CHAPTER 618 THE WEIGHT OF A PROMISE
The soundproofing in the study was excellent, making it difficult for Christina to hear clearly. Seeing no one around, she discreetly opened the study door just a crack.
“I had people investigate the accident from back then. Although Nigel neatly tied up all loose ends, there are still many suspicious leads upon closer inspection. After I established myself and relied on the connections my father had built, I developed Gibson Corporation. At that time, Nigel repeatedly expressed his desire to join my company in order to gain some work experience.“
Timothy’s voice continued, “Christina’s mother had always been gentle, but she was particularly firm on this matter. She didn’t agree to let Nigel work at Gibson Corporation. Later, my mother had some complaints about her because of this, and Nigel’s family also didn’t like her. The only time Nigel and his wife were good to Christina’s mother was two days before the accident.”
Regret and anger welled up in Timothy’s eyes, and the veins on his forehead bulged as if he was trying to suppress some emotions.
“It wasn’t until recently that I realized why they changed their attitudes so quickly. They knew deep down that something would happen to me and Christina’s mother. Nigel, as my younger brother, could then rightfully take over the entire Gibson Corporation. However, he miscalculated as I didn’t die-I became disabled instead! If it weren’t for Christina… I might have become a disabled and worthless person for the rest of my life.”
Then, Timothy turned to Nathaniel. Im not telling you all this today to gain your sympathy or help. When Christina takes over Gibson Corporation, her situation will become very dangerous. I hope to obtain a promise from you. Nathaniel, you must promise me that no matter what happens in the future, you will never abandon Christina or harm her in any way!”
Timothy’s voice carried a hint of ruthlessness, and Nathaniel sensed that if he couldn’t give a clear answer, Timothy wouldn’t let him leave Rose Gardens safely.
When it came to Christina, Nathaniel never held back his true feelings in front of others.
“Mr. Gibson, rest assured that Christina is the only love of my life. She is more important to me than my own life. Even you cannot harm her in the slightest. In fact, the entire Hadley family will back her up.”
Finally, Timothy’s face cleared up. “I do trust your character. Christina doesn’t have much experience in taking over the company, so please guide her whenever you have the time.”
Nathaniel smiled slightly. “She is smarter than you imagine.”
“Good, then I can rest assured.” Timothy chuckled. His gaze swept past Nathaniel to the person hiding behind the door. “Come in. Don’t eavesdrop outside.”
Christina hesitated for a moment, then awkwardly pushed open the door. “Um… I wasn’t intentionally eavesdropping on your conversation.”
Timothy smiled knowingly. “I promised you that I wouldn’t do anything to Mr. Hadley, yet you still don’t
trust me?”
Christina blushed and glanced at Nathaniel, who was teasingly looking at her. She quickly averted her gaze and explained, “I wasn’t worried about him. I just ate too much earlier and wanted to walk around so that I
can burn off some calories.”
Timothy didn’t make things difficult for Christina. “I’m actually a bit tired. There’s a garden at the back of Rose Gardens. Let Mr. Hadley accompany you for a walk. If you like, you can also stay here tonight.”
Nathaniel said, “Then we won’t disturb your rest. We have a place to stay, and it would be inconvenient to stay here at Rose Gardens. Please excuse us.”
Timothy wasn’t angry for he had already anticipated this. “It’s fine. It’s best that you have your own arrangements. Since it’s still early, you can go and explore the back gardens. The scenery there is beautiful, and you’ll like it.”
Nathaniel took Christina’s hand and they left the study. Walking side by side intimately, they headed for the back gardens.
Timothy sat by the floor-to-ceiling window in the study, watching the two figures glued to each other. He exclaimed with a sigh, “Jasper, it seems Christina didn’t marry the wrong person. Nathaniel will be her greatest ally in this lifetime.”
Jasper replied, “Yes. If Mrs. Gibson knew that Ms. Christina has found such a good man, she would surely be delighted.”
Timothy’s gaze suddenly became distant. “In order to protect Christina’s happiness, I should do something meaningful for her as her father.”
Jasper looked up at Timothy in astonishment and then lowered his gaze. “Are you planning to take action
now?”
A large plum blossom forest was grown at the back of Rose Gardens. A winding bridge traversed through it, and the warm yellow light illuminated the path ahead. In the midst of the chilly breeze beneath the night sky, a sense of desolation permeated the air.
Christina gazed at the plum blossoms before her, and a few fragments of memories flashed through her mind. “These are my mother’s favorite plum blossoms. I vaguely remember that she would always pick a few branches of them and put them in a vase in the room. But I was mischievous and would always mess up the flowers she carefully arranged. She never scolded me for it though.”
Nathaniel reached up and brushed away the plum blossom petals that had fallen on her head. “Your mother must have been a gentle and beautiful woman.”
A trace of pride flickered in Christina’s eyes. “Of course she was. People in the Gibson family always say that I resemble her.”
Nathaniel gently and patiently reassured her, “Yeah, you’re also gentle and beautiful, my wife.”
“Nathaniel, you’re becoming more and more skilled at flirting.” Christina blushed and playfully changed the subject. “I feel a bit uneasy. My father’s words just now seemed like he was entrusting us with something.
“Don’t overthink it. I won’t let anything happen to him,” Nathaniel promised. “I won’t allow anything that upsets you to happen. Let’s follow your father’s suggestion and enjoy the scenery. Let’s not discuss those unhappy topics anymore. Just relax as you’ll probably become busier after tonight.”
Christina smiled in relief. “You’re right. I can’t waste this rare and beautiful sight. I think I hear the sound
of water. Will you accompany me to check it out?”
Nathaniel accompanied Christina as they explored the entire back part of the estate. Then, they bid farewell to Timothy and left Rose Gardens, returning to their hotel to rest.
Before falling asleep, Christina received a phone call from Sheridan. She glanced in the direction of the bathroom and walked out of the bedroom with her phone in hand.
Sheridan’s voice was warm and comforting as always. “Christina, I heard that you’ve returned to Hallsbay. When will you have time to meet? Let’s catch up.”
Considering his current private relationship with Yerck, Christina planned to meet Sheridan and discuss the acquisition of his shares in Gibson Corporation after examining the company’s accounts.
“I’m sorry, I have too many things going on lately. I can’t find time to meet with you.”
“It’s okay. The Gibson family has gone through such a big upheaval, and you’ve just returned to take over. There are indeed many things to handle.”
Sheridan smiled, feigning how much he cared. Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
“Christina, during the time you were away from Hallsbay, I actually missed you quite a bit.”