Chapter 344 Careless

The room was so quiet that even the breathing in the ensuing silence was amplified.

Christina could feel the rhythmic pounding of her heart, synchronized with Nathaniel’s steady breathing. His palms, warm and intense as always, seemed to be burning against her waist.

She nestled into a slightly curled position, her gaze cast downward. The tension and exhaustion of the day finally caught up with her, lulling her to deep sleep.

It was already noon when she woke up.

Christina realized she was alone in bed, the empty space beside her holding only a fading hint of warmth.

Rayne had sent her a few concerned texts reminding her of the upcoming deadline end of this month. She didn’t have a lot of time left.

Christina had been busy with Karen’s gown recently, so she would always make sure to carry her reliable sewing kit wherever she went.

She walked into the study and bumped into Nathaniel, who was working there.

When their gazes met, Christina felt like a rabbit barging into a wolf’s den by mistake. She pointed at her tool kit aside and explained, “I’m here to work.”

She behaved as if she was afraid Nathaniel would misunderstand she was there for Him.

Nathaniel merely grunted in acknowledgment and returned his attention to the files in his hands.

Christina settled on the couch and got her needle and gold threads. With focused determination, she began sewing intricate phoenix motifs onto the waist of the gown skillfully.

Her fingers flew across the fabric deftly. Suddenly, the needle pricked into the tip of her finger, causing her to gasp in pain.

Even though she was pretty familiar with sewing, she would occasionally get pricked sometimes when she wasn’t paying any attention.

Christina pur the needle aside and was carefully observing her wound when someone grabbed her wrist.

It was Nathaniel, who had made his way over without her realizing it. “Why are you so careless? Does it hurt?” His voice was tinged with concern.

Christina shook her head softly and watched as he placed her finger into his mouth and sucked on it lightly.

Right then, the door was pushed open, and in came the kids.

Camila’s eyes widened in curiosity as she asked, “Mommy, did you give Daddy candy in secret? I want some, too!”

Christina’s cheeks turned pink in embarrassment as she quickly pulled her finger out. “Your daddy finished all the candy.”

Lucas tilted his head to stare at Nathaniel. “Daddy, is the candy delicious? What flavor is it?”

The blush on Christina’s cheeks deepened.

Nathaniel shot her a pointed look. “It’s a sweet strawberry flavor.”

Both kids squeezed into Christina’s arms and whined, “Mommy, I want some candy, too!”

Christina’s cheeks flushed even more as she hoisted them up and hurried to the door. “Okay. Let’s go downstairs to get some candy.

Nathaniel chuckled softly when he saw how shy she got.

After what happened at the kindergarten, Christina made it clear that they wouldn’t attend it anymore. For the next few days, Lucas and Camila didn’t have to attend any classes.

Christina and Nathaniel barely went out and spent all their time at home with the kids.

The head of the kindergarten, Kitty Parkins, soon learned about the incident and paid them a visit.

Raymond knew nothing about the incident, so he led her into the house.

Christina was clad in casual clothes, playing football with Lucas and Camila in the courtyard.

Prior to her arrival, Kitty had perused the file containing information about the twins. She discovered that their surname was Steele and that the Steele family had faced bankruptcy some time ago. Currently, there were no prominent figures associated with the Steele name.

Their mother looks attractive, so she must be some rich man’s sugar baby, making the twins illegitimate children. I’ve never seen their father pick them up from school. If the chairman hadn’t insisted that I apologize to her, I wouldn’t have come to her house.

“Are you Lucas Steele and Camila Steele’s mother?” Kitty asked. Her voice had an unsettling quality that evoked discomfort in those who heard it.

Christina halted in her tracks to gaze at the middle-aged woman curiously. “Who are you?”

“I’m the head of the kindergarten, Kitty Parkins. I’m here to talk about the children’s suspension,” Kitty explained.

Christina told Raymond to bring the kids into the house. When they left, her smile that was directed at the kids quickly faded away, giving way to a stern and serious expression.

*Please be mindful of your words. We chose to withdraw, so it was not you who suspended us,” she stated, expressing her frustration with the haughty behavior of the kindergarten.

Kitty had shown up to apologize, albeit reluctantly, so she couldn’t contain her response upon hearing Christina’s mocking words.

“Our kindergarten is the most prestigious kindergarten in this city. Only those born into wealthy and influential families have the privilege to enroll here. People like you should seize the opportunity to ingratiate yourselves,”

Christina immediately understood the underlying meaning of her words. The presence of such elitist and materialistic educators is exactly why the education industry has become chaotic.

As she refused to budge, Kitty declared, “If you insist on pulling out, we won’t stop you.”

“You can get lost now,” Christina snapped.

The parents had always sucked up to Kitty. It was the first time she had met someone who didn’t bother showing her any respect.

Infuriated, she taunted, “You must have used your looks to find a wealthy sugar daddy, didn’t you? It’s unbelievable how arrogant you can be. You look down on us when you’re using the same tactics!”

Thud!

Christina kicked the football in Kitty’s direction. Anyone who had the guts to insult her would have to face the consequences.

“You crazy b*tch! I’ll kill you!” Kitty promptly forgot the reason for her visit and rushed toward Christina like a mad woman.

The plump Kitty easily grabbed hold of Christina’s shoulders, preparing to push her to the ground. However, before she could execute her plan, a tall figure emerged and swiftly intervened by supporting Christina’s waist.

“Nathaniel Christina blinked in surprise.

Nathaniel’s icy gaze landed on Kitty. “How dare you hurt her?”

“You are... Mr. Hadley?” Kitty was dumbfounded.

She had only encountered Nathaniel once at a charity event, but his commanding presence had left an indelible impression on her.

Did I just call Mr. Hadley’s wife a sugar baby? Don’t tell me the kids are his. No wonder the chairman tasked me with the mission of convincing her to reconsider and allow the children to return to our kindergarten.

Nathaniel shot his bodyguard a look, not wanting to waste time with her.

The bodyguard immediately knew his intention and stepped forward. “Ma’am, please leave right now.”

Kitty panicked and quickly pleaded, “Ms. Steele, that wasn’t what I meant. It was a misunderstanding. I’m sincere in inviting the kids back to our kindergarten! We can offer you a fifty percent discount on the fees!”

Christina’s face was dark as she responded coolly, “Even if you offer to take them in for free, I still won’t agree!”