Chapter 77 A Show Of Power
Sebastian’s expression was one of calm resolve. By this point, there was no need for words. The situation was beyond the point where anything could change Nathaniel’s mind.
“In this world,” Sebastian said, his voice steady but carrying weight, “nothing can sway Mr. Hadley’s thoughts. Not you, not me, no one.”
He glanced at Madison, whose figure trembled slightly, betraying the turmoil within. With a sigh, he added, “If you lose control again, you won’t be qualified to stay by Mr. Hadley’s side.”
With that, Sebastian turned and walked out of the room.
Madison stood still, her emotions a storm of confusion and frustration. She was a grown woman, a mature woman who understood the meaning behind Sebastian’s words. She couldn’t continue like this. If she let her emotions rule her actions, she would only push Nathaniel further away. That much was clear.
I need to rethink my approach, she thought as the weight of the situation settled on her. It was clear now that she had to adjust her strategy if she wanted to remain by Nathaniel’s side.
After Christina finished tending to Nathaniel’s wound, she asked, somewhat hesitantly, “That woman earlier—your assistant?”
“Yes, she’s worked with Sebastian at Hadley Corporation for many years,” Nathaniel replied, his tone casual but with a hint of something darker underneath.
Christina said nothing in response, her focus now on securing the gauze with adhesive tape, her hands working with professional precision.
“What’s the matter? Jealous?” Nathaniel’s husky voice cut through the silence.
Christina shook her head, her face calm, showing no sign of discomfort. “No,” she said, her tone light and innocent.
There was no reason to feel jealous, she reasoned. Nathaniel’s assistant was just that—an assistant. Nothing more. Nothing less.
But Nathaniel, who had been watching her carefully, couldn’t help but wonder. His gaze lingered on her, studying her features as he tried to imagine what she would look like if she were indeed jealous. There was something about her innocence that intrigued him. What would it take to make her flustered?
Later that evening, after their day had drawn to a close, Christina headed into the kitchen to prepare Nathaniel’s dinner. But as the pots simmered and the scent of food filled the air, her phone buzzed in her pocket.
It was Vivian’s message.
The client, Julia, had requested a face-to-face meeting with her.
Christina’s thoughts briefly halted. Normally, she didn’t need to meet clients in person—after all, she had their photos and measurements. She could design from there. But this request felt different.
She hesitated for a moment, then typed back a quick reply, agreeing to a video discussion instead.
Vivian responded quickly, eager to connect, and Julia was also keen to make the most of their time. She requested to start the call immediately.
“Sure, we can connect in ten minutes,” Christina replied.
Ten minutes later, Christina was in her dressing room, hastily gathering her materials for the call. When the video connection went live, Julia appeared on the screen. She was dressed immaculately, wearing a high-end, limited-edition dress. Her long wavy hair cascaded down her back like silk, and despite being fifty years old, she exuded a youthful radiance, making her seem far younger than her age.
“Ms. Ada, why are you wearing a mask?” Julia’s voice was laced with suspicion, her sharp eyes narrowing as she studied Christina through the screen. “Are you trying to trick me?”
Christina could sense the pressure from Julia even through the video call. Julia’s presence was commanding, and she could tell that in her prime, she was a woman who had ruled every room she entered.
Christina’s mask was equipped with a voice changer, distorting her voice into a mechanical tone that would make it impossible for anyone to recognize her.
“I have one condition for taking this job,” Christina said, her voice measured. “That is to keep my identity confidential. I trust you understand that.”
Julia seemed momentarily taken aback but chose not to press the issue further. After all, everyone in their circle had heard of the anonymous designer’s work, and the unique style had already built her reputation. Anonymity, it seemed, wasn’t going to stop the collaboration.
Julia finally relented. “Fine, let’s proceed. I’ll send over my measurements.”
Helen, Julia’s assistant, promptly sent over the measurements, and Christina scanned the data carefully. It didn’t take long to realize that Julia had managed to keep her figure in great shape over the years. Her curves were well-defined, and she clearly worked hard to maintain them.
Christina nodded to herself, tapping on her keyboard to save the numbers.
“Those numbers help me visualize your body, but they’re just the starting point,” Christina said.
Julia raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “What else do you need?”
“Please stand up and spin in front of the camera,” Christina asked, her voice calm yet firm.
Julia hesitated for a moment, clearly not used to taking orders from someone younger. However, she stood up and twirled in front of the camera, her figure as trim and graceful as any model’s.
Christina observed her carefully, noting every curve and angle, before swiftly sketching the proportions on paper, capturing the client’s body type in great detail.
Once she finished, she put her pencil down and gave Julia her full attention.
“Now, it’s my turn, isn’t it?” Julia’s voice was sharp as she leaned forward, her expression turning serious.
Christina nodded, waiting for her instructions.
“I want five design drafts in three days,” Julia said, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. “If I’m not satisfied, you’ll need to redo them. If you show me three versions and I’m still not satisfied, we’ll cancel our collaboration.”
Christina’s eyes widened slightly. Five designs in three days? That was more than just a challenge. That was a test of her limits.
If she doesn’t like any of them, that means I’ll have to redo them all—fifteen designs in total, she thought, the pressure mounting.
Julia’s words carried a challenge in them, almost daring Christina to back down.
“Are you scared?” Julia added, almost taunting her. “If you don’t think you can handle it, just say so.”
Christina’s resolve firmed. She wasn’t the kind to back down from a challenge.
“I accept,” she said, her voice confident.
As soon as the call ended, Christina sighed deeply, removing the mask from her face.
Nathaniel walked into the room, holding a glass of milk. He placed it in front of her. “Done?”
Christina took the glass from him, savoring the milk as she spoke. “Your mom is quite suspicious. It’s like she doesn’t trust me.”
Nathaniel’s expression darkened, the tension between them palpable. “She’s always been like that. Don’t let it bother you. If you feel uncomfortable, just don’t take the job. I can support you.”
He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his eyes softening as he gazed at her.
Christina nodded, placing the empty glass down. “I’ll give it my best shot. But if I don’t succeed, I won’t dwell on it.”
Nathaniel studied her, a small smile tugging at his lips as he admired her resilience. His gaze lingered on her face, her delicate features tempting him in ways he hadn’t expected. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her, to take her in his arms, but he restrained himself.
The following morning, Nathaniel arrived at the office as usual. Madison, who had stayed the night, was already there, organizing his desk. When she heard footsteps, she turned, a bright smile lighting up her face.
“Mr. Hadley, I’ve prepared some oatmeal for you. Would you like to have a bowl before you start your day?”
Nathaniel, dressed in his crisp suit, walked right past her, not sparing her a glance.
“No need for that,” he replied curtly, not breaking stride. “Don’t prepare breakfast for me again. I don’t want Christina to misunderstand.”
His words pierced through Madison’s composure like a knife, and for a brief moment, a flicker of disappointment flashed across her eyes. But she quickly masked it.
“Sorry, I’ll be more mindful next time,” she said with forced calm, though each second spent in Nathaniel’s presence was a struggle.
Nathaniel nodded, acknowledging her words without further comment, before returning to his desk. Madison left the office, her mind swirling with emotions. Instead of heading home, she made a detour toward the shopping mall, her heart heavy with the realization that things were changing, and not in her favor.