Chapter 251

"No way," Kaitlyn said with a smirk. "I just think you and Harper could use a guy around."

Christina chuckled. "I don't need one. I can handle things just fine."

Kaitlyn moved closer, her smile widening. "How about I introduce you to a few guys? Irvin's a great guy, and anyone he knows can't be too bad."

"Cut it out," Christina said, rolling her eyes. "I'm not interested right now. I just want to raise Harper healthy and happy. But you keep praising Irvin-do you like him?"

"Yeah, I do," Kaitlyn admitted, her eyes softening. "It's different from my first crush. It's more like a thoughtful, grown-up kind of love."

Christina laughed at her description. "So, when are you two taking the next step?"

"I told you, I need love to spice up my marriage. I'm still not sure he's the one," Kaitlyn sighed, clearly uncertain.

Christina reassured her, "It's okay, everyone grows. Take it one step at a time. You're still young."

"True!" Kaitlyn agreed, nodding.

Just then, Kaitlyn's phone rang. It was Irvin.

"Kaitlyn, I have a few opera tickets. I heard you like opera. Want to go?"

Kaitlyn covered the phone and looked at Christina. "He invited me to the opera. Want to come? I can ask if he has an extra ticket."

Christina shook her head vigorously. "No, thanks. I want to stay home with Harper. Besides, I'd just be in the way."

Kaitlyn playfully glared at her. "Nonsense, you wouldn't be in the way. You're my emotional advisor."

"I can't do that job. Count me out," Christina said with a calm smile.

Kaitlyn laughed heartily and returned to her call. "Alright, I'll go with you."

Irvin laughed too, playing along. "Thank you, Miss Fisher. See you tomorrow afternoon. After the opera, let's grab dinner."

"Sounds good," Kaitlyn agreed easily.

After hanging up, she played with Harper for a while before leaving.

Since the kidnapper hadn't been caught, Christina didn't feel safe sending Harper to preschool. She took time off work to stay home with Harper.

Harper was getting bored and asked, "Mom, when can I go back to preschool?"

Christina patted Harper's head. "In a little while, okay?"

Harper pouted but agreed. "Then I want your best shrimp dish."

"Alright," Christina said, tapping Harper's nose. "Mom will make it for you."

As she was preparing the ingredients, there was a knock at the door.

Harper remembered her mom's rule about not opening the door alone and called out, "Mom, someone's here."

Christina wiped her hands on her apron and went to the door, peeking through the peephole.

It was William.

She didn't want to deal with him, but then William picked up a child next to him-it was Isaac. Isaac smiled brightly. "Ms. Windsor, I'm here to play with Harper!"

Christina didn't want to let William in, but she couldn't turn away a child. After some thought, she opened the door.

Isaac handed her a small bouquet. "Ms. Windsor, sorry to bother you. I brought you a gift."

Christina couldn't resist the sweet child. She patted Isaac's head. "Why did you suddenly want to play with Harper?"

"Harper is my best friend at preschool. I haven't seen her in days. I miss her," Isaac said openly.

Harper jumped off the couch, excitedly running to Isaac. "You're here to see me! Great!"

Isaac took her hand, smiling. "Everyone at school hopes you come back soon."

"I know, but I can't go back yet," Harper said, then took him to show her new toys, all gifts from Kaitlyn.

Christina blocked William at the door. "This kid isn't yours. You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"

William cleared his throat, trying to sound serious. "Isaac wanted to see Harper. I know you, so it seemed appropriate. My friend doesn't know you, and it wouldn't be right for a stranger to visit."

Christina inwardly scoffed. She knew William was using this as an excuse to get close to her and Harper, but she couldn't disappoint Isaac.

She stepped aside without a word.

Harper was bragging about her cooking skills, and Isaac was thrilled. "We haven't eaten yet, so we'll join you!"

Christina took a deep breath, suppressing her irritation. "You two play in the living room. No dangerous activities. I'll make dinner."

Isaac nodded eagerly. "Okay."

She went to the kitchen alone, but soon William followed.

Christina glanced at him coolly. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to help," William said. "The shrimp isn't cleaned yet. I'll do it."

Christina snatched the bag from him. "I don't need you playing the good guy. You tried to keep Harper and me from leaving the country, and now you're pretending to be nice. No thanks!"

William's movements stiffened. "Christina, let me explain. Jennifer-"

"I don't need your explanations. I know Jennifer saved your life, but I don't care. I just want the kidnapper caught and her identified. I know there's no evidence, and I'm not asking you to do anything, but she will face justice someday."

After saying this coldly, Christina brushed past him and walked out.

"I'm not trying to protect her. Jennifer will pay for what she's done," William promised.

But Christina didn't believe a word.

She prepared some snacks for the kids and told them cheerfully that William would play with them, finally getting some peace in the kitchen.

She started making dinner alone.