Chapter 259

Christina knew this wasn't going to be easy. She took the unmarked bottle of medicine and the cup her mother had used to get them tested.

At the hospital.

Christina adjusted her glasses and cautiously walked into the hematology department, wearing a mask.

She casually asked, "Can you do DNA tests here?"

"Of course!" The nurse smiled and nodded.

Christina carefully observed her surroundings, making sure no one suspicious was around.

She recalled the way her mother had died. The pain was so intense she could hardly breathe.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts. "Could you please test these items for DNA or anything else?"

"Sure, come back in two weeks for the results."

"Okay."

Christina left the hospital, feeling like a ghost of herself.

She couldn't bear the thought that her mother might have been murdered. What would she do then?

She was at a loss.

Her phone rang in her pocket.

She answered, and a sweet voice came through, "Mommy, when are you coming home? Harper misses you!"

Christina's heart ached, and she replied hoarsely, "Mommy will be home soon. Harper will be good, right?"

"Yes! I'll wait for you, Mommy!"

Harper's cheerful voice brought a wave of maternal love over Christina.

She realized how much she had been neglecting Harper lately.

Once this was over, she would make up for the lost time with her daughter.

Just as she hung up, her phone lit up again.

"Ms. Windsor! We have a big client at the office who specifically requested you for a design!"

Christina snapped back to reality, her energy returning.

She hesitated for a moment, then quickly said, "Okay, I'll be right there!"

Work was the only thing that could numb her pain from losing her mother.

Meanwhile, in another part of town.

Grace, dressed in a sophisticated outfit with her hair in soft waves, sat on a couch, swirling a glass of champagne.

"Brother," she turned to Parker beside her, "do you think what we're doing is right?"

A tear-shaped mole at the corner of her eye added to her allure.

Parker, standing by the window, looked down at the street below, a silent smile playing on his lips.

"What's not right about it?"

"They brought this on themselves."

His thin lips uttered the most cutting words.

They clinked their glasses, sealing their partnership.

"Let's make sure Christina feels the sting of failure," Parker said coldly, downing his champagne in one gulp.

Back at the office, Christina was meeting with the new client.

The client was an elegant elderly lady.

Her silver hair was impeccably styled, and her clothes were very refined.

Christina greeted her with a smile, "I heard you want to design an old mansion?"

"I have a few projects in progress that you might want to see."

She handed over her design portfolio.

The elderly lady waved it away dismissively. "I want something unique, designed by you alone!"

The other designers looked at Christina with pleading eyes. It was clear this client was difficult.

"Alright, what style are you looking for?"

"Black. Not just any black, but a vibrant, colorful black!"

Christina's face went pale. Colorful black?

The elderly lady turned back to emphasize, "And money is no object!"

The mansion was worth at least a hundred million dollars now.

Christina got to work immediately.

She spent the entire day visiting various design exhibitions for inspiration.

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity.

Until a phone call came in at 5 PM.

Christina answered, "Hello, who is this?"

"Mommy!" Harper's sweet voice came through. "When are you coming home?"

Christina, frazzled from work, instantly felt guilty.

She scratched her head and said softly, "Mommy will be home early today! I'll be there soon!"

Harper pouted, "Mommy, you're a liar! You always say you'll be home early, but I never see you!"

Christina sighed, trying to soothe her, "Harper, be good! Mommy will definitely be home early today!"

"Let Dad Cavendish play Legos with you for a bit, okay?"

Harper's voice brightened, "Can I have a candy?"

Christina hesitated.

Harper pleaded, "Please, Mommy, just one?"

Finally, Christina relented.

"Okay, but only one piece!"

Harper giggled, "Okay, I'll wait for you at home!"

Christina worked for another three or four hours.

When she looked up, it was already 8 PM.

She was the only one left in the office, the rain outside adding to her sense of loneliness.

She shivered and pulled her coat tighter.

She felt lost as she stared out the window.

By the time she got home, it was 8:30 PM.

She walked in eagerly, but Harper was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Harper?" she asked William, puzzled.

William's cold gaze fell on her. "Harper had a great time and fell asleep."

Christina's face fell.

She had come home early just to spend time with Harper.

"Let's talk."

Before Christina could respond, William's cold voice cut through the air.

She hesitated, then nodded.

They sat at the bar in the living room, and William poured them both a glass of whiskey.

Christina asked softly, "What do you want to talk about?"

"Harper," William said coolly. "You're her mother. She needs you."

Christina felt a wave of shame.

She took a sip of whiskey, "I know, but..."

She let her hand fall, not knowing what to say.

William sensed something was off with Christina, like she was carrying a heavy burden.

He patted her hand reassuringly.

"I can't always be there for Harper either, but she really needs you."

Every child needs their mother's presence.

"I understand," Christina said weakly.