hesitate to have you reunited with Nigel behind bars.”
