Chapter 91 Hard Time
A faint floral scent wafted through the air when Nathaniel pushed open the bedroom door. He was greeted by a slender figure lying on the couch.
Christina looked
listless.
up
when she heard the sound of footsteps. “You’re home?” she asked lazily, looking
“Did my mom give you a hard time just now?” Nathaniel asked in concern as he approached her.
Christina gave a shrug. “She didn’t.”
To her, what had happened could not be considered as Julia giving her a hard time at all. After all, Julia had always talked to her with that attitude.
Nathaniel took off his jacket and went to the bathroom to shower.
Christina had already kept her art supplies when he came out and was lying on the bed.
He slowly walked over and watched the sleeping beauty who was fast asleep lying on her side. Her long eyelashes accentuated her beauty despite her eyes being closed.
Nathaniel lifted the blanket and slid into bed before hugging her from behind. He rested his nose against her neck and breathed in the faint fragrance emanating from her as he drifted off into dreamland.
The next day, Christina prepared breakfast before going back to her room to color her design.
After repeatedly confirming that there were zero errors, she sent the drafts to Julia.
Christina stared at the screen, her heart beating rapidly as she waited.
The door to the bedroom was pushed open. Nathaniel had just returned from his morning jog. The casual sportswear he donned made him look much younger. His fringe was wet from sweat, and he stared at her when he entered with his deep, dark eyes.
Just then, the ringtone of an incoming video call rang out from the computer. Like a student eager to return home when the bell rang, Christina quickly took out the black-laced mask from her bag and put it on before answering the call.
Julia’s gloomy face appeared on the screen. She shot Christina a sharp gaze through the camera, looking like a mother lion ready to attack.
This expression… Could it be that Mrs. Hadley dislikes the jasmine flowers I designed?
Within a few seconds into the call, Christina had already thought of the worst situation that could happen.
“Ms. Ada, inay I know what inspired you to use jasmine flowers for the design?” Julia asked coldly.
Christina felt uneasy as she stole a glance at Nathaniel. He had his hands in his pockets and looked extremely attractive. His lips curved into an amused smile as he stared at her.
“Jasmine flowers.represent purity and respect. They’re very suitable for a mature and mysterious woman like you.”
Christina also explained that jasmines represented pure love. She reckoned Julia must have also had the same expectations for her relationship with Nolan Hadley in the past.
Julia’s eyes darkened and she went silent. Her slightly pursed lips made her seem as though she was displeased with Christina’s words.
Every second spent in silence felt like torture to Christina.
A few minutes later, Julia said, “I like this series of designs inspired by jasmine flowers. Come to the Hadley residence and get my measurements so you can tailor these clothes for me.”
Surprise flashed across Christina’s sparkling eyes. She did not expect that Julia would like the designs. However, in the next second, a frown replaced her smile under the mask.
Did Mrs. Hadley say she wants me to go to the Hadley residence to take her measurements and tailor the gowns
there?
“My apologies, Mrs. Hadley. I can’t go to the Hadley residence.” Through the screen, both parties could only see the upper halves of their bodies. Christina was wearing a mask, so Julia had yet to find out about her identity.
However, if Christina were to appear before Julia, it would be unpredictable whether or not Julia would take off Christina’s mask to expose her. There was also a possibility that Julia would recognize Christina by her figure.
Suddenly, Christina’s mind was filled with the harsh words that Julia had said to her the night before.
I can’t take the risk!
Julia’s slightly softened expression turned serious once more. “Why? Are you going to give your design drafts to someone else to complete instead of tailoring the gowns yourself?”
Only a handful of people would dare to reject her, and the designer named Ada was one of them.
Julia would have already instructed the fashion industry to blacklist Christina if she didn’t have some talent.
Her overbearing question made Christina feel pressured. “Of course not. I’ll complete the designs myself, but I must work during the day. I’m afraid I can’t be at the Hadley residence all day.”
In desperation, she could only use the excuse of needing to go to work as a shield.
Julia snorted. “That’s fine. You can come over after work. Coming every day for a month should be enough time for you to finish five evening gowns.”
Christina did not expect Julia to be that stubborn and not allow her the slightest chance to refuse.
She turned to look at Nathaniel, who stood there enjoying the show. She blinked furiously to indicate that she needed his help.
Nathaniel’s lips curved upward into a smile as he nodded, indicating that she should agree to Julia’s
request.
Julia did not give Christina any chance to reject her suggestion as she asked, “Where do you leave? I’ll have my driver pick you up.”
Christina felt her head ache. I can’t possibly tell her that I live in Scenic Garden Manor, can I?
She bit her lip as she hesitated before replying, “It’s firic. Give me your address, and I’ll head there tomorrow on my own, However, I do have one condition.”
Julia furrowed her brows. How dare she try to ask for something in return? “Pray tell.”
Christina went all out. “I’ll be wearing my mask the entire time. You have to promise not to take it off.”
The frown on Julia’s forehead deepened. She had wanted to find a chance to look at her face, but she did not expect the latter to be wary of her.
“All right.”
After the call ended, Helen, who stood at Julia’s side, asked in confusion, “Mrs. Hadley, don’t you think the chair Ms. Ada was sitting on looks similar to the one at Mr. Hadley’s Scenic Garden Manor?”
Although the background was pure white, the chair looked familiar and was easily recognizable.
Julia had also noticed it but thought such a coincidence couldn’t happen. “It’s not as if the manufacturer only produced one of that type of high-end chair. Although Ada is a little weird, she’s quite talented. That unknown designer, Christina Steele, can’t be compared to her.”
She stared at the design drawings on the screen and continued, “Christina won’t be able to produce such beautiful design drawings even if she tries! Besides, if we really want to know who Ada is, we’ll always have a chance to expose her when she comes to the Hadley residence.”
Christina shut down her computer and sighed. She felt that the camera had not covered the way Julia saw her, which made her feel very defensive about being on camera lately.
She rested her chin on her hands and said bitterly, “This is just great. My identity is bound to be exposed.”
Given Julia’s attitude, chaos would ensue if she were to find out about Christina’s identity. By then, one would be able to save her.
no
A faint smile appeared on Nathaniel’s lips as he approached Christina and gently patted her head. “You’re quick-witted. I’m sure you’ll be able to hide your identity well. If it comes to the point where you’re exposed, don’t worry. I’ll help you.”
His words brought a sense of security to Christina. “Don’t go back on your words…” She looked up and locked gazes with Nathaniel’s shining eyes. She felt as if she had been transported to another world for
a moment.
Nathaniel quickly lowered his gaze and gently cupped her cheeks with both hands. He placed a kiss on her lips before saying, “Go get changed. I’ll send you to work.”
Half an hour later, they arrived at Radiant Corporation.
Christina waved toward the black Maybach. The corners of Nathaniel’s lips tugged into a grin. He slowly wound up the window and drove away.
