Chapter 742 Reaping What She Sows
Seeing both Nathaniel and Christina around gave Camila an instant boost of confidence. Hugging Nathaniel’s neck, the girl said in a loud and clear voice, “Daddy, that evil woman added something to Granddad’s drink before giving it to him.”
Even though Camila did not understand the complicated adult world that was filled with deception and manipulation, she could clearly tell good from bad and had exposed Azure’s ulterior motives in the most candid manner.
“She had also asked Granddad to sign a letter of understanding to save Granduncle Nigel,” Lucas chimed in.
Upon hearing that, Christina and Nathaniel fully understood what was going on.
Barnaby, who happened to be looking for Azure, heard what the kids said and cast a sharp gaze at Azure and Timothy.
Supporting himself with his walking stick, the man asked, “What letter of understanding were they talking about?”
Azure tried to cover up the truth but her intentions were noticed by Christina. Christina dashed into the lounge at once, grabbing the documents from the table before Azure could do so.
Without looking at the contents of the documents, Christina looked toward Lyle, who was standing at the door, and said without a change in expression, “Lyle, please take Mr. Lucas and Ms. Camila out of the room.”
As Christina knew that the outcome would be messy, she did not want to taint the children’s innocent world by allowing them to learn about the unscrupulous means used by adults to achieve their goals.
“Understood,” Lyle answered before leading Lucas and Camila away from the lounge.
After scrutinizing the documents, which were all about absolving Nigel of his crimes, Christina hurled the stack of documents on the ground furiously.
Everyone, especially Azure, was stunned. Out of guilt, Azure inched a few steps to the side. She could not help but worry that Christina would lose control and hit her.
“Not only had Nigel broken the law, but he had also committed a felony. He killed my mother. He had taken a life. How dare you shamelessly force us to forgive him?” Christina glanced at the wine that was spilled on the floor and said, “Mr. Taggart, can you please take a sample of the wine and send it to the lab? We will know if the wine was indeed spiked after an examination.”
As Timothy was one of the concerned parties, he had left Christina in charge of handling the matter while he quietly waited for justice to be served.
Barnaby had more or less understood the situation with everything he heard so far.
He was the one who brought Azure to the banquet. By stirring up trouble on the host’s turf, she was not only ruining their day but also embarra*sing him.
Sebastian looked toward Nathaniel with an inquiring gaze, and Nathaniel replied, “Do as Mrs. Hadley says.”
“Understood,” Sebastian replied before taking out a silk handkerchief to retrieve a sample of the wine
from the floor. However, he was blocked by Barnaby’s walking stick when he was walking past the man.
“Please wait,” Barnaby said. “Mr. Hadley, Mrs. Hadley, for my sake, can we please settle this privately? Since we are celebrating the grand opening of Mrs. Hadley’s studio today, let’s not create a scene and ruin such a wonderful day. Besides, it’s also damaging to our families‘ reputations if outsiders see us fighting.”
Christina sneered and replied, “Old Mr. Stone, I didn’t invite her. You were the one who brought her here. If she really cared about your reputation, she wouldn’t have tried to set my father up at my event. Does it make sense that the culprit is asking the victim to take responsibility for their actions? Is the Stone family treating the Gibson family and the Hadley family as pushovers?”
Christina had given Azure a few chances previously, but not only did the woman not reflect on her actions and change her ways, but she had also continued pushing her luck.
“What happened?” Charlie scanned the surroundings suspiciously when he came back after taking the phone call and saw everyone standing in front of the lounge.
The next moment, he fixed his sharp gaze on Barnaby and said in an imposing manner “Old Mr. Stone, you’re welcome to bring guests here to celebrate the special day with us, but it seems like you’re here to create trouble for my daughter–in–law and her family instead. Don’t you think that’s not very appropriate?”
Charlie was openly protecting Christina without even finding out the details of what had actually happened. “Is this the way the Stone family handles things?”
Barnaby’s expression darkened after he was criticized. However, he was unable to refute Charlie’s accusations.
Everyone at the banquet saw him and Azure behaving like a couple, and that was exactly what Barnaby wished for. He wanted the entire world to know that Azure belonged to him.
Now that Azure had created such a huge mess, despite his unwillingness, Barnaby had no choice but to let her bear the consequences of her actions.
Azure jumped to Barnaby’s defense when she saw him being attacked by the Hadley family. “This has got nothing to do with Old Mr. Stone. If you’re angry, you should take it out on me. I’ll take responsibility for my actions.”
Determined to drag Barnaby into the matter, Christina said, “Mrs. Lazuli, Nigel is also Old Mr. Stone’s son. You tried to harm my dad and force him to sign the letter of understanding. It’s hard for me to believe that you came up with the idea yourself.”
If Barnaby was implicated, it would affect the entire Stone family. In order to protect the family’s reputation, the other members of the Stone family might cut ties with Barnaby. With just Barnaby’s support, Azure and Yerek would not be Christina’s match!
Even though Barnaby was also anxious to save Nigel, he would have never done it in such a foolish way.
Azure’s actions had worsened the situation.
Barnaby cursed inwardly, knowing that there was no way Nathaniel and Charlie would allow him to stay out of the matter.
Just as Azure was about to retort, Barnaby signaled for her to stop by glaring at her. The woman had no choice but to obey and keep quiet.
“Mrs. Hadley, how are you intending to handle the issue?” Barnaby asked.
“My views don’t really count. It’s my dad’s opinion that matters.” After saying that, Christina turned to look at Timothy, who was behind her, and asked, “Dad, what do you think is the best way for us to settle this? I’ll go with whatever you say.”
Timothy glanced at Azure before answering, “I’ve been sick for too long. My brain is not working as well as it used to. Christina, why don’t you decide for me? I don’t really have anything in mind.”
As Timothy’s daughter, Christina had every right to act on his behalf.
The corners of Christina’s lips curled up slightly as she replied, “All right then. I’ll settle it for you. I’ll make sure she receives her deserved punishment for what she did to you.”
Timothy nodded in satisfaction. Christina’s determination and a*sertiveness reminded him of his days.
younger
“Mrs. Hadley, on account of the years of friendship between the Hadley family and the Stone family, I will make sure that your grievances are properly addressed. I hope you will also keep in mind our families‘ relationship when you decide what to do. It would be a pity if we have to fall out with each other.” It was as clear as day what Barnaby was insinuating.
“Friendship?” Charlie scoffed before continuing, “Old Mr. Stone, I don’t think that still exists after the speech you made just now!”
Taking a pause, he looked toward Christina and said, “Christina, just tell us what you wish to do. The Hadley family has your back.
Barnaby had a grim expression while he waited for Christina to speak.
After flashing an appreciative smile at Charlie, Christina fixed her gaze on Barnaby and said, “My request is very simple. Let’s leave it to the police to handle. If it’s proven that the drink was spiked, we will let the law determine Mrs. Lazuli’s fate. If nothing is found in the drink, I’ll get Lucas and Camila to apologize to her. Also, Mrs. Lazuli has to promise that she will not appear in front of us ever again.”
