Chapter 90 A Visit From Julia
Nathaniel’s face darkened as he absorbed the butler’s report. His eyes narrowed with an unreadable expression, but there was a palpable tension in the air as he processed what had transpired while he was away. Julia had been to the manor again, and, knowing her tendencies, Nathaniel could already guess how unpleasant the visit had been for Christina.
He didn’t waste a moment. Without responding to the butler, Nathaniel made his way up to the bedroom, his mind racing through the possibility of what had happened. Julia’s visits to Scenic Garden Manor were always tense, and from what he had just been told, it didn’t sound like it had been any different this time.
As he reached the bedroom, Nathaniel knocked briefly before entering. Christina was sitting on the edge of the bed, her back slightly hunched as she looked at her design. Her expression, though neutral, had a certain tension to it that Nathaniel couldn’t ignore.
“Christina,” he began, his voice softer than usual, though there was a hint of concern hidden behind the calm tone, “Are you alright? Julia didn’t cause you any trouble, did she?”
Christina, startled by his sudden presence, looked up at him. Her face betrayed a flicker of discomfort before she quickly masked it, giving him a forced smile. “I’m fine. Julia just… you know how she is. She wasn’t exactly friendly, but I didn’t let it bother me.”
Nathaniel studied her for a moment, his gaze unwavering as he saw through her facade. He stepped closer to her, sitting down on the edge of the bed beside her. “What happened?”
Christina sighed and placed her drawing on the nightstand, the momentary excitement she had felt earlier fading away. “She came in, started criticizing everything, and made some… rude comments about my designs.” She paused, her fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the paper on her desk. “You know, the usual—she doesn’t think I belong here or that I’m good enough for you.”
Nathaniel’s jaw clenched, but he kept his tone controlled. “I told you not to mind her. She’s not important.”
“I know,” Christina said, her voice quiet. “But sometimes, it still stings when she says things like that. I try to brush it off, but… it’s hard not to take it personally.”
Nathaniel’s eyes softened. He understood her frustration, though he wished she didn’t let Julia’s venomous words affect her so deeply. “I’ll handle her, Christina. You don’t need to worry about Julia. No matter what she says or does, you belong here—with me.”
Christina looked up at him, meeting his gaze. There was something in his eyes that softened the edges of her annoyance and hurt. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nathaniel nodded and reached over to gently squeeze her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “Don’t let her get to you. And don’t let anyone make you feel less than what you are. You’re a talented designer, and your work matters. You don’t need anyone’s approval to know that.”
For a brief moment, Christina allowed herself to relax into his touch, feeling a sense of relief she hadn’t realized she was craving. She managed a small smile, a genuine one this time. “I’ll try not to let her get to me. I guess I just need to focus on my work.”
Nathaniel’s smile mirrored hers, but there was a hint of something more in his gaze—something deeper. “You’ll do just fine, Christina. I know you will.”
A quiet silence fell between them, the kind that spoke volumes without needing words. Nathaniel stayed with her for a while longer, offering her a comfort that didn’t need to be spoken. Just his presence was enough.
Meanwhile, Julia’s actions hadn’t gone unnoticed. As soon as she and Helen had left the manor, the hidden camera she’d installed in the study was silently recording. Julia had placed the camera with precision, and now, she waited for the moment when her plan would unfold. She couldn’t let Christina get comfortable in the house, couldn’t let Nathaniel’s attention stay fixed on her for long.
“Let’s see how long your so-called ‘talent’ can protect you,” Julia muttered under her breath as she sat in her car, her eyes gleaming with a dangerous determination.
Helen, sitting beside her, was clearly uneasy. “Mrs. Hadley, are you sure about this? What if Mr. Hadley finds out? He won’t be happy about it.”
Julia didn’t look at her. Instead, she stared out the window, her thoughts fixed on the next phase of her plan. “Let him be mad. This isn’t about him anymore. This is about her—I’m going to make sure Christina knows her place.”
Helen hesitated before speaking, her tone hesitant. “But if you go too far, Mrs. Hadley…”
Julia shot her a sharp look, her voice cold. “If Nathaniel won’t get rid of her, then I’ll do it myself.”
Back at Scenic Garden Manor, as Nathaniel remained in Christina’s room, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was amiss. Julia’s visit hadn’t been an accident. The way she had behaved—so harsh and domineering—was typical of her, but there was something more to it, something hidden beneath the surface. Nathaniel had been watching his mother’s behavior for years, and he knew when she was up to something.
With a quiet sigh, Nathaniel stood up, his decision made. He would not let his mother cause more harm to Christina. He had already dealt with enough of her games over the years, and now, it seemed, he would need to face the consequences of her actions head-on.
“Christina,” he said gently, looking down at her, “I’m going to take care of this.”
Christina looked up at him, a touch of concern in her eyes. “Take care of what?”
Nathaniel’s expression was firm, but his voice was soft. “Whatever Julia is planning, I won’t let her interfere with your work. Not again.”
Christina’s heart fluttered, and she couldn’t help but smile at him. For once, Julia’s venomous presence didn’t feel so overwhelming, knowing that Nathaniel was on her side. “Thank you, Nathaniel. I appreciate that.”
Nathaniel gave her a brief nod before turning toward the door. “I’ll be back soon. Stay here, get some rest. You deserve it.”
As he left the room, Christina sat back down at her desk, the weight of the day’s events lifting just a little bit. With Nathaniel by her side, she felt more confident than ever that she could face whatever came next—even Julia.