Chapter 174

William picked up the photo and instantly recognized the sneaky figure as Missy.

At the funeral reception, Missy had been causing a scene, constantly trying to trash Christina's reputation.

Now, seeing Missy tailing her, it was clear she was up to no good.

"Got it. Go ahead and take care of the clients," William said, his face darkening.

Last time, he hadn't protected Christina well enough. He wouldn't let that happen again.

Meanwhile, Christina had been swamped ever since her last chat with Mia, running around to check out Mia's house in person.

She was so busy she often skipped meals.

Mia even called her, "Christina, you know I have plenty of houses and I'm not in a rush to move in. Just come over whenever you can. No need to hurry."

"I've already delayed you for so long. I'm almost done now. If I drag it out any longer, it would be too much," Christina replied, feeling embarrassed.

"What's the big deal? We're good friends. No need to be so formal. I still have a few sets of keys to give you. I'll have Alex bring them over when he gets back," Mia said, her phone on speaker.

Alex, who was nearby, nodded eagerly. He was willing to deliver anything, not just the keys.

"Alright, whatever works for you," Christina said, hanging up the phone as she prepared to cross the street.

It was a red light, and she stood at the edge of the sidewalk, unaware that a figure was slowly approaching her.

Missy had been following her for days, unsure of how to deal with her.

Drugging Christina again wouldn't work; she was already on guard. Missy didn't have the skills to come up with another plan.

As she watched the cars speed by, a plan suddenly formed in her mind.

She silently walked up to Christina, her malicious intent growing.

In the next moment, she reached out and shoved Christina hard.

Missy felt a rush of satisfaction, thinking she had finally gotten rid of Christina and could escape her miserable life with the money Jennifer promised her.

Christina stumbled, but just as she thought she would fall, a strong arm caught her and pulled her into an embrace.

It was William.

Two police officers stood behind him.

"You're under arrest for attempted murder. Come with us," one officer said.

"No, I didn't! You can't accuse me of that!" Missy was terrified.

She kept backing away, trying to deflect the blame. "I just accidentally bumped into her. There are so many people at the crosswalk. Accidental contact is inevitable. How can you accuse me?"

The police didn't waste time arguing. They handcuffed her and took her away.

William still held Christina tightly.

His heart was racing. When he saw Missy approaching, he had a bad feeling and rushed over.

Luckily, he arrived just in time.

"Let go of me," Christina said, pushing him away as soon as she steadied herself.

She felt that William's timely appearances were too coincidental.

She voiced her suspicion directly, "Have you been following me?"

"Of course not," William denied immediately. "Don't always think the worst of me."

"Once might be a coincidence, but twice, three times? Even a kid wouldn't buy that, let alone me," Christina said, not buying it.

"Maybe it just means we're meant to be," William suggested.

"Give me a break," Christina interrupted. "Even if we are, it's a cursed fate. Where were you when I needed you the most?"

He now claimed to care about their child, but back then, he had completely ignored Harper.

His current kindness couldn't make up for the past.

"Even if you don't admit it, I know you've been following me or having someone track me. Stop wasting your time. You know I hate you," Christina said, turning to leave.

William watched her walk away, feeling a deep sadness.

How had things gotten to this point between them?

He desperately wanted to change everything and make amends, but he didn't know how to get Christina to accept him.

Meanwhile, at the police station, Missy was panicking, especially since she couldn't use her phone in the interrogation room.

Facing the stern police officers, she broke down. "I really didn't push her. It was just an accident. You can't arrest me for something so minor."

"You attempted murder. We saw it clearly," the officer said, not swayed by her words.

They had witnessed the scene firsthand.

"Besides, this is the information age. There are cameras everywhere, especially near traffic lights. Everything you did was recorded. You'd better explain your motive," the officer continued.

"I didn't do it. Please, let me go," Missy pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

Her attempts to gain sympathy failed, leaving her no choice but to hope Jennifer would help.

When she finally got her phone, she sent Jennifer a desperate message: "Please help me. I won't go abroad. Just get me out of here, and I'll do anything for you."

On the other end, Jennifer's face was cold.

She held her phone in one hand, clenching the other in anger.

Missy was such an idiot. How could she mess up so badly?

Missy had failed before, and now she had gotten herself arrested. If Jennifer helped her, it would leave evidence against her.

But Jennifer also feared Missy might drag her down with her.

Suddenly, she thought of Missy's grandfather. He was old and believed Jennifer was Missy's friend, making him an easy target.

Jennifer tricked him into going to a nursing home and took his photo, sending it anonymously to Missy.