Chapter 113

Although Nicholas didn't spell it out, Christina got the message loud and clear.

If she played nice and followed orders, Elisa would stay the Cavendish daughter-in-law and get top-notch medical care.

If she didn't, Elisa would lose all the perks of being part of the Cavendish family.

It was a clear threat.

Christina knew Nicholas had his ways.

He had led the Cavendish family to where they were now; a man like him wasn't a fool.

If he wanted to deal with her, it would be a piece of cake.

But there was one thing she couldn't wrap her head around. "I know you don't think much of me. Otherwise, you wouldn't have fought so hard to keep me away from William before. Now that I want to leave him, why won't you let me?"

It seemed like a win-win for both of them.

She'd get her freedom, and Nicholas could find a fiancée for William that he actually liked.

"Before, your relationship wasn't public. Only the family knew. If you two split, it wouldn't have any impact. But now, rumors about you two are everywhere," Nicholas explained bluntly.

"You're an adult now. You have to take responsibility for your actions. The Cavendish family's reputation is on the line. It's not about being together when you want and breaking up when you feel like it."

Christina was at a loss for words.

She felt a deep sadness. Ultimately, she wasn't powerful enough yet, which was why she was at the mercy of others.

"After you two get married, if you want kids, have them. I'll help take care of them. If you don't want kids, that's fine too. Whether you want to be a housewife or pursue your own career, it's up to you. If you choose the latter, I'll personally bring you into our family business," Nicholas said, thinking he was offering her a good deal.

He couldn't understand what more Christina could want.

"Nicholas, do I have the right to say no?" Christina's heart was filled with bitterness.

If she had heard this offer in her past life, she would have been overjoyed.

But thinking of Harper and her tragic past life, these conditions held no appeal for her.

She worked hard to earn money and build her career to have the power to choose, to avoid being with someone she disliked. If she agreed to Nicholas's terms, wouldn't that betray her original intention?

"You're not a child anymore. I don't need to spell everything out. I'll go check on your mother now," Nicholas said, leaving the rest for Christina to mull over.

Christina didn't have much affection for her biological mother, Elisa, and Elisa didn't understand her at all.

But no matter what, Elisa was still her mother. She couldn't completely abandon her.

Choosing herself or her mother was a dilemma, and either choice felt wrong.

Not long after, Raymond came up alone, holding a medical report with a serious expression. "Your mom's test results are back."

"How is it?" Christina hadn't seen the report yet, but Raymond's expression told her the results were far from good.

Raymond took a moment to gather himself before handing her the report. "Stage IV stomach cancer. The doctor says she needs to be hospitalized immediately. If we delay any longer, treatment won't be possible."

Christina stared at the report over and over.

She wished it was a joke or that Elisa was lying to trick her.

"Today was just a preliminary test. We'll need to go to other hospitals for further confirmation. If it's confirmed, the chemotherapy will cost a lot. You know our family's financial situation," Raymond continued.

His meaning was clear: he hoped Christina would bow to Nicholas, so Elisa could receive the Cavendish family's medical support.

"And William is an excellent man. He's tall, handsome, and has many women wanting to be with him. You two aren't that far apart in age."

Raymond couldn't understand why Christina had such a big issue with William.

He wasn't the only one puzzled.

Christina felt a deep sense of grievance but had no one to confide in. She remained silent, battling internally.

In the end, her heart leaned towards Elisa.

She couldn't bear to watch her mother die and do nothing. She couldn't carry the weight of a human life on her conscience.

"I understand. Let's get her hospitalized as soon as possible," Christina said, not making her thoughts too clear.

Raymond's eyes lit up with joy. "I knew you were sensible. Rest well and get better. I'll go tell your mom the good news."

When William returned with food, he found Christina looking despondent.

He placed the food next to her. "The food here is pretty light. It's just right for you. Give it a try."

Christina opened the container, took a bite, and suddenly said, "Now you're finally satisfied."

"What?" William didn't understand what she meant.

He had no idea what had just happened. To him, Christina had been very resistant to him, and now she was saying this.

Christina didn't explain.

After eating, she said she wanted to be discharged.

"No way. You're not fully recovered yet. You need to stay a few more days," William immediately refused.

He was afraid Christina would attempt suicide again if she went home.

At least in the hospital, there were monitors and medical staff. If something happened, they could respond quickly.

Christina knew what he was worried about. "Don't worry. I won't try to kill myself again. I'll behave and stay by your side."

"Christina, don't say the opposite of what you mean," William said, feeling even more uneasy.

Christina forced a smile. Even William knew what she was thinking.

But what good did it do for him to know?

In the Cavendish family, reputation was more important than her. William was more important than her. Even her own mother wanted her to compromise. What could she do alone against all of this?

"There are so many servants at home, all your spies. Are you really afraid you can't keep an eye on me?"

"You'll be discharged the day after tomorrow. Stay in the hospital for two more days. I don't want your wrist wound to get infected," William said, giving her a deadline.

Most of the day had already passed. Staying one more day wasn't a big deal. Christina agreed.

She wanted to take this opportunity to ask her mother what she thought.