Chapter 121

"Wait, you sent those flowers?" Christina's voice was a mix of surprise and disbelief.

William had never done anything like this before, not in this life or the last. This was the first bouquet he had ever given her.

Instead of feeling touched, she let out a mocking laugh. "You think a bunch of flowers can make up for all the crap you've put me through?"

"What do you want, then?" William's eyes narrowed, but he didn't seem angry.

"I just want you to stay away from me." Christina shot him a cold glance before turning and walking away quickly.

Seeing this, William got into his car and followed her.

"Christina! You took those flowers because you thought they were from someone else, didn't you?"

Christina paused for a moment. "So what? If I had known they were from you, I would've never taken them."

William stopped in front of her, taking two steps at a time to block her path.

Christina looked at him warily. She was afraid of going through that kind of pain again.

William reached out to grab her arm but accidentally caught her elbow instead. Though it had been two days, and walking wasn't too painful, his sudden grip made her gasp in pain.

William noticed something was wrong and pulled her hand closer. "What's wrong? Where are you hurt?"

Christina felt his sudden concern was like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment. She tried to pull her hand back forcefully, but she wasn't strong enough.

He rolled up her sleeve and saw the bruise, his expression turning serious. "What happened? How did you get this bruise?"

Christina saw the worry on his face and a thought suddenly crossed her mind.

"If I said Jennifer did this, would you believe me?"

She found herself hoping, just a little, that he wouldn't blindly trust Jennifer again.

But to her disappointment, William's face changed immediately. "Christina, stop with the nonsense."

Christina knew then that Jennifer would always be his favorite. He might use her as a distraction in his life, but she would never surpass Jennifer's place in his heart.

She wouldn't be foolish anymore. She smiled faintly. "Just kidding. I fell by accident. If there's nothing else, I need to get back to the architecture firm."

"I have a project. If you have time, we should discuss it." William stood firmly in her way.

Christina maintained her distant demeanor. "Sorry, the firm has a policy that architects can't take on private work. If you need me, go through the firm. But I have a lot of projects right now, so even if you do, I probably won't have time."

William could hear the rejection in her words and see the genuine distance in her expression. It wasn't an act.

While he was lost in thought, Christina had already walked away quickly.

When she got to the office, she couldn't understand why William was doing this. Was he bored and using her for amusement? But this time, she wouldn't let him control her.

Bruce came over and knocked on her desk. "What are you daydreaming about?"

Christina glanced at him. "Didn't know you were the office monitor now."

"Who cares about you? Kelvin said the client wasn't happy with the last design," Bruce said coldly. "I see you have a lot of projects. Why not give me a couple? I can help you out."

Help? He just wanted to take her projects because he was jealous.

Christina sneered, resting her head on her hand as she looked at Bruce. "Why pretend to be so noble? You mocked me for not being able to handle a project, and now you want my work. It's baffling."

Bruce's face turned red. "If you don't want to, fine. I was just trying to help. If you think you can handle it all, suit yourself."

He turned and left, clearly annoyed.

Christina watched him go and smiled faintly.

After work, as she was about to leave the firm, a luxury car pulled up nearby. The driver waved at her.

"Christina."

She looked up and saw it was Walter.

"Walter." She walked over quickly. "What brings you here?"

Walter opened the car door. "Get in first."

Christina nodded slightly and got in, closing the door behind her. "Walter, is there something you need?"

"Can't I just come to see you? Let's go get dinner." Walter smiled and started the car, heading towards downtown.

He chose a nice restaurant with a good reputation. Once they were seated, the waiter brought the menu.

Christina felt relaxed for once and ordered a few dishes with a smile. "Just tell me what you need. You don't have to bribe me. If I can help, I will."

"Well, someone invited me to an event abroad, but I need to bring a date. I don't have anyone else, so I thought of you." Walter looked a bit embarrassed.

"Oh, I see." Christina felt a bit troubled.

After thinking for a while, she asked, "Is it an important event? Do you really need a date?"

"Yes." Walter nodded. "You know, besides you, I can't think of anyone else."

Christina agreed reluctantly. "Alright, how many days will it be?"

"Three to four days, maybe a week at most." Walter smiled as he looked at the menu.

Christina calculated the time. She should be able to manage it, and she could work during the trip if needed. So she agreed.

The food arrived quickly. Walter cut a piece of steak and placed it on Christina's plate. "Try it. How does it taste?"

Christina took a bite and was pleasantly surprised. Her eyes lit up. "You have great taste. This restaurant is excellent."

"Even if you're flattering me, I appreciate it." Walter laughed and continued to place more steak on her plate. "Eat as much as you like."

Their intimate interaction caught the eye of William, who had just walked in. He raised a cold eyebrow and stared at them.

Christina shared her food with Walter and asked with a smile, "So, when do we leave?"