Chapter 78 Stay Away From Me
Radiant Corporation’s signature elegance was impossible to ignore. As one walked through the doors, the sight of a familiar figure working diligently with a notebook immediately caught attention. It was Christina, absorbed in her tasks, her focus unwavering.
Madison entered, her eyes immediately finding Christina. She paused before addressing her, her voice light but carrying a hidden weight. “Ms. Turner, are you here to buy clothes?”
Christina’s gaze met hers, and she smiled politely, though it was a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “No, I need to go back now. Mr. Hadley has a bad stomach. Please take good care of him.”
Her smile lingered at the corners of her lips, appearing warm at first glance, but Christina knew all too well what Madison’s true intent was. The smile was laced with provocation, a challenge that only they could understand.
When Christina had first met Madison, she had immediately felt an undercurrent of hostility. A woman’s intuition was rarely wrong, and today, that feeling was only intensified. Madison’s appearance, though seemingly casual, felt like a deliberate power play.
Christina’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “Nathaniel is my husband, and it’s only natural for me to take care of him. Thank you for your reminder.”
Her words were calm, measured, but the underlying message was clear. It was a reminder that she was Nathaniel’s partner—his wife—something Madison couldn’t ignore.
Madison’s expression hardened, and her voice turned icy. “No need to thank me. I’m just worried that if you don’t do well, you’ll be replaced.”
There it was. The cold undertone of jealousy, the unspoken resentment. It dripped from her every word.
Christina chuckled softly, the sound light and unfazed. “You don’t have to worry. I won’t be replaced.” Her confidence in the statement was palpable, and it stung Madison deeply. The words seemed to cut through her like a sharp blade.
With a snort of frustration, Madison turned on her heel and walked away, leaving the room with an air of defeat.
Outside, Madison climbed into her Jaguar, her fingers quickly dialing a number. “You can proceed now,” she said into the phone, her voice low and full of meaning. Whatever was about to unfold, she had set it in motion.
Christina, back in the store, tried not to dwell on the brief encounter. She had no interest in Madison’s games. Instead, she focused on her work. Five design sketches in three days were no easy task, but she was determined to meet the challenge.
When she had a moment to herself, she slipped out to a café located on the pedestrian street behind the mall. Ordering a cup of coffee, Christina settled into a quiet corner, opening her tablet to work on her designs. The hours passed unnoticed as she worked, the day slowly fading into dusk.
Lost in her work, Christina didn’t notice the figure that brushed past her until it was too late. She was suddenly pulled into the restroom, her wrist gripped tightly by a hand.
“What the hell are you doing?” Christina demanded, her voice laced with panic.
A hand covered her mouth, the faint scent of flowers mixing with the tension in the air. She lifted her eyes in shock, meeting the gaze of a man wearing a black mask. His shoulder-length hair, dyed a trendy gray with slightly curled ends, framed his face. Despite the mask, there was no mistaking the striking features of the man.
“Excuse me, could you please cooperate with me and remain quiet for a moment?” His voice was smooth, almost hypnotic—a deep, magnetic tone that immediately drew her attention.
Before Christina could react, she heard hurried footsteps outside the door. “Where’s Francis? How did he get away? Search the area!”
The man’s grip on her loosened slightly, and he stood still, waiting for the noise to fade. Eventually, the footsteps disappeared, and the voices grew distant.
Finally, the man lowered his mask, revealing his handsome face. His upturned eyes and intense gaze held a power to them—like an ancient demon staring into her soul.
Christina froze, recognition hitting her like a wave. “Francis Fernando?” she whispered.
Francis, the famous actor, known for winning the Best Actor award and now focusing on mentoring newcomers through his own studio. His fame had long preceded him.
“How can I thank you for helping me?” he asked, his tone light and teasing as he stepped closer to her.
Christina instinctively pulled back. He’s getting too close!
“No need to thank me. It’s just a small matter,” she said, trying to maintain composure.
Francis seemed unfazed. “This won’t do. How about you leave your contact info, and I’ll send you tickets to the Zion concert?” He took out his phone before she could protest.
Before she could respond, he quickly scanned her QR code and sent a friend request. “Let’s stay in touch,” he added with a playful grin.
As soon as the exchange was complete, Francis walked away, leaving Christina standing in stunned silence. She stared at her phone, the name of one of the entertainment industry’s biggest stars now added to her contacts. The surreal feeling of it all made her wonder if she’d won a lottery she hadn’t even entered.
Christina returned to the store, shaking off the strange encounter. She quickly pushed the memory aside, focusing on her work. When evening fell, she went home, preparing a simple, homemade meal and placing it on the table. After a quick shower, she changed into soft, pink pajamas and curled up on the couch with her tablet to finish her designs.
Meanwhile, Nathaniel arrived home late that evening. He entered the living room, his eyes finding her lying peacefully on the couch, her legs exposed beneath her skirt, her face turned away.
The sight of her, so calm and serene, made Nathaniel pause. She looked like an angel in her peaceful slumber.
He smiled faintly, bending down to lift her gently in his arms and carry her to the bedroom. Christina didn’t stir, her body curling against the bed as she reached for the blanket, continuing her deep sleep. Nathaniel leaned in and kissed her softly on the cheek, a gentle gesture of affection.
As Christina slept, her phone buzzed, lighting up with a new message. Nathaniel stepped out of the bedroom and glanced at the screen, his eyes narrowing when he saw the sender: Francis. The message read: Are you asleep yet, Cutie?
Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. Seeing the familiar tone and profile picture, it was clear—Francis was trying to get closer to Christina. He quickly opened the next message: I’ll be waiting for you at the café tomorrow. Shall I give you the tickets then?
Confusion and irritation gripped Nathaniel. When did they meet? Why was she receiving messages from him? What was going on?
In a burst of frustration, Nathaniel typed a single word: No. His finger hovered over the screen, then quickly deleted the entire conversation.
The next morning, Christina awoke to find Nathaniel gone. The dishes she had prepared remained untouched on the table. In the bathroom, she noticed his clothes had been discarded in a rush. Maybe he’s busy, she thought, not dwelling on it.
She quickly tidied up and got ready for work. As she picked up her phone, a new voice message from Francis appeared: Why haven’t you arrived yet?
Confused, Christina stared at the message. Did he send this to the wrong person?
In the café, there was an air of anticipation. The man sitting there, wearing a mask and sunglasses, radiated an undeniable charm that caught the attention of the staff. Just as he waited, another figure entered the café—tall, dark, and undeniably handsome. The staff couldn’t believe their luck.
The two men locked eyes, and Nathaniel strode over, seizing Francis by the collar. “Francis, haven’t I warned you to stay away from my people?”
Francis smirked, enjoying the tension. “I’m just waiting for the little kitten. Why does it concern you? Why would someone like you, who can’t even get close to women, want to protect her?”
Nathaniel’s eyes burned with anger, the storm inside him threatening to erupt. “I don’t care what your intentions are. Christina is my woman.”
Francis shrugged, his tone indifferent. “So? I just like getting close to her…”
Before he could finish, Nathaniel’s fist collided with Francis’ temple, a loud thud echoing in the quiet café.