CHAPTER 385 HARD TIME

Nathaniel narrowed his eyes at her, signaling for her to continue.

“Even if they did follow me home from the supermarket, how could they be sure that I had anything.

valuable on me? Let’s assume that their explanation was the truth. Their target still didn’t seem to be

my valuables but was my necklace instead.”

Christina’s intuition was telling her that the two robbers were after her necklace.

The thought of what just happened made her feel anxious.

Nathaniel placed his hands on her and gently massaged her temples. “It’ll be fine. Don’t be scared. I’ll

get to the bottom of this.”

The faint fragrance on him could instantly calm her mind.

By the time the car arrived at Scenic Garden Manor, Christina had fallen asleep.

Her petite figure was nestled in his arms like a child.

When they got out of the car, Nathaniel carried her into the house.

A sliver of morning sunlight streamed into the room.

When Christina woke up, she realized she had overslept.

She got up and briefly freshened up before heading out.

Rayne was organizing some information when Christina reached the office. Seeing the latter, Rayne

trod over in her heels and reported that day’s work, “Old Mrs. Taggart had requested a custom-made

gown a while ago. She called earlier and asked when you would be free to discuss the details.”

“Check my schedule to see when I would be free.” Christina entered her office.

“You only have free time today. At other time slots, the customers will come here to meet with you.”

Maggie Taggart had paid extra to be served at her residence.

“Send the time to my phone. You can go out and do your work if that’s all.”

Christina switched on her computer and began working. Some trivial work needed to be done, and they

were particularly time-consuming to deal with.

Nevertheless, her actions were relatively quick. Once she had organized the information, she

instructed. the driver to wait for her at the main entrance.

Half an hour later, she arrived at the Taggart residence.

Christina got out of the car and introduced herself to the guard, who promptly opened the door.

Upon entering the living room, she noticed Maggie had made the preparations to receive her, having

brewed a pot of coffee and served some snacks to await her.

At the sight of Christina’s arrival, Maggie flashed an elegant smile.

“Ms. Steele, you’re indeed very successful at such a young age. I’m fortunate to have you custom-

make at gown for me.”

“Hello, Old Mrs. Taggart. The honor is mine too.”

Christina thought they just happened to share the same last name, but when she saw Madison’s

portrait and family photo hanging on the wall, Christina was certain that Maggie was Madison’s

grandmother.

Usually, wealthy families like them had a regular, trusted tailor who would make custom-made outfits

for

them.

Hence, Christina was sure that Maggie was targeting her.

Nonetheless, she wasn’t going to expose Maggie’s intention before the latter did.

Christina took out her measuring tape. “May I measure your sizes, Old Mrs. Taggart?”

Maggie responded with a kind smile before gracefully getting to her feet.

As Christina took measurements, she asked, “Old Mrs. Taggart, what are your style preferences and

preferred colors?”

“Dark blue, violet, and plum. I haven’t decided which color I want yet. What do you suggest, Ms.

Steele?” Maggie asked her in return.

Christina silently noted the measurements and jotted the numbers down in her notebook. “Dark blue

allows one to look more steadfast, violet gives a more festive vibe, while plum is suitable for everyday

wear. Which occasion do you plan to attend with this gown, Old Mrs. Taggart?”

Maggie grinned. “I haven’t made up my mind yet.”

She was deliberately making things difficult for Christina, wanting to assess how the latter would

handle. the situation and, at the same time, observe her working attitude. owns all © content.

“In that case, I’ll sketch three design drawings in those colors for you to assess so you can decide

which one you’re most satisfied with,” Christina replied calmly,

Maggie responded indifferently, “But I want to see the designs today. Is that possible?”

Without waiting for Christina’s answer, she turned to instruct a housekeeper, “Prepare the study for Ms.

Steele to sketch her designs.”

Feeling it was rude for her to decline, Christina uttered, “I’ll have to trouble you to prepare the study,

then.”

Soon, the housekeeper cleaned up the study. Christina sat at a wooden desk, opened the design page

on her tablet, and started working.

Maggie came in several times to request changes to the designs, demanding amendments to be made

each time Christina was almost done with the sketches.

Evidently, she was making things difficult for her on purpose.

After a while, the sound of footsteps approaching rang out.

At the sight of Christina’s serious demeanor, Madison was enraged. “Christina, can you carry out the

tasks

you should be doing instead of drawing all day?”

“What should I be doing?” Christina didn’t even bother to look up

“Why don’t you care about Mr. Hadley’s health at all Don’t you know he’s still sick?” Despite not being

in the company, Madison seemed to care about Nathaniel more than anyone else

She couldn’t return to the company until they notified her of the results.

Madison was on the verge of breaking down from not being able to see Nathaniel

Christina glanced at Madison coldly. “He’ll take his medications if he’s sick, and Sebastian is there to

take care of him Regardless of the scenario, it isn’t your place to worry about him as an employee on

suspension I am Mrs. Hadley, no matter what. I don’t need an outsider to worry about my husband.

“Y-You’re occupying the position of Nathaniel’s wife by force without fulfilling your duties. If you don’t

like him, you should let him go and give others who truly love him a chance to treat him better!”

Madison glowered at Christina like a mother duck whose eggs had been stolen.

“Please get your facts straight. It’s not that I’m not letting him go. It is he who’s latching onto me. If you

are so capable, why don’t you talk to him about this issue?”

Irritated by Madison, Christina lost her mood to continue working on her sketches. Subsequently, she

left the study with her tablet.

The female housekeeper came out of the study and whispered beside Maggie’s ear, “Ms. Steele isn’t in

the study anymore. She may have left because she couldn’t stand you giving her a hard time.”

Maggie snorted and leisurely sipped her tea.

“Youngsters nowadays are too impatient. They give up and walk away at the slightest inconvenience.

Since she’s so quick to get upset, Maddy may still stand a chance.”

Her granddaughter had been infatuated with Nathaniel for years, holding on to her one-sided affection

until she was close to thirty.

Madison’s family members relentlessly urged her to get married, but she was hopelessly in love with

Nathaniel.

Therefore, Maggie decided to side with her granddaughter to aid the latter in her relationship by

gathering more information.

Maggie wanted to see what kind of person was impeding her granddaughter from being with Nathaniel.

After the pot of coffee was brewed, Maggie lifted her coffee cup and saw Christina standing before her.

“Didn’t you leave?”

“The study was a little noisy just now, so I moved to the pavilion in the courtyard to finish my designs.”

Christina showed Maggie the three completed designs on her tablet. “Old Mrs. Taggart, please have a

look. Is there anything else you’d like me to change?”

The three design drawings were exquisite, each outfit having its own unique pattern and color.

Maggie felt a sense of incredulity. Those parts she had forcibly nitpicked were replaced with even more

tasteful patterns, rendering her unable to find any fault. “I’m very satisfied with the designs. Please

make all three of these gowns.”

“All right, but since we initially agreed on making one gown, the expected completion date will be

delayed since you’re ordering three outfits now.”

“Okay. I look forward to seeing the final product.” Maggie chuckled. The butler will escort you out.”

Following Christina’s departure, Madison descended the stairs from around the corner.

“Grandma, didn’t you promise to give her a hard time? Why did you let her leave?”