“Are you being good children back at home?” Christina asked, her voice gentle.
Both Lucas and Camila missed her a lot, so they began whining. “Mommy, we miss you a lot! Since you’re not at home, no one can put us to bed.”
Christina frowned upon hearing that. “What about your daddy? Didn’t he put you to bed?”
Before departing the country, she agreed that Nathaniel’s bodyguard would accompany her on the condition that Nathaniel would remain at home to care for their children. Yet, to her confusion, it seemed that he hadn’t made much effort to fulfill his parental responsibilities.
Lucas and Camila suddenly realized that they had unintentionally revealed the truth, despite their promise to their father that they would keep it a secret.
Nathaniel felt a surge of panic as he realized how close the kids had come to exposing the truth.
If Christina discovers that I’m here in place of the Hadley family’s bodyguard. I’m doomed.
“No, Mommy, Daddy is always busy. He works late into the night in his study. It must be tiring for him.” Camila explained softly.
In an attempt to disguise their guilt, Lucas quickly added, “Mommy, don’t worry. Daddy is taking great
care of us!”
“I’ll be back soon. Be good, and I’ll bring you your favorite chocolate as souvenirs,” Christina told them.
Lucas and Camila were afraid of making more slips. “Okay, Mommy. We’re looking forward to your return! Bye!”
Christina was about to bid them goodbye, but before she could utter a word, the children ended the call hurriedly.
She stared at the dark screen, utterly confused.
The children are usually talkative. Why did they hang up so quickly this time?
Christina was still worried. She pondered about it for a while before giving Nathaniel a call.
It took a while for the call to be answered.
“What’s wrong, Christina?” The familiar charming voice rang out, albeit sounding a little hoarse.
“Why is your voice hoarse?” she asked. Did he catch a cold from working late every day?
Nathaniel walked to the lawn outside the hospital, where it was quiet. Worried that Christina might recognize his voice, he intentionally spoke in a hoarse tone.
He clenched his fist and brought it close to his mouth, clearing his throat. “I’m doing okay.”
Christina fell silent. She held her phone, not knowing what to say next.
Nathaniel informed her, “I have investigated the issue you mentioned. Yosef’s parents are safe in the country. They are not facing any immediate danger.”
It was obvious that Yosef had lied to her.
Christina frowned and said nothing. She seemed to be deep in thought.
+5 Bonus
Nathaniel paused, allowing her to process the information. “Regarding the imitation at your studio, I have discovered that the assistant was bribed by Yosef, not by me. She colluded with him to falsely implicate me in the situation.”
Christina’s earlier suspicions were confirmed by Nathaniel’s revelation.
His words provided her with a clear understanding of the situation.
A short silence later, Christina said calmly, “I understand now. Thank you.”
Nathaniel had no idea she would sound this calm. She came all the way here for Yosef. Will she seriously believe
me?
“Don’t you doubt me?”
Christina’s voice remained icy as she replied, “I don’t need to doubt you.”
A wealth of warmth suffused Nathaniel when he heard her reply.
He marveled at Christina’s unwavering trust in him, realizing that his efforts to show his affection had not been in vain.
Before ending the call. Christina added, “I’m not like you. You have little trust in everyone.”
With that, she ended the call.
Nathaniel’s expression turned cold. When have I not trusted others?
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