Azure, fully aware of Nathaniel’s seriousness, panicked and exclaimed, “No!”
Sebastian ignored her and walked past her while she, disregarding her image, clung desperately to his legs.
Her eyes turned crimson as she locked her gaze on Christina. “Christina, I’ll tell you where your father is if you promise me to
spare Nigel’s life. He’s severely injured, and the longer you delay, the greater the danger he will face!”
At that point, Azure had fully expressed her favoritism toward Nigel.
Feeling a painful sensation in her chest, Christina clenched her fists. She feigned nonchalance and responded, “Nigel is not
faring any better. I’m certain you called a doctor in the middle of the night to tend to my father’s injuries. Between my father and
Nigel, whose life do you think is more resilient?”
She extended her hand to a nearby bodyguard, who promptly comprehended her intention and respectfully placed a dagger in
her palm.
Nathaniel arched his brows in surprise but surprisingly did not intervene or stop her.
Christina, wielding the dagger, walked up to the unconscious Nigel, her gaze icy and fixed on Azure.
“I can easily end Nigel’s life now.” A corner of her lips quirked up. “After all, the Stones are already troubled by the existence of
an illegitimate son. If I get rid of him on their behalf, I’m sure they won’t come after me.”
The mention of “illegitimate son nearly gave Azure a heart attack. She had kept this secret hidden for years, even favoring Nigel
shamelessly, all because he carried the blood of her beloved man.
Even though she could not marry Barnaby, Azure believed she had triumphed over Constance in her own way. Giving birth to
Barnaby’s son had been the most joyous experience since she married into the Gibson family, and she had never once regretted
it.
Now that Christina held Azure’s fate in her hands, the latter had no choice but to compromise.
Azure’s once proud demeanor seemed to have been stripped away by Christina, and her
eyes darkened. “He’s being kept in the basement. The entrance to the basement is hidden behind the study on the first floor, and
the switch is a desk ornament in the form of an inkwell. Your father wanted to kill Nigel because he desired to seize control of his
company, Nigel stood his ground and refused, so your father made his move. The injuries he sustained were his own doing.
Nigel’s actions were merely acts of self-defense. Christina, if you were to report this to the police, whose account do you think
they would find more credible?”
Christina’s face contorted.
“Everyone in this mansion can attest to that.” Azure, having found Christina’s vulnerable spot, continued to exploit her weakened
emotional state as she stared at her relentlessly with a cruel smirk.
A broad and warm hand reached out from the side, firmly enveloping Christina’s cold and trembling fingertips.
Christina knew exactly to whom the hand belonged without needing to look at the person.
“She’s lying.” Although Nathaniel did not witness the incident firsthand, the inconsistencies in Azure’s words were apparent. The
look on her face revealed her murderous intent, and it was Nigel who initiated the assault. “Nigel’s company won’t be able to
survive more than seven days, and Mrs. Lazuli has never abandoned her quest to reclaim Gibson Corporation from you. The
fastest way to salvage the situation is by convincing your father to invest in Nigel’s company. With just a few words, Nathaniel
quickly exposed Azure’s ulterior motive.
Christina, who had already developed an exceptional understanding with Nathaniel, immediately grasped his implication.
She was well aware that he was advising her against acting rashly, as impulsive states would often lead to extreme actions.
Nathaniel would never allow anyone to harm Christina. That was his unwavering principle.
“I know what to do,” Christina replied softly before flashing a smile to ease his mind. “Let’s head inside.” Before this, Sebastian
had investigated the mansion, so he could effortlessly guide Christina and Nathaniel to the study. He turned the inkwell and the
bookshelf gently moved, revealing a wooden staircase.
At the end of the staircase, a faint glimmer hinted at the presence of something sinister. The heavy stench of blood, mingled with
the damp and musty air, assaulted their senses, causing a wave of nausea.
Sebastian turned on all the lights in the basement, illuminating the space and revealing a vivid trail of blood that extended from
the entrance and disappeared into the depths of darkness.
Christina’s heart raced, her urgency overpowering any concern for the safety of the staircase.
She hastily attempted to descend into the basement, but Nathaniel swiftly grabbed hold of her. “Christina, let Sebastian take a
team of men down there first. I’ll stay with you up here.”
Irrespective of the potential perils concealed within the basement, Nathaniel would never permit Christina, who was carrying his
child, to venture into such an environment
Christina took a deep breath, her voice trembled uncontrollably as she spoke. “My dad, he.. I have a bad feeling. Nathaniel. I
want to go down. I need to go down there.“
She was so frightened that she could not articulate a complete sentence. Her intuition had always been accurate, and as father
and daughter shared a deep connection, she suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of despair.
“Sebastian!” Nathaniel’s voice carried a hint of sternness. He embraced Christina, ensuring she would not accidentally fall down
the stairs. “The ambulance is already waiting outside.”
Sebastian and his men promptly descended into the basement, and within those fleeting minutes, Christina experienced an
escalated agony.
Soon, they brought Timothy up from the basement.
He appeared as if he had been immersed in a pool of blood, his shirt now drenched in a deep shade of crimson. Blood splattered
onto the floor, forming a captivating and vivid pattern akin to the blossoming of red plum flowers. His countenance was
completely obscured, a mass of blood concealing his original features.
Amidst the heavy silence, the faint sound of his breath was the only indication that Timothy was still clinging to life.
Christina’s pupils abruptly contracted, and she staggered backward. Nathaniel swiftly held her from behind. “Quick, take him to
the hospital.”
A sudden recollection seemed to dawn upon Christina, prompting her to push Nathaniel aside, her steps faltering as she moved
toward the exit.
Nathaniel had rarely witnessed Christina in such a distraught state. His eyes darkened in concern as he hastened to catch up
with her.
Nathaniel firmly seized Christina’s wrist, his voice low as he said, “Christina, do you remember the promise you made to me
before we came to Hallsbay
He had emphasized the importance of prioritizing her safety in every action she took.
Christina lowered her gaze. “I’m sorry. I just can’t control my emotions.”
“I understand how you feel right now. Christina, if you need help, let me know anytime.”
Nathaniel had no intention of getting deeply involved in the internal conflicts of the Gibson family. However, given the current
circumstances, if Christina were to take action against Nigel, Barnaby would definitely not stand idly by.
When Christina was about to respond, she caught sight of Azure preparing to leave with the ambulance. She rushed over and
gave Azure a forceful tug, causing her to stumble.
She stared into her eyes and said icily, “Tell Nigel that he better not die so easily. I’ll settle every score, old or new, with every
single one of you!”