Chapter 37

Christina's face turned cold, and a wave of disgust surged in her heart.

She withdrew her hand but maintained a polite smile on her face, "Mr. Saunders, please behave yourself. We are here to discuss a collaboration."

Seeing Christina's firm attitude, Harold's face turned a bit awkward, but he still forced a smile.

"Oh, young people just don't understand charm. I just think you're great and want to get closer to you."

Christina understood clearly that once she compromised, it would mean losing her principles.

She suppressed her discomfort and said calmly, "Mr. Saunders, if you really think my design is good, we should communicate on a professional level. Please respect me, and that is also respecting yourself."

Harold was angered by Christina's attitude, and the smile on his face gradually disappeared, becoming somewhat fierce.

"You woman, how arrogant. Who do you think you are? You're just a small designer, and you really think you're somebody."

Christina stood up and looked at Harold calmly.

"Mr. Saunders, if this is how you view collaboration, then I don't think there's any need for us to continue talking. Goodbye."

Harold, however, blocked the door before she could leave, "Want to leave? Too late!"

Christina stood up but suddenly felt a bit dizzy, with a burning sensation in her chest.

She immediately realized that there was something wrong with the wine.

She smashed the wine bottle and pointed the broken edge at her neck, "Fine, if you won't let me leave, we'll both suffer. If I die here, with all the evidence on the scene, do you think you can get away with it?"

Her fierce and ruthless demeanor startled Harold.

He dared to do such things, but getting involved in a death...

"Come on!" Christina's eyes glinted fiercely.

Harold chickened out, stepped back, and let her pass.

"Fine, well done. You'll never get this collaboration."

"Who cares about collaborating with someone like you." Christina suppressed her discomfort, picked up her belongings, and quickly walked out the door.

She feared that if she delayed even a moment, she would fall into an abyss.

She finally got out, and the cool air made her a bit more clear-headed, but her steps became increasingly unsteady.

Uncomfortable, so uncomfortable!

She struggled to an empty place, but the burning sensation in her heart continued to consume her.

She couldn't bear it any longer and started tearing at her clothes, seeking some coolness.

But just then, the door to the fire escape suddenly opened.

William appeared at the door, looking at her with cold, mocking eyes.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Go away! Close the door." Christina was about to lose control but didn't want him to see her in such a state.

William approached, speaking mockingly, "You look like you're about to die."

"You'll die first!" Christina bit her lip and forced out a few words through clenched teeth.

"Still being stubborn at this point. Beg me, and I'll help you."

As he spoke, William had already walked up to her.

Christina felt only embarrassment and shame, but she gritted her teeth and coldly retorted, "Dream on! I'd rather beg a dog outside than beg you."

William's expression changed instantly.

He grabbed Christina's jaw harshly and said mockingly, "It seems you need a lesson to know your place."

With that, he kissed her forcefully.

Christina's mind went blank, and her body felt like it was on fire, waves of heat making her unable to resist.

William's kiss was like a storm, punishing and suffocating her.

She struggled to push him away, but her strength seemed to be drained, making her efforts futile.

She could only bite down hard.

William let go of her in pain, smiling faintly, a drop of blood blooming on his lips, looking both seductive and sinister.

"I'd rather die than have anything to do with you," Christina said fiercely.

"You really are like a hedgehog." William laughed, scooping her up.

Christina was terrified, struggling frantically, "What are you doing? Let me go!"

"If you move again, I'll take you in front of everyone and let them see your predicament."

William threatened maliciously.

Christina felt like she was about to burst into flames.

If she was seen by everyone, it would be even more humiliating. She had no choice but to endure, letting him take her to the car and then back to the villa, where he threw her onto a soft bed.

She thought he was going to do something to her and retreated a few steps, curling up in the corner, watching him warily.

William looked at her sheepish expression and burst into laughter, "You think too highly of yourself."

With that, he turned and left. Only after hearing the door close did Christina breathe a sigh of relief.

Her body felt like it was about to explode. He wouldn't hate her so much that he would leave her here to fend for herself, would he?

As she was lost in thought, the door opened again.

Joseph walked in quickly.

Seeing Christina, he clicked his tongue in sympathy.

Seeing him, Christina relaxed a bit. Even though they didn't get along, he was a doctor and had some medical ethics.

Joseph quickly took out his medical kit and started an IV, then said sarcastically, "Why is it always you? Why are you always getting hurt?"

"I don't want to either," Christina said hoarsely, "Besides, is it any of your business?"

Joseph pouted, "I should have taken my time getting here, let you suffer more. Otherwise, how would you still be so talkative?"

"Whatever," Christina said indifferently.

She had to admit, the IV made her feel much better.

Slowly, her blood seemed to cool down.

Joseph took her temperature.

"You're fine. Just remove the IV when it's done."

"Then you can leave now," William said coldly.

"What, am I just your tool? You use me and then discard me. Fine, I won't disturb you." Joseph sighed and left.

The room was instantly filled with awkward silence.

Christina glanced at William, "I'm fine now. You can leave."

William didn't leave immediately but sat by the bed, looking at Christina with a complex expression.

"Do you think I wanted to save you?" he said coldly.

Anger surged in Christina's heart. She glared at William and said through gritted teeth, "Whether you save me or not, it makes no difference to me. I won't thank you, nor will I hate you."

William smiled, a smile filled with an elusive coldness and mockery.