Chapter 200

After Christina hung up the phone, she lay in bed for a while longer, making sure everything was fine before discharging herself from the hospital.

The butler had kept his word and didn't follow her around like before. As she walked out of the hospital, Christina felt completely relaxed. Even though she had the butler shadowing her before, she had still felt a sense of freedom, but it was self-imposed restraint. Now, with both her body and mind free, the air felt different.

Since the house William had arranged for her was burned down by Christina, and the butler hadn't contacted her, she didn't plan on going back there. So, she found a nearby hotel to stay in temporarily.

In her haste, Christina bumped into someone. "Oh, sorry!" she quickly apologized, instinctively protecting her stomach.

"It's okay," a gentle voice responded. Christina looked up and saw the man staring at her with a shocked expression. She didn't understand why he looked that way, but she politely smiled at him and then walked away.

What Christina didn't know was that after she left, the man just stood there, staring at her back, lost in thought.

Back at the hotel, Christina was unpacking when her phone rang. She picked it up and saw it was a notification about a fashion show. She opened it and realized it was the collaborative fashion design exhibition she had wanted to attend. Excited, Christina quickly went to the official website to make a reservation. But since it was late, she couldn't get an online invitation. Christina decided to try her luck in person.

When she arrived at the hotel hosting the event, she was immediately met with hostility. "A designer from Valoria? Never heard of you. Are you sure you're in the right place?" The staff member looked Christina up and down with disdain after learning her purpose.

Meanwhile, another local designer arrived. Although not famous, the staff treated them with respect. "Right this way, please. Once you get your invitation, you can get it stamped over there and then go in."

Hearing the staff's polite tone, Christina was annoyed. "Excuse me, whether I'm famous or not, I followed the proper procedure. Isn't this a bit inappropriate?"

The staff member sneered. "Inappropriate? If you want to attend our show, you need to follow our rules. This isn't Valoria, and you don't make the rules here."

As the staff member finished speaking, others joined in mocking her. "Exactly." "If you're on our turf, you should follow our rules."

Christina's face darkened. She was about to take out her credentials and comply when a woman approached. "Jessica, long time no see. You're looking more beautiful than ever."

The woman didn't follow any procedures but instead chatted with the staff. Christina was pushed aside. The staff's attitude towards the woman was completely different from how they treated Christina.

"It's been a while. Are you here for an invitation? Let me help you out," the woman said, cutting in line again.

Christina held back her anger and waited until the process was done before finally getting her invitation. As she left, she received dirty looks from the staff.

"People who don't understand the rules will always face the same treatment, no matter how many times they come," one of them sneered.

Christina ignored their comments. To make it easier to attend the show, she checked out of her hotel and booked a room near the exhibition.

The day of the show arrived quickly. Not wanting to be late, Christina planned to arrive early to familiarize herself with the venue. She wasn't just there for her passion; she hoped to find inspiration for her future designs.

At the entrance, she saw the same woman again. Christina wasn't sure if the woman was from Valoria and didn't plan to greet her. But as she walked past, the woman blocked her path.

"I remember you. You were the one having trouble with the staff the other day," the woman said.

Christina looked at her, puzzled. She didn't know what the woman wanted, so she calmly met her gaze.

"I don't mean any harm. I just want to remind you that this isn't the place for you. The standards here are high. If I were you, I'd leave the invitation and go," the woman said, glancing mockingly at Christina's pregnant belly.

"Why should I listen to you?" Christina asked, frowning.

"Since you're pregnant, you should be preparing for your baby, not taking someone else's spot. If you give up your spot, it would create opportunities for others who want to shine here," the woman replied.

Christina found this laughable. "I'm here for my passion. Just because I'm pregnant, does that mean I can't pursue my dreams? We're both women, and you can say something like that? It's just funny."

Leaving the woman behind, Christina handed her invitation to the doorman. She lifted her dress and walked in.

Inside, she encountered the woman again, now with a group of people. They looked at Christina with disdain. Christina didn't understand why they looked at her that way but didn't bother with them.

When she tried to find someone to introduce the exhibition, she was ignored. Just as Christina was considering her options, the group approached her again. But before they could speak, a tall figure stood in front of Christina.

"I wasn't aware of such rules here," a gentle voice interrupted them.

"Why are you helping her, Duke?" one of them asked.

Hearing them address the man as Duke, Christina looked at him. When she saw his face, she remembered where she had seen him before. He smiled warmly at Christina before turning a cold gaze to the others.

"I believe art knows no borders. Ms. Christina Windsor is a special guest of the organizers. What are your credentials?" His voice was cold, and Christina found his words puzzling.

The group's faces turned sour. "How is that possible?" one of them muttered.

"Why not?" And just then, it was time for the exhibition to start.