Chapter 714 An Unfair Agreement
Christina didn’t immediately agree to Nigel’s conditions. “I need time to verify whether what you’re saying is true. Before that, I expect you to behave yourself and stay in your lane. It’s a condition that must be met for us to successfully collaborate.”
It was obviously an unfair agreement, but Nigel was not in a position to refuse.
Nigel had already lived through almost two–thirds of his life. As a deeply traditional person, he didn’t have extravagant expectations for the time that remained. His only wish was to have someone dear to him by his side in his old age and provide him with support until his final days.
Now that Anya was gone, Yerek became the only person Nigel could truly depend on.
Nigel looked back on the days of boundless glory when he had control over the Gibson family and compared it to his current situation. His overwhelming emotion wasn’t one of regret but rather a deep- seated self–directed anger for not being ruthless enough.
Because of his momentary lapse in judgment, he had inadvertently provided his long–suffering prey with an opportunity to turn the tide.
“I’m already a prisoner with my life and death in your hands. There’s nothing I can do,” said Nigel with a bitter smile, his face marked by a growing look of defeat and weariness.
No matter how dire Nigel’s circumstances were, they failed to elicit even a hint of compa*sion from Christina as the death of her mother and the tormenting years her father had endured in a wheelchair only served to fuel her hatred toward Nigel.
All of a sudden, a sinister idea blossomed in Christina’s heart.
“In consideration of your somewhat sincere intentions, Nigel, I’ll share a little tidbit of information with you.” Christina’s lips curled into a menacing smirk. “Do you remember Emilia? Anya’s death may have. something to do with her. Yerek and Emilia share a close relationship behind the scenes. Who knows. perhaps Yerek could have had some involvement in the incident.”
With that, Christina whirled around and left without sparing another backward glance.
“What do you mean by that, Christina? Come back here and make things clear!”
A scream of rage tore from Nigel’s throat, echoing behind her, followed by the sound of something heavy crashing to the floor.
Nigel’s own flesh and blood had conspired to harm his half–sister. The source of this tragedy stemmed from Nigel’s insatiable greed. Undoubtedly, he deserved to bear the weight of this agonizing guilt.
The elusive truth loomed over Nigel like a razor–sharp guillotine poised to claim his life one day. Even if he managed to survive by some stroke of luck, he would be condemned to a fate worse than death—a life devoid of true purpose and filled with unending torment.
Christina stepped out of the prison gates, coming to a pause in front of her car. Gazing up at the somber. ashen sky, she let out a gentle sigh.
A sense of melancholy burdened Christina’s heart like a mountain resting upon it.
Despite witnessing the pitiful state of Nigel firsthand, she did not feel as satisfied as she had imagined.
Lyle, sensing her subdued mood, asked, “Mrs. Hadley, if you are facing any challenging problems that need solving. I’m here to offer my a*sistance.”
A comforting smile spread across Christina’s face as she replied, “There are indeed plenty of issues that need to be resolved, and your a*sistance will be of great help. I won’t hesitate to ask for your help, and in fact. I have a matter that requires your a*sistance.”
“Please, do tell.”
“I promised to meet my junior at ten o’clock, and it’s almost time. I would appreciate it if you could take me to the designated location as efficiently as possible, Christina said with a smile. “Let’s not waste any time. My junior has a strong dislike for tardiness.”
Lyle, having won several international racing championships, was skilled in driving almost any mode of transportation, whether it be airborne, aquatic, or terrestrial. There was hardly any type of vehicle he couldn’t handle with expertise.
The journey from the detention center to the city center would normally take half an hour by car. If the traffic was smooth, they would reach their destination in fifteen minutes.
However, Christina was not an ordinary pa*senger; she was with child. The speed of the car had to be maintained within a safe range, and this undoubtedly added a layer of difficulty to Lyle’s quest.
Feeling the pressure, he said, “Mrs. Hadley, I’ll try to drive faster to ensure you arrive on time for your appointment.”
“Don’t take it so seriously. I was just kidding! My junior is notorious for being late to appointments: Usually, it’s others who have to wait for her. Let’s go.”
After saying her playful remark, Christina strode toward the car.
Lyle, not entirely at ease, stepped forward to open the car door for her.
“Thank you, but I can do it myself next time.”
“This is part of my job. There’s no need to be so polite, Mrs. Hadley.”
Christina said nothing further and got into the car. Lyle then gently closed the door.
During the journey that followed, she admired Lyle’s exceptional driving skills.
When the car came to a smooth stop in front of the restaurant, Christina remained in awe. Not only did Lyle drive fast, but he also displayed an impressive level of stability.
“What’s wrong, Mrs. Hadley?”
Lyle got out of the car and opened the backseat door. Upon noticing Christina’s dazed expression, he felt his heart leap to his throat, concerned that she might have been startled or accidentally injured.
“I’m fine,” “Christina said, holding onto the door for support as she got out of the car, her legs feeling slightly weak. “Lyle, your driving skills are even more impressive than I’ve imagined. I hope to have the opportunity to see your excellence on the racetrack next time.”
The man quickly lowered his gaze. “Certainly. I’ll offer you a complimentary ticket to next the international racing competition.
“One ticket won’t be enough. You’ll have to give me several more. I have quite a few friends who are interested in racing. I’ll bring them along to cheer for you at the event,” Christina said, her tone laced with sincerity.
“Thank you, Mrs. Hadley.” Lyle’s fondness for Christina rose another notch.
It wasn’t until Christina had downed her third cup of water that Victoria finally arrived.
“I’m so sorry. Christina. I got caught up with something. You must’ve waited for a long time. I’m truly sorry.” Victoria uttered, pressing her palms together with an apologetic look on her face. “I’ll make it up to you. Please don’t be angry with me!”
Christina lifted her fingers and playfully flicked the woman’s forehead. “Do you really think I’m that petty?” she teased.
Victoria subserviently approached Christina and, like a large dog, wrapped her arms around Christina’s. She then proceeded to put on a cutesy act. “Of course not! Christina, you’re like an angel in my eyes. No one can ever replace you as the most important person in my heart.”
Christina cast her a sidelong glance. “If I’m number one in your heart, then what about Sebastian?‘
“It’s different, you see. You’re my best friend, my number one in that regard. Sebastian is my significant. other, and my number one in that aspect. You two are in entirely different categories,” Victoria explained with a pout.
As the two sat closely together, Christina couldn’t resist casting a quick glance down Victoria’s smooth and graceful neck. She noticed the suggestive marks concealed beneath her collar.
“Victoria, how goes your relationship with Sebastian?”
Victoria stared at her with a puzzled expression, unsure why she suddenly asked such a question. Nevertheless, Christina’s gaze was too intense to ignore, causing Victoria to hastily pull up her collar.
Blushing with a scarlet hue, she swiftly redirected the conversation. “Let’s get down to business, Christina, I’ve uncovered quite a bit of shocking information about the Labarge family, and I can hardly wait to share them with you!”
