Chapter Chapter 683 Fate Always Brings Enemies Together

Marital crisis...

Nathaniel was very much perturbed by those two words.

He had been worried sick the whole of last night, his utmost concern being Christina’s health and thoughts.

While he was not a person easily controlled by his emotions, all his composure shattered before her.

Her words cut far deeper than her indifferent attitude.

Nathaniel’s nerves, which had been stretched taut for the entire night, finally snapped at that moment.

“Listen to what I’ve got to say first before deciding whether there’s a need to communicate about the marital issues between us, Christina.” No longer in the presence of mind to bother about the fact that they were in public, he frantically grasped her wrist and started to explain things.

A frownmarred Christina’s countenance as she stared at her wrist, which had gone red from the force of the man’s grip. “You’re hurting me.”

Immediately, Nathaniel loosened his grip. He held her hand up and examined it meticulously.

Distinct marks marred Christina’s fair wrist, evidence of the force of his grip earlier.

Guilt and anguish flooded Nathaniel. In’a humble tone, he murmured, “I’m sorry. This is on me. I’ll have the doctor come and check you over.”

Christina’s skin was delicate in the first place. After she later married Nathaniel, she had people taking care of her basic needs though her days were not too peaceful. Consequently, she became even more fragile.

On top of that, Nathaniel had been treating her like breakable glass since she was confirmed to be pregnant.

Surprisingly, Christina did not withdraw her hand but left it in the man’s hold.

“Let’s take this to a quiet place.”

“Okay. Let’s go to the café on the top floor. There’s heating there, and it’s accessible via the elevator here. You won’t be exposed to the wind.”

“Whatever you say.”

There was another half an hour before the business conference began. The collaboration between. Christina and Nathaniel had been decided in advance. Considering the fame of the Hadley family, many companies rushed over to seek a collaboration without the couple having to make the first move.

In fact, it would be no exaggeration to say that they were all targeting Nathaniel.

For that reason, Nathaniel and Christina were “besieged” by several waves of people as they weaved through the crowd to head toward the elevator nearby.

The walk would have only taken a few minutes, but it took them almost ten minutes to close the distance.

Nathaniel shielded Christina in the circle of his arms, preventing those around them from accidentally knocking into her and the child in her belly.

At long last, they managed to get into the elevator. They went straight to the café on the top floor. No sooner had they taken a seat than someone inconsiderate came over to disrupt them.

“Oh, isn’t this Mr. Hadley? What a coincidence! I didn’t expect to bump into you on a whimsical desire for a cup of coffee. My trip here hasn’t been in vain, then.”

With an arm wrapped around a shapely woman, Winston walked over to Nathaniel while grinning from ear to ear.

Christina lifted her head and glanced at the woman, vaguely recognizing her as a relatively renowned model who once modeled her brand.

Her deep impression of the model was not due to her professional capabilities or astounding figure and looks. Instead, it was because the woman threw her weight around on the day of the fashion show and demanded to be the final model, threatening a strike otherwise.

Each segment of a fashion show was carefully planned in advance, and an issue with any part would lead to the event flopping.

Christina loathed people who made trouble at the critical juncture. As soon as she learned that a model threatened to go on strike, she had a replacement found.

That opening show ended up incredibly successful, and the model who went on strike lost an opportunity that would have propelled her to fame.

Thereafter, the model made various insinuations against Christina’s studio on the internet. Unfortunately, her influence was limited at that time, and attention to that issue faded quickly before she received any response from Christina. In the end, things remained unresolved.

At that unexpected meeting then, Christina could not help lamenting inwardly. What a small world! And sure enough, fate always brings enemies together!

Nonetheless, another realization inadvertently dawned upon her.

Since Winston now has some other woman by his side, that means Emilia has fallen out of favor. Well, well, well... I’m actually pretty interested to know her current situation now that she has lost the Labarge brothers‘ protection!

At the same time, Xylie Nichols was also studying Christina. Since the latter was the one who ruined her future, she recognized her in no time.

“It’s you-”

Before she had finished speaking, Winston, who stood beside her, yanked her over and introduced. Christina enthusiastically.

“This is Mr. Hadley’s wife.”

Christina–is–Nathaniel’s wife?

Xylie was so shocked that words eluded her. Needless to say, she went green with envy.

At her extended silence, embarrassment swamped Winston. He chastised in displeasure, “Why are you spacing out? Go ahead and greet them!”

Sensing that the man was angry, Xylie hurriedly tried to salvage things. She put on a gracious smile.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Hadley. I’m Xylie Nichols, Mr. Labarge’s girlfriend.” Subsequently, she shifted her gaze to Christina. A long moment passed before she managed to eke out a few words in a much more detached tone. “Mrs. Hadley.”

Then, silence reigned. Christina said nothing either, not even bothering to flash the woman a smile. At once, the atmosphere went cold.

Xylie’s incompetence at that critical juncture infuriated Winston to no end.

She was the most observant among his many female companions. That was why he chose to attend the international business conference with her. It was so she could help him secure collaborations.

Indeed, she did not disappoint him. She performed outstandingly after boarding the ship and helped him clinch a few big projects.

However, something went wrong that day in the face of a business partner he wanted to ingratiate himself to, Nathaniel.

Anyone who was acquainted with Nathaniel knew that he loved his wife greatly. Therefore, it would be far wiser to spend some time winning Christina over instead of attempting the same with Nathaniel D As long as Christina made a request, Nathaniel would definitely agree without an ounce of hesitation.

At that turn of events, Winston promptly tried to smooth things over. “Xylie is rather timid with strangers, and she isn’t all that articulate. Please don’t take offense at her, Mrs. Hadley.”

It went without saying that Christina could not bring herself to be amicable toward the culprit who once plotted against her parents. Moreover, the man clearly had something to ask of Nathaniel. Thus, she was all the more fearless.

“Really? Back when Ms. Nichols made demands during my fashion show, I found her eloquent and crafty, not at all like what you claim, Mr. Labarge,” Christina countered mildly.

Winston’s expression changed imperceptibly. He realized that there was bad blood between Christina and Xylie.

Christina then quipped, “Perhaps she became docile after meeting you, Mr. Labarge.” D This time, Xylie was mortified. She knew that the woman was deliberately making things difficult for her, but with Nathaniel and Winston present, she could not snap back at Christina as she did back then.

“I think there’s some misunderstanding between us, Mrs. Hadley. I don’t mind apologizing to you,” Xylie interjected, casting her ego aside.

Alas, Christina waved a dismissive hand nonchalantly, a sneer curving her lips.

“No, it’s okay. I’ve never liked to force others into doing something they don’t like to do.”