Chapter 305

"Alright."

Christina had never been in a situation like this before, but she didn't dwell on it.

After finishing their meal, they continued discussing other details.

"How about we go somewhere else?"

Normally, after a meal, they would part ways. But Stefan showed no signs of wanting to leave or send her off.

Christina had noticed several calls coming in for Stefan earlier. Out of politeness, he didn't answer them, but she saw his furrowed brows as he glanced at the numbers, which seemed odd.

"Mr. Hensley, maybe we should reschedule. I'd like to go back and refine the design. I'll send the updated plans to your account later."

Christina thought this would be a polite way to decline, but Stefan waved it off nonchalantly.

"No rush. Your company is already pretty quick. The last studio I worked with promised a two-week turnaround, but in the final days, they said there were still many details to revise, dragging it out forever."

"Your efficiency is impressive. Take your time. We have over a month for the project, right?"

He finished with a gentle smile at Christina.

Despite feeling comfortable around Stefan, Christina never forgot their professional relationship. She maintained a respectful distance, but Stefan didn't seem to mind.

Seeing Christina silent for a while, Stefan chuckled awkwardly and spoke up.

"Looks like I'm different from you workaholics. Since you want to get back to work, I'll drive you back. We can go out another time."

"Alright, thank you, Mr. Hensley."

Christina didn't refuse. It wasn't until she returned to the office and saw his follow-up message that she felt a bit uneasy.

Stefan was indeed easy to work with, the most agreeable client she had ever encountered. But he was almost too gentlemanly.

"Mom, when are you coming home? Harper's already back!"

Christina's phone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts. Harper's voice came through the line.

Since regaining her memory, Harper felt guilty and clung to Christina more. Though still young and naive, she knew she had upset her mom before and wanted to talk to her more.

"I'll be home soon."

"Mom, can I have some mini tarts... please?"

"Of course, no problem."

"Thank you, Mom. Love you."

Christina's voice softened as she spoke to Harper.

She tidied up a bit and told everyone to head home for the day. Then she drove to buy Harper's favorite treats before heading home.

When she arrived, Harper was drawing, the nanny was cooking, and William was working in the corner of the living room. It felt quite cozy.

Christina rubbed her temples and put on a gentle smile.

Harper looked up at the sound of the door opening, dropped her pen, and ran over.

"Mom, you're finally home. I missed you so much."

Christina picked her up and sat on the couch.

"I missed you too. I bought you some mini tarts, but you can only have one, okay? We need to have dinner soon."

"Okay, Mom."

Harper took the mini tart and kissed Christina's cheek.

William paused his typing when Christina came home, even considering getting up, but Christina sat on the other side of the room with Harper. He noticed her deliberate distancing.

A hint of sadness flashed in his eyes, but he quickly composed himself, putting on a warm expression and sitting next to Christina.

"Do you want anything special? I can ask the nanny to make it."

"No, thanks. I ate with a client. You all enjoy."

Christina was gentle with Harper but couldn't be calm and collected with William.

"Alright, I understand."

Due to various reasons, Harper knew William was her dad. In her mind, parents should live together. Christina had been living alone with Harper, but Harper's request made the already awkward situation with William even more complicated.

William, however, saw this as a positive change.

"Excuse me, I need to take a call."

In the tense atmosphere, William's phone rang, and he went to the study to answer it.

"Mom, did Dad make you upset? Why are you so harsh with him?"

Christina looked at Harper's puzzled eyes, feeling exhausted. She couldn't explain the past life issues to her daughter. Their problems were more than just past life matters.

"No, Dad didn't make me angry. I'm just tired from work today. It's my fault. I'm sorry."

"Okay, then I'll go for a walk with you later."

Their mother-daughter interaction was heartwarming.

After dinner, Christina took Harper for a walk and then helped her with her bedtime routine. During this time, she barely interacted with William.

Once Harper was in bed, Christina was about to get back to work when William blocked her path.

"Can we talk?"

His tone was somewhat pleading.

"About what?"

"I don't think it's necessary."

Though Harper wanted them to live together, Christina felt William had manipulated the situation. But as long as Harper was healthy and happy, Christina didn't mind the awkwardness.

"I just think we don't need to be so cold, whether in front of Harper or not." William's voice was tinged with sadness as he watched Christina turn away.

"What do you want me to do?" Christina asked calmly, looking back at him.

The conversation ended in failure again.

"I'll try to adjust and not show it in front of Harper, but some things are hard to ignore."

Christina couldn't forget the pain William had caused, even if it was from a past life. The torment felt real.

"Alright, I understand."

William didn't push further and went back to the study.

The next day, after dropping Harper off at school, Christina headed to the studio. As she parked, she noticed a familiar figure standing outside, holding something.

As she approached, she realized it was Stefan.

"Mr. Hensley, what brings you here? Passing by or checking on the project details?"

Christina greeted him with a smile, but when she saw what he was holding, she suddenly stopped.