Chapter 284
"Hey Christina, need a ride home?"
Christina glanced at William, her face still indifferent, and shook her head.
"No, I'm good."
Realizing her tone might've been a bit harsh, she added, "Thanks for spending Harper's birthday with us. I can call a cab and head home with Harper."
"It's pretty late. It's not safe for you and Harper to take a cab. Let me drive you home."
Christina's refusal made William smile wryly. "Don't worry, I just want to make sure you get home safe. I won't do anything weird."
Considering it might be tough to find a cab here, Christina decided not to be stubborn and nodded in agreement.
William finally breathed a sigh of relief and, in a gentlemanly manner, handed Harper over to Christina.
Once they were both settled in the car, he drove them home.
This time, William didn't say much. He sat in the car, watching the mother and daughter enter their home. The lights went on and off, but he still didn't leave.
The night was deep, and William looked at the distant room, his eyes revealing a hint of sadness.
How could he win back Christina's heart?
Days passed uneventfully. William no longer clung to Christina as he used to, but he would occasionally use work as an excuse to make his presence known to her.
With Harper's fondness for him, Christina found it hard to refuse. Besides, William hadn't done anything inappropriate, so she allowed him to be close to Harper.
"Ms. Windsor, today's collaboration went smoothly. How about lunch?"
After finishing a collaboration with Henry Lewis, the only son of the Lewis Family, Christina looked at Henry, who had invited her, and smiled politely but distantly.
"Thanks for the invite, Mr. Lewis, but I have other matters to attend to today, so I can't."
Henry's smile faltered slightly. Despite Christina's refusal, he didn't give up. He stepped forward, blocking her path.
"What are you doing, Mr. Lewis?"
Christina's smile faded, but she held back harsh words, considering he was a future collaborator. "If you have any questions about the collaboration, you can talk to my assistant. I have work to do and can't spare the time."
"If you can't spare the time, then make time."
Henry's smile was insincere. Looking at Christina's indifferent face, he felt a strong desire.
Everyone said Christina was beautiful. Since collaborating with her, Henry had wanted to conquer this unattainable flower.
So, being rejected by Christina didn't anger him. Instead, he flashed what he thought was a charming smile.
Just as he was about to speak, a cold voice came from behind Christina.
"Didn't you hear her say she's not interested?"
Hearing the cold voice, Christina felt a ripple in her heart, even though she had decided not to have any more interactions with William.
"Mr. Cavendish?"
Seeing William, Henry's smile froze instantly.
Everyone said William wasn't interested in women, but he had a wife he cared deeply about.
Yet today, he openly defended Christina.
Henry quickly understood, his forehead sweating, but he didn't dare wipe it. His face was full of forced smiles.
He didn't know the history between William and Christina, but he had heard bits and pieces from his elders, so he pieced the story together himself.
"So, Ms. Windsor is your... uh, kept woman. I didn't recognize her and almost offended her. Mr. Cavendish, please don't hold it against me."
"What kept woman?"
William coldly interrupted Henry. "Ms. Windsor is not a mistress or a kept woman. Don't impose your assumptions on others."
"If Ms. Windsor doesn't want to, don't pester her."
Henry didn't dare say anything else, nodding repeatedly.
"Get lost. If you bother Ms. Windsor again, I won't hesitate to make the Lewis Family lose some important projects!"
With just a few words, Henry didn't dare say anything more. He quickly wiped his forehead and left in a hurry.
After Henry left, William walked up to Christina.
Christina looked at William calmly, but her heart wasn't as serene.
"Mr. Cavendish, thank you."
Her distant words pained William, but he didn't show it. Instead, he smiled gently.
"I happened to be passing by. I didn't expect the Lewis Family to be so presumptuous. It was just a small favor. Don't feel burdened."
Christina nodded.
He had helped her, so there was no need to treat William like a snake.
She had decided not to have much interaction with William, so this distant relationship was fine.
However, William said he was passing by, which Christina didn't believe.
But she didn't expose his lie. Instead, she casually asked, "Do you have any other business?"
"Can't I stay if I don't have any business?"
William smiled, worried that Christina might be upset by his words, and quickly added, "Of course, since I ran into you, I wanted to tell you something."
He had been waiting nearby for a long time, hoping to see Christina leave the office building.
But when he saw her, he didn't dare get out of the car, afraid of offending her and making her dislike him more.
Apart from meeting Harper, he couldn't find any other excuse to appear in front of Christina.
"What is it?" Christina asked.
"It's nothing major. Our company, Cavendish Corporation, has a design collaboration with your firm. The contract was signed this morning, and you'll be working with me directly."
He handed the contract to Christina, carefully observing her expression.
"What design contract?"
Christina took the contract. Seeing the contents, her smile faded a bit.
"So, I have to go on a business trip to Drakoria with you the day after tomorrow?"
The contract clearly stated that she, as William's partner, needed to go to Drakoria with him to negotiate with a renowned design team.
But...
Christina frowned. Why hadn't her boss mentioned this to her?