Chapter 193

Chapter 193 Five Thousand Dollars Spending long hours in the office would tire anyone out.

It was a rare opportunity to let loose and have some fun. The vibe was lively, as the crowd consisted of young people who knew how to have a good time.

The emcee called out for participants to join in on a game.

“Ms. Steele, shall we play too?” Without waiting for Christina’s response, Shelley pulled her toward the stage.

“I don’t really want to play,” Christina lamented. She had never been one for large, lively crowds.

However, Shelley wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Come on, let your hair down and enjoy yourself a little.”

The host took the mic and began explaining the rules of the game, “The guys have to pick up their female partners, and whoever drops their partner first loses. The winner gets a grand prize of five thousand dollars!”

The lure of the prize money was irresistible; Christina’s colleagues, who had been hesitant earlier, were now frantically searching for partners.

Soon enough, the pairs of contestants were ready to compete.

There was still one middle–aged finance manager without a partner. Hence, he walked over and asked, “Ms. Steele, shall we team up?”

“Umm, L...” Christina was reluctant to be intimate with a stranger.

It was a difficult choice to make. If she rejected him, she risked hurting his feelings. But if she accepted, she would have to get too close for comfort with a complete stranger.

Just as she was struggling to decide, a tall figure walked up from behind her.

“Sorry, but she’s taken,” the man said.

“My apologies, Mr. Hadley.” The finance manager paled with fear and hurriedly left the stage.

Although the prize money of five thousand dollars was very tempting, offending Nathaniel would be a career–ending move.

Christina blinked her eyes in surprise and asked, “Nathaniel, why are you here?”

“I couldn’t let you hug and cuddle with other men, could I?” Nathaniel snorted.

Just then, the host announced the start of the game.

Christina immediately jumped into Nathaniel’s arms like a cute little bunny. Her legs wrapped around his waist, and her hands curled around his neck.

“I want to win the first prize. Don’t you dare let me down!” Christina instructed confidently.

With Nathaniel’s impressive muscles, we have a sure win. The prospect of claiming first place and a cash prize of five thousand dollars is simply exhilarating!

Nathaniel couldn’t help but smirk at how seriously Christina was taking the competition for just a few thousand dollars.

He tightened his grip around her slender waist. “Don’t worry; we won’t lose.”

Both of them stood close, their warm breaths wafting in a thin mist that settled on Nathaniel’s nose.

Due to their height difference, Christina spent most of the time looking up at him.

However, her current position placed her higher, and the feeling of looking down on someone was quite pleasant!

Christina took the opportunity to stare closely at Nathaniel’s cold and stern face. His dense brows veiled profound and impenetrable eyes. The contour of his chiseled nose and the curve of his slender lips drew a perfect line, resembling a striking oil painting by a skilled artist.

“So handsome,” Christina muttered and blushed shyly.

Meanwhile, several contestants on the stage were unable to continue due to their limited physical strength.

Only a few pairs remained, and it seemed that the winner would be decided soon.

All of a sudden, a phone rang, and all eyes turned toward the direction of the sound.

It was Nathaniel’s phone.

Without hesitation, he reached out to answer the call.

Christina had to rely on her strength to stay suspended on his body, like a koala clinging to a tree.

The audience below the stage began discussing the matter. “How can Mrs. Hadley be so light?”

“It’s all thanks to Mr. Hadley’s strong abdomen muscles!”

Several people took out their phones to capture the moment. It was a picture–perfect display of romance.

The two remaining pairs had no choice but to give in, unable to withstand the strain of standing for nearly half an hour with the weight of another adult.

In the end, Christina and Nathaniel emerged victorious.

The woman hopped down excitedly. “We won! I’ll treat you to a fancy dinner tonight.”

Nathaniel gave her a playful pat on the head. “You go have fun. I have something to take care of first.”

“Okay.” She then rushed over to the host to claim the prize.

Her face lit up with joy as she held the envelope in her hands.

There were still more activities taking place, but Christina wasn’t interested in them. Instead, she dragged Anna away to take photos.

After all, the setting was picturesque, ideal for capturing moments in photographs.

Christina snapped away with her camera as Anna struck pose after pose.

“Your photography skills are impressive, Christina. We don’t need to hire a photographer for the company from now on. You can handle it all,” Anna complimented as she glanced at the photos.

“I just learned it on my own,” Christina replied with a smile.

When she was a designer, she thought customers would purchase the clothes as long as it was well- designed.

Since joining Radiant Corporation, she realized that marketing, launching new products, retaining customers, and promotional activities were all important in generating sales.

“How’s your assistant doing?”

The duo sat on a bench and chatted for a while.

“She’s doing okay but not as proactive as you were,” Christina answered.

V Although Shelley could manage her tasks effectively, Christina sensed a lack of enthusiasm in her work. Nevertheless, she had noticed that Shelley enjoyed standing quietly behind her and observing as she sketched.

There were several times when Shelley startled Christina as the latter was too immersed in her drawings.

“I’m planning to quit my job and start my own studio. Do you want to join me?” Anna proposed.

“Why the sudden decision?” Christina was surprised.

“I’m still young, and I need to challenge myself more. I don’t want to work for others forever,” Anna explained.

For a few years now, she had been working at Radiant Corporation. She had joined the company with the goal to learn as much as she could and pave the way for her future.

But after all these years, she felt that she had learned everything she could.

Moreover, she had gained valuable connections over the years. Hence, she decided that it was time for her to take the leap and start her own business while she still had the energy and drive.

Christina was no stranger to the daily grind of the working class, so when Anna expressed her yearning for freedom, Christina understood all too well.

“Christina, you’re capable. How about we open a studio together?” Anna’s eyes were filled with sincerity.

“I’ll think about it,” Christina replied.

She had been in Radiant Corporation for almost a year and had gained invaluable experience and knowledge.

The only downside was that she had to follow the company’s rules.

“Take your time to think it over. I’m going to get a drink.”

Christina strolled through the expansive area, marveling at the lush greenery that surrounded her. Despite its beauty, she couldn’t help but notice that some parts of the valley still remained untouched and undeveloped.

Lost in thought, Christina wandered aimlessly for a while before realizing she was surrounded by darkness.

She looked back and saw only a narrow path of stones extending into the darkness.

As she turned around, the streetlights flickered and went out, leaving her in utter darkness.

The sound of the howling wind cut through the silence, making her feel like she was in a horror movie.

Sweat trickled down Christina’s face, and her heart pounded wildly. She started to run for her life.

Suddenly, a deep male voice growled, “Stop running!”

Christina screamed and ran faster.

She couldn’t tell if it was a ghost or a thief. All she knew was that she had to keep running.

The sound of chasing footsteps echoed behind her, and her panic intensified.

Suddenly, her foot slipped, and she plummeted down into the abyss.