Chapter 3
Julia’s anger flared when she noticed the letter “N” on the dress shirt. With a swift motion, she walked up to Christina and slapped her hard across the face. The force of the blow made Christina’s cheek swell instantly.
“Still won’t admit it, huh? I bet you’ve been cheating on my son and using our family’s money to keep your little toyboy,” Julia spat, her eyes burning with contempt.
Julia had never seen Christina as a true member of the Hadley family. In her mind, Christina was a mere placeholder until Nathaniel was cured, and she had already chosen a new woman to marry him. The moment Nathaniel recovered, she planned to kick Christina out.
Christina, taken aback by Julia’s absurd accusations, rubbed her swollen cheek but met Julia’s gaze defiantly. “I’ve been married to Nathaniel for three years now, and he hasn’t even bothered to show himself once. Given how beautiful the foreign women are, I’d say it’s more likely that he’s the one cheating on me.”
Julia’s face turned red with fury. “You—”
Unable to tolerate such an insult to her son, Julia raised her hand to slap Christina again. However, Christina, with surprising strength, caught her wrist and held it firmly.
“Mrs. Hadley, I allowed you to hit me once because you’re an elder, but don’t mistake my patience for weakness,” Christina said coolly. “Don’t forget how I ended up in the Hadley family in the first place. Fighting me will only harm you. It’s not in your best interest.”
Christina’s words struck hard. Years ago, she had been drugged and delivered to the Hadley family against her will. If it hadn’t been for her mother being under the control of the Steele family, Christina would never have willingly married Nathaniel. She had done it only to help rid him of the damaging rumors surrounding his condition.
Julia’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You dare threaten me?”
For three years, Julia had viewed Christina as weak, a silent and submissive figure. To see her stand up like this left her in shock.
“I’m not threatening you, I’m just offering a gentle reminder,” Christina replied with a calm smile, releasing Julia’s wrist. “Anyway, I’m leaving now.”
Without another word, Christina turned and ascended the stairs to pack her things. Soon after, she left the Hadley house behind.
Meanwhile, in Nathaniel’s office at Hadley Corporation, Sebastian knocked on the door and entered to find Nathaniel seated on the couch, looking distant.
“We found out who she is, Mr. Hadley,” Sebastian reported, handing Nathaniel a folder. “Her name is Christina Steele. She was at the graduation party last night, and it appears she was drugged and accidentally ended up in your room.”
Nathaniel didn’t react, though he flipped through the photographs inside the folder. Despite the dim lighting, the cameras had captured Christina’s features clearly. Her delicate face, petite frame, and curves stood out, and something about the photos seemed to trigger a memory from the night before.
As Nathaniel continued to stare at the images, Sebastian hesitated before speaking again. “There’s something else you need to know, Mr. Hadley.”
Nathaniel glanced up, his curiosity piqued. “What is it?”
Sebastian swallowed nervously before continuing, “Christina is a married woman.”
Nathaniel froze. Sebastian knew that it was a rare miracle for Nathaniel to encounter a woman who didn’t trigger his allergy, but he also knew that Nathaniel could never tolerate being with a woman who belonged to someone else.
The air in the room turned cold, and a palpable tension settled. Sebastian could feel his own sweat starting to form as he nervously looked at Nathaniel, who had become quiet, his expression darkening.
Buzz…
The silence was broken by a sudden call from Scenic Garden Manor. Sebastian looked at Nathaniel, who nodded for him to take the call.
After a brief conversation that lasted only a couple of seconds, Sebastian’s face went pale. He turned to Nathaniel, his voice shaky as he relayed the news. “Mr. Hadley, the housekeeper called. Mrs. Hadley went to Scenic Garden Manor and confronted your wife. She accused her of cheating on you.”