Chapter 453 Divorce Agreement

Upon dropping off Lucas and Camila at the kindergarten, Christina got a call from Azure.

“Christina, I’ve discussed with your father that we’ll return to Hallsbay next weekend. Are you... good with that?” Azure asked warily, worried Christina would turn her down.

Christina had been busy with the new office’s renovation for the past few days, so she didn’t pay much heed to the arrangement made by the Gibson family. “Sure, no problem. I don’t have much to pack anyway,” she replied casually.

“You don’t have to worry about packing your clothes. I can buy new ones for you once we arrive in Hallsbay,” Azure assured her with a chuckle.

Nothing is a problem as long as Christina is willing to come with us to meet with the Gibson family.

The ardent love from her grandmother’s words filled Christina. “Yeah, that’s good. Oh, right. I need a favor.”

“What is it?” Azure questioned. I’ll fulfill all of them even if she needs ten favors.

Christina sucked in a deep breath and answered, “I want my mom to come with me. She’s the one who raised me all these years. I can’t just leave her here.”

“Um... Of course, that’s not a problem. After all, we wouldn’t have found you if she didn’t adopt you then,‘ Azure agreed.

She would regard Christina as heartless if the latter could ditch the person who’d raised her for over twenty years.

Even though she didn’t grow up by my side, I thank my lucky stars for her being raised upright and kind. Joy filled Christina, for she was worried Azure would turn her down. “Thank you, Grandma.”

After she hung up the phone, she dropped by the hospital to relay the good news to her mother. Sharon was overjoyed yet sad that Christina had found her biological family. “Christina, I think it’s best that I don’t go to Hallsbay with you.”

“Why? I don’t want to be separated from you, Mom.” Who’s going to take care of her once I leave?

A sad expression crossed Sharon’s face. “The doctor said my condition is much better than before, and I would be able to leave the hospital soon. I can rent a house and live the rest of my life leisurely.”

Christina clung to her arm with a smile. “Can you bear to part with me or even Lucas and Camila?” Sharon fell silent at her question.

Of course, I can’t bear to part with all of them. I’m the one who raised them, even though they aren’t my biological family. Anyone will develop an attachment to their pet, let alone a human. I haven’t got the chance to hug the adorable kids yet. The mere thought of separating from them hurts me.

Christina rested her head on Sharon’s shoulder and assured her, “I’ve made all the necessary arrangements. All you need to do is come with me. You don’t have to worry about anything. Just leave everything to me, okay?”

Sharon gave in and nodded in agreement.

Once Christina left the hospital, she remembered one more important thing she hadn’t settled yet.

Why hasn’t Nathaniel given me another set of divorce agreements? It’s been a few days since. I texted him about it, but he never gave me an exact answer. I’ll have to rush him for it since I’ll be leaving here next week. It’ll be troublesome, having to travel back and forth.

At that consideration, Christina immediately made a U–turn and drove toward Hadley Corporation.

It took only a few minutes from the elevator to the CEO’s office. When Christina arrived, Nathaniel was still in the middle of a meeting.

Sebastian came out of the office and greeted her. “Mrs. Hadley, Mr. Hadley’s meeting today might take while. Should I reschedule another time for you to meet him?”

She doubted him since Nathaniel didn’t reply to her messages nor pick up her calls. It was evident he was avoiding her.

“It’s fine. I’ll wait for him here. You can continue with your work.” With her arms crossed over her chest, she plopped onto the couch. I won’t leave this place today if I don’t settle this matter.

Sebastian let out a resigned sigh since he couldn’t stop her from doing that. “I’ll have the assistant pour you a cup of coffee, and then I’m leaving for a meeting.

Before long, the assistant brought in a pot of coffee and set everything down on the table before leaving Christina alone in the office.

Christina slowly sipped on the coffee as she waited. Time ticked by, lulling her into sleep, and finally, she fell asleep on the couch.

A series of footsteps approached the office. Nathaniel thought she had gone back home but was surprised to find her sleeping in his office.

At first, Nathaniel had thought Christina was merely throwing a tantrum when she demanded a divorce. He planned to let her calm down for a few days, hoping the issue would pass.

He didn’t expect her to come to his office.

The air conditioner in his office was blasting cold air. Fearing she might catch a cold, he removed his blazer and gently covered her with it.

A faint sandalwood scent filled her nose, and suddenly a sense of warmth dispersed the cold temperature from her body. The sudden change woke her up. Opening her eyes, she saw a familiar handsome face close up.

“Why don’t you go inside and sleep? I don’t want you catching a cold,” Nathaniel offered in a clear voice.

The concern in his tone was natural, as though they never fought earlier.

Christina didn’t know how to reply to his casual considerate offer.

After a short silence, she set the coat aside. “I’m here to ask if the divorce agreement is ready.”

Nathaniel’s movement paused, thinking he had heard it wrong.

With a frown, he replied, “The company’s legal team is quite busy of late, so the papers aren’t ready yet.”

Christina didn’t believe him. How can a team of over a dozen people not have time to prepare the divorce agreement? It’s been a few days.

“I can hire an external lawyer if your in–house legal team’s schedule is too packed,” she suggested coldly.

Nathaniel’s tone turned icy. “I don’t trust external lawyers. Besides, it’ll affect Hadley Corporation’s reputation and share value if news about our divorce spread.”

It was a reasonable excuse, so Christina had no reason to object. Taming her temper, she asked, “How long do you need then?”

It won’t take as long as six months, right?

“I’ll inform you once it’s ready.”

He grabbed onto her waist and pulled her closer. “A gentle reminder. You’re still Mrs. Hadley before we sign the divorce agreement.”

Christina snorted at his claim. He promised me a divorce but is now intentionally delaying the process. Hmph! As expected of Hadley Corporation’s CEO. Schemes and plots are part of his life. I can’t even take a step outside the circle he has drawn.

Christina’s face scrunched up in anger as she pushed him away. “If you don’t speed up the process, I’ll file a case in court. We’ll just have to live separately for two years to make it count. It’s not a bad idea if you think finding a lawyer is too troublesome.”

She walked out of his office without sparing him a backward glance when she finished saying that. Creases marred Nathaniel’s forehead as he watched her leave. Why is she acting so differently all of a sudden?

Christina went to pick up the kids in the evening, then returned to the condominium.

After dinner, Lucas and Camila were reading a storybook in their room while Christina was skimming through a magazine on the couch. When a breeze blew through the living room, the wind chime hanging on the wall would produce a symphony of tinkling.

At that moment, the doorbell rang.

Christina set the magazine down and went to the door. When Nathaniel’s face appeared in the peephole, her guard went up.

“What are you doing here? Leave!”

She was about to turn around when his cold voice carried through the door. “I have the divorce agreement with me for you to sign.”