Chapter 217

Fiona was about to argue, but Christina pulled up her social media account and shoved it in front of her.

"Care to explain this?"

"I know you two don't have that kind of money. Your families are pretty average. So why'd you suddenly buy all these luxury items last week?"

Fiona and Nina started trembling at Christina's words.

The rest of the team began to catch on.

They all pulled out their phones to look for clues.

"Yeah, Nina, I remember your phone wasn't this brand before. I saw you showing it off the other day. I thought maybe you bought it on credit."

"If what the boss is saying is true, then you two are really heartless."

The team had been anxious about the situation for days, but they never suspected Fiona and Nina.

"You must be wondering how I found out, right?"

Seeing their fearful and confused expressions, Christina crossed her arms and stared coldly at them.

"On my way back, I was thinking about who would do something so unethical."

"I considered everyone, but never you two. After all, I personally brought you in. But sometimes the truth is the most disappointing."

Christina laid out the evidence in front of them and asked again.

"Do I need to show more?"

Fiona and Nina hung their heads in silence, the meaning clear.

"No need, boss. We were wrong."

They spoke in unison.

The rest of the team was in disbelief.

They made such a huge mistake and just said sorry? If they were let off the hook, wouldn't everyone think they could do the same?

"It's too late. I gave you a chance today. Save your explanations for the authorities."

Christina pulled up the office surveillance footage and posted the relevant content online.

Even though their studio couldn't compete with the other company, Christina knew that if she didn't protect her interests now, no one would care later.

The other company quickly started damage control when they saw Christina's posts.

But Christina had solid evidence, and the other company's new product was already out, causing a huge uproar.

Christina had thought it through on her way back.

She had no one to worry about, so she didn't fear the consequences of her actions.

The studio was newly established, but if she couldn't protect her rights now, future endeavors would be hindered.

Nina and Fiona were taken away by the authorities.

Christina thought she was just reclaiming her rightful interests, but she didn't expect to go viral online.

Many private clients reached out to place orders with Christina.

It turned into a form of reverse publicity.

"If you have any difficulties in the future, feel free to talk to me. Although the studio is new, everything is negotiable. I don't want another incident like Nina and Fiona's."

"Got it, boss."

After Christina's message in the group chat, she saw everyone's responses and finally relaxed.

But when she returned to her office, she saw several missed calls.

"Mr. Ward."

Christina returned the call, expecting Carl to be as indifferent as before.

But to her surprise, Carl's tone was warm and friendly. "Ms. Windsor, your performance this time really impressed me. The investment I mentioned before will continue. Don't worry, if anything like this happens again, call me, and I'll handle it."

Christina was puzzled.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I'll invest in your company's products. You'll definitely make a profit."

His words confused Christina even more.

At dinner, Christina had made it clear she didn't want any ties with William.

If these people were collaborating with William, Christina definitely wouldn't get involved.

Especially Carl, who had been overly flattering when he learned about her connection to William, making Christina uncomfortable. So she had been very direct.

But now Carl's words left her baffled.

"Don't misunderstand. It's not for any other reason. I just admire your talent." Carl guessed Christina might be overthinking.

"But that day I..."

Christina hesitated.

Carl laughed. "The workplace needs people like you. If everyone bows to power, what then?"

"Besides, what you said was true."

This left Christina completely bewildered.

So Carl appreciated her straightforwardness? He wasn't very enthusiastic before, but now he was happy because of what she said?

The thought gave Christina goosebumps.

"But I think..." Christina didn't know how to continue.

Carl guessed her concerns. "Oh, come on. I'm older than you by a decade. I've seen more of the world. Don't overthink it. I did have reservations before, but after that incident, I promise, if you have any ideas, tell me. If they're feasible, I'll invest."

"Alright, that's it for now. I'll transfer the investment funds to your studio shortly."

Carl hung up, leaving Christina staring at her phone in a daze.

Besides Carl, several other calls came in, all seeking collaboration.

And they weren't private clients. Christina, still in a daze, secured two more deals.

By the end of the day, Christina felt everything was surreal.

Opportunities she never dared to dream of were now pouring in.

And the terms were simple, but something felt off.

Though happy about the collaborations, the sudden influx made Christina uneasy.

After putting Harper to bed, Christina started piecing everything together.

She checked Carl's social media.

Finally, she found a clue.

Carl had posted about a successful collaboration with the Cavendish Corporation. Christina checked the other new partners and found the same pattern.

The realization made Christina laugh in frustration.

She muttered to herself, "I knew it. How could I be so lucky? How could such good fortune just fall into my lap?"

Her first instinct was to cancel the collaborations.

She went to her study, phone in hand, ready to call the partners. But then she paused.