Chapter 288

Christina rolled her eyes, watching William, who was almost fully recovered but still using the excuse of protecting her to boss her around.

Even though it was just small tasks like fetching coffee or grabbing a file, William clearly wanted to use this as an opportunity to spend more time with her. Christina had no choice but to grit her teeth and comply.

By the time William was almost fully recovered, a month had passed.

During this period, William found various reasons to create opportunities to spend time with Christina.

Besides that, the collaboration project was nearly complete, with only the final touches remaining.

As for Christina, she hadn't been much help from the start, mostly just tweaking some design images, so she wasn't too exhausted.

A month flew by, and Christina finished the final version of the design proposal. She stretched lazily, looking at the darkening sky outside the window.

This month, she had been balancing rest and work, and the collaboration project was successfully completed.

Thinking back to her time here, first experiencing an earthquake and then being busy with work, she realized she hadn't even had a chance to properly explore this small foreign town.

Christina decided to change clothes and take a simple stroll around.

Just as she was about to leave, she ran into William, who was taking a walk in the courtyard.

Seeing William, Christina instinctively frowned and tried to walk past him.

However, William wasn't about to let such a good opportunity slip by. He quickly caught up to her and asked with concern, "It's getting late. Where are you going? How about I come with you?"

"No need."

Christina shook her head and continued walking, but William persistently followed her.

"The town's not very safe at night. Don't worry, I won't bother you. Just think of me as a free security guard, okay?"

Faced with William's persistence, Christina felt helpless.

Remembering how he had risked his life to protect her a month ago, she couldn't bring herself to refuse him too harshly. She nodded reluctantly.

"Fine, you can come along."

Though Christina still wore a cold expression, William didn't mind. He confidently walked beside her.

Due to the earthquake at the estate, they were now staying in an apartment in a small suburban town.

The town's scenery was quite nice, and the fresh scent of rain-soaked earth filled the air, making it refreshing.

As Christina walked, she admired the scenery and almost forgot William was there.

William, on the other hand, couldn't help but speak softly as he watched Christina's relaxed profile.

"If you like it here, why not stay a bit longer?"

Christina snapped back to reality at William's voice and shook her head.

"No, we should head back in a couple of days."

Although she had only been here for a month, Christina's thoughts were constantly with Harper.

She wondered how Harper was doing with the assistant.

Harper was usually quiet and well-behaved, though sometimes mischievous, he knew his limits and shouldn't be causing trouble.

Seeing Christina's sudden return to rationality, William couldn't help but feel a bit regretful.

He wished he could keep Christina happy and not let his presence affect her.

But he couldn't bear the thought of leaving her side.

They walked in silence, neither saying a word.

As night fell, the town became quite lively. A nearby quaint bar caught Christina's eye.

The bar had a vintage, elegant exterior that didn't quite match the typical bar vibe.

But through the windows, the retro decor inside piqued Christina's interest as a designer.

Noticing Christina's interest, William walked alongside her without saying much. Soon, they reached the bar's entrance.

"Moonlit Spirits."

The bar's name intrigued Christina, and she pushed open the wooden door handle to enter.

Inside, a bartender was mixing drinks at the bar, while a wall of books lined the other side, filled with a variety of titles.

The room wasn't crowded, and the patrons were quietly reading or drinking, creating a serene and pleasant atmosphere.

"What can I get you? Maybe a coffee?" A young woman with a friendly smile approached Christina.

"A latte, please," Christina replied automatically and found a place to sit.

William also ordered a coffee, and they sat in silence. Christina glanced around the bar and noticed a small potted plant on the counter.

The plant had a miniature tree with red strings tied to it, each string holding a wooden plaque.

Curious, Christina examined the plaques and saw they were covered in people's wishes.

"Would you like to make a wish?" The young woman returned with their coffees and placed them in front of William and Christina.

"Are these all wishes from customers?" Christina asked, intrigued.

The plaques had wishes for family happiness, work success, and more.

"Yes," the girl smiled and glanced at William with a hint of envy. "You and your boyfriend are both so good-looking. If you make a wish, it will surely come true."

Christina was used to being mistaken for a couple with William and didn't bother to correct her. She smiled faintly, took the blank plaque the girl handed her, and wrote a line.

Seeing this, William also picked up a plaque and wrote something.

After they hung their plaques on the tree, Christina had nearly finished her coffee. Without looking at William, she paid and turned to leave.

From start to finish, Christina hadn't said a word to William.

William didn't mind and was about to follow her when he noticed the words on her plaque.

"Hope Harper stays safe and happy."

He was momentarily stunned but quickly chased after Christina as she was about to leave.

But just then, something unexpected happened!

As Christina left the bar and turned the corner of an alley, a knife suddenly appeared, aiming straight for her abdomen!

Fortunately, Christina reacted quickly, and the knife wasn't too close. She dodged in time, avoiding the knife but still getting a cut on her arm.

Seeing this, William's heart tightened. He rushed over and kicked the assailant before they could strike again.

The masked and hatted attacker fell to the ground and fled in panic.

William wanted to chase after them but saw Christina's injured arm and turned back.

He tore a piece of cloth from his shirt and wrapped it around her arm, saying, "I'll take you to the hospital first!"

Christina shook her head to refuse, but William scooped her up and walked forward without hesitation.

"Put me down!" Christina was furious, trying to hide the strange feeling in her heart. "If you don't put me down, I'll never speak to you again!"

"Fine, don't speak to me then," William replied with a bitter smile, walking forward while looking at Christina's lips. "If you keep talking, I'll kiss you right now."

People around them started to stare, and Christina had no choice but to take a deep breath and look away.

She was frustrated, but William was being stubborn and shameless, like a rogue. She didn't know how to deal with him!

No, once they returned home, she had to draw a clear line with him! She couldn't let him take advantage and win Harper's favor!

They soon arrived at the hospital. Though small, the town's hospital could handle a cut.

Seeing her arm bandaged, William still wasn't reassured.

The earlier dangerous moment kept replaying in his mind, making it hard to stay calm.

Even though they were abroad, someone still targeted Christina.

If they didn't find out who, Christina would remain in danger!

This potential threat had to be eliminated before it could grow.

His eyes were cold, but when he looked at Christina, they were warm and gentle.