Chapter 186

They were invited into a spacious, bright living room filled with antique furniture and decorations that gave off a warm, old-world charm.

Arabella welcomed them to sit down and then instructed the servants to prepare dinner.

"Christina, you and Kingsley are both young. You must have a lot in common, right?" Arabella said, watching Christina's expression closely.

Christina smiled politely. "Grandma, I only met Mr. Kingsley Rockefeller because of you. We do have a lot to talk about when it comes to architecture."

Kingsley smiled and added, "Christina is very smart. I always learn a lot when I'm with her."

Arabella patted her hand. "From now on, consider this place your home. No need to be so formal. Just call me Grandma and him Kingsley."

Christina glanced at Kingsley and nodded. "Alright."

The three of them chatted amiably, and soon dinner was ready.

The dining table was laden with delicious dishes. Christina, who had been struggling with her appetite during her pregnancy, found the food here surprisingly appetizing and ended up eating more than usual.

Arabella was delighted. "It's good to see you eating well."

After dinner, Arabella continued to chat with Christina for a long time, discussing everything from daily life to work experiences, and even Christina's family.

"Your father passed away so early. You and your mother must have had a hard time. It can't be easy living under someone else's roof."

Christina felt that Arabella genuinely cared for her, almost as if she were her own family. Though these topics were painful, she also remembered the happy times and smiled. "Grandma, you don't need to worry. When I was little, my parents treated me very well. I had the happiest family in the world. Later, when my mom married into the Cavendish family, I still had a good life."

Arabella touched her face gently. "But I can tell you haven't been happy lately. If there's anything bothering you, you can tell me."

Christina wanted to speak, but thinking about her troubles, she sighed. "Grandma, it's just that my work is so busy. It's overwhelming."

"Then leave the architecture firm and come work for the Rockefeller family as our chief designer," Arabella suggested.

Christina responded sincerely, "Grandma, I'm doing well at the firm. Mr. Fisher is a leading figure in the industry. I can learn a lot from him, and he was also my father's mentor. I want to stay there, but I appreciate your offer."

Arabella had no choice but to pat her hand. "Alright, but visit me often."

"Okay," Christina nodded.

After dinner, she wandered around the estate. Arabella encouraged her to explore, as the place was an old building with a lot of historical value.

On the third floor, she saw a large oil painting of a man and a woman who appeared to be in their thirties. For some reason, their faces felt very familiar to her.

"Do you think you look like them?" Kingsley asked, walking up beside her.

Christina snapped out of her thoughts and smiled faintly. "Yeah, a bit. There's something about the eyes."

"They're my parents. Grandma says my mom was gentle and capable, a really gracious woman. She and Grandma were closer than Grandma was with my dad."

"And what happened to them?" Christina asked instinctively.

Kingsley's eyes darkened. "They died in an accident."

"What?" Christina was shocked.

"It was a long time ago. We've mostly moved on," Kingsley explained, not wanting her to feel bad for asking.

"And Grandma managed this huge estate all by herself? That must've been tough," Christina remarked.

"Yeah," Kingsley smiled. "The hardest part was that my parents' daughter went missing."

Christina was surprised to learn this about the Rockefeller family and even more surprised that Kingsley shared it with her. "When did that happen?"

"Many years ago," Kingsley sighed. "Grandma has always hoped to find that child."

"I see. But after so many years with no news..." Christina started to say, but then realized she shouldn't be pessimistic in front of him and changed her tone. "Good people are always protected by God. That girl will come back."

Kingsley nodded. "Yeah, we should have some leads soon."

Christina smiled. "That's good to hear!"

As night fell, the lights in the estate glowed warmly. Kingsley walked Christina back to her place.

"Thanks for today. I had a great time," Christina said to Kingsley.

Kingsley smiled. "Me too. Grandma was happy, so I'm happy. Can you come by more often to keep her company? You look a lot like my mom."

Christina felt touched and nodded. "Sure, Grandma is very knowledgeable. I'd love to chat with her."

After they said their goodbyes, Christina returned to her place alone.

The room was dark, and she thought no one was there. But as soon as she walked in, the lights came on, and she saw William sitting on the couch.

"Why are you back so late?"

"I went out with a friend," Christina replied calmly, not wanting to argue.

But William pressed on, "Was your friend a man or a woman?"

Christina rolled her eyes. "I don't think that's any of your business. I don't need to answer that."

William stood up. "You're my wife. I'm just asking about your whereabouts."

"Don't forget, we're in the middle of divorce proceedings," Christina said, looking him in the eye. "I don't need to report to you, and you have no right to know where I go. You're nothing but a liar."

William hesitated.

Christina's stance was clear. She was completely disillusioned with William. All the good times and hopes had been replaced by his deceit and betrayal.

William looked at her, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. "I'm just worried about you, Christina. You should understand my feelings."

"Your feelings?" Christina scoffed. "Your feelings are nothing but lies and betrayal. I'm done, William. We're over."