Chapter_8
Inside the grandiose Hadley residence, two women sat comfortably on a luxurious imported couch, the soft, plush fabric a contrast to the tension simmering beneath their poised exteriors. One of them was Julia, the matriarch of the Hadley family, and the other was a woman whose presence seemed as carefully crafted as her image—Xandra Sullivan.
On the table between them, an antique emerald bracelet gleamed, the color of the precious stones so vivid it almost seemed to pulse with its own life. The bracelet, a symbol of opulence, was worth more than three million. Xandra had gone through great lengths, working through multiple middlemen to secure the piece, with the intention of presenting it as a gesture to her future mother-in-law.
Julia eyed the bracelet with approval, a slow smile creeping across her face. “You’re very thoughtful, Xandra,” she said warmly, her tone laced with admiration. “Unlike that disgraceful woman, who only seemed capable of throwing insults. She always acted as if marrying my son was a grave injustice, as if the Hadley family had wronged her in some way.”
Julia’s gaze softened as she sized up Xandra, clearly impressed by the woman’s poise and elegance. Xandra is the daughter of Sullivan Real Estate’s owner. She’s the darling of high society in this city. Her career has soared, and she’s earned her place among the elite. Beauty, grace, and impeccable manners—everything I could ever want in a daughter-in-law.
Julia’s displeasure with Christina had only deepened since the moment her son Nathaniel married the woman. Christina had never fit the mold of a Hadley, and Julia had worried constantly that Christina’s very existence would bring embarrassment upon their family. If it hadn’t been for the media frenzy in the past, forcing Nathaniel to marry her to salvage the family’s reputation, Julia would never have allowed it.
Xandra, sensing an opportunity to engage, leaned forward slightly, her voice laced with curiosity. “Mrs. Hadley, did you say Nathaniel got a divorce?”
Julia’s eyes sparkled at the question. “Not only did he divorce that girl, but he also received treatment overseas and is now fully recovered. Nathaniel can… perform as a man should now.”
Xandra’s eyes lit up with the news. She had long known about Nathaniel’s issues with intimacy, but she had never given up hope. She had endured years of waiting, holding onto the belief that one day Nathaniel would be free of his ailment. Now, finally, he is free. And I will not waste this opportunity.
“That’s great!” Xandra couldn’t mask the excitement in her voice. Her dream was finally within reach. No longer would she have to simply exist in Nathaniel’s orbit. Now, perhaps, she could truly claim him.
Julia’s eyes twinkled knowingly as she patted the back of Xandra’s hand affectionately. “You see, it’s all worked out. Now that he’s free of his past and his body is healed, why don’t I call Nathaniel over? It’s been too long since the two of you last caught up. You should take this chance to reconnect and, perhaps, strengthen your relationship.”
Xandra’s smile widened at the suggestion. Her heart fluttered at the very idea of being with Nathaniel again, especially now that his body was whole. The thought of reuniting with the man she had pined for, his striking looks and undeniable charm, filled her with anticipation.
Before Julia could make the call, her phone rang, cutting through the moment. She glanced at the screen and noted the incoming call was from the landline of Scenic Garden Manor.
Julia’s pulse quickened slightly, though her expression remained composed. There must be something urgent if I’m getting a call from there. I’ve made sure to keep my eyes on that place—Christina’s condition has to be under control. Something must’ve happened.
Julia answered the call and put it on speakerphone. Immediately, a panicked voice came through. “Mrs. Hadley, Mr. Hadley brought Ms. Christina back to Scenic Garden Manor. He’s insisted that she stay and forbade her from leaving. It seems like they don’t intend to divorce after all.”
“What?” Julia’s fury flared instantly, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. “That shameless woman… how dare she come back after everything? She signed the divorce papers! I’ll skin her alive!”
Xandra, taken aback by the sudden outburst, forced herself to maintain her composure. Stay calm. Maintain your image, even in the face of this anger.
“Calm down, Mrs. Hadley. Anger isn’t good for your health,” Xandra said, trying to soothe the woman beside her, though her own nerves were frayed from the escalating tension.
Julia snorted in frustration but quickly composed herself. “I’ll deal with this. No one defies me.”
She immediately grabbed her coat and headed toward Scenic Garden Manor, a storm brewing in her chest. Xandra, sensing an opportunity, followed closely behind, eager to witness the confrontation.
Upon arrival at the grand residence, Julia marched through the door with a scowl on her face. The housekeeper, clearly expecting her arrival, quickly opened the door.
“Christina!” Julia’s voice rang out, furious. “What are you doing here, you shameless woman? Why haven’t you left yet?”
Inside the living room, Christina sat calmly, dressed in a white dress, the faint smell of paint in the air. She was lost in her artwork, the brush moving with steady precision across the canvas. Her slender fingers gripped the brush with grace as she painted, her concentration apparent.
Without looking up from her work, Christina responded with icy calmness, “Why am I here? You should ask your precious son that question.”
Julia’s blood boiled at the dismissive tone, but she couldn’t suppress the anxiety gnawing at her. Christina’s calm demeanor was a stark contrast to her own fury, and the realization that her son, Nathaniel, might still be bound to this woman only deepened her anger.