Seeing Julia’s expression turn grim, Madison could not help but chuckle inwardly.
Aware of Julia’s unwavering faith in the priest, Madison anticipated that Julia would perceive Christina as a source of misfortune in the family and ultimately evict her from the house.
Julia staggered backward, and her face turned ashen. Helen immediately went up to hold her.
“Are you okay, Mrs. Hadley?” Helen was terrified.
Christina had the intention of going up and assisting Julia, but Madison intervened and forcefully pushed
her aside.
With a sarcastic tone, she said, “Did you not hear the priest call you a jinx? Can you please get out of here?”
Christina felt a sense of injustice. Based on the current situation, it appeared that Madison was colluding with the priest. Christina even noticed them exchanging knowing glances with each other. But will she believe me if I tell her this?
After steadying herself, Julia cast a serious glance at the priest. “You seem quite confident in your assertions, but I have never disclosed to anyone that Christina is my daughter–in–law.”
“Uh…” The priest was at a loss for words, blaming himself internally for his slip of the tongue.
Julia’s face, typically known for its amicable nature, now burned with an unusual fury as she cast a sharp glance at her surroundings. “Christina has been with us for years, and Hadley Corporation has been doing exceptionally well. Our business even reaches new heights. So, your accusations hold no ground! Someone must have paid you to utter such nonsense. I trusted you, but you let me down. Don’t expect me to step into this church again!”
Christina might not be the daughter–in–law of her choice, but Julia would never allow anyone to defame
her.
The atmosphere suddenly became heavy and tense. No one anticipated Julia’s outburst of rage to this
extent.
Madison’s expression changed as she realized her attempt to leave a good impression on her had backfired.
“Mrs. Hadley, the priest must have simply made that up. Let’s not listen to him.” Madison spoke in a gentle voice, trying to get in the woman’s good books.
She also distanced herself from the priest, fearing that Julia would suspect her involvement in the situation.
Moira, too, chimed in, “Mrs. Hadley, let’s not pay attention to that deceitful priest. How about we head over to Luna Delights and have a cup of coffee? It’s been a while since we had a good chat.”
She held onto Julia’s arm, pushing Christina to the back.
Christina felt a sense of bewilderment at Moira’s action. Frustration lingered within her as she was unsure if Julia’s words were merely a show of courtesy or a genuine attempt to support her.
Walking up to the front and agitating Julia would only make the situation more awkward, so Christina
thought it was better for her to stand behind.
As the
group
walked toward the entrance, Madison cast a gentle glance at Julia, her nerves slightly on edge.
In fact, it was not their first time employing such a scheme. When Nathaniel was about to get married, they also bribed a priest to speak ill of Christina in front of Julia,
Back then, when the priest said all sorts of malicious things, Julia wholeheartedly believed him without a hint of doubt, accepting his claim that Christina was a harbinger of misfortune.
It was a stark contrast to the attitude she was displaying now.
Madison was surprised that the same trick failed this time.
As they exited the church, Julia stopped in her tracks and said calmly, “I’m not feeling well today, so I won’t join you for the afternoon coffee.”
Madison, who was still contemplating ways to win Julia’s favor, could not hide the disappointment on her face when she heard that.
Moira, quick on her feet, flashed a warm smile and stepped forward to ease the tension. “All right. Take a good rest, Mrs. Hadley. We’ll visit you again when you feel better, all right?”
Julia hummed nonchalantly. She turned around to look for Christina, who stood by a corner. “Christina, come. Help me to the car.”
Christina looked up in disbelief and walked out from the corner.
Julia extended her hand to grasp Christina’s, and Christina called out, “Mrs. Hadley…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Julia glared at her. Why is she still calling me Mrs. Hadley?
Christina came to her senses and said softly, “Mom, watch your steps.”
Julia nodded in satisfaction and got into the car.
Once Christina had taken her seat in the car and Helen had settled into the front/passenger seat, the driver started the engine and drove off.
A pang of jealousy filled Madison as she watched the car disappear. “Mom, did you see that? Mrs. Hadley’s attitude toward Christina has completely changed!”
Knowing Julia’s usual demeanor, Madison understood that she would only allow individuals she acknowledged to sit next to her. Not only am I not making any progress with Nathaniel, but I also seem to be losing control over Mrs. Hadley!
Seeing the panicked expression on her daughter’s face, Moira sighed gently. “If you can’t keep your composure under such circumstances, you won’t be able to handle the pressure even if you have the opportunity to rise to power. Did you notice Mrs. Hadley’s attitude toward Christina?”
“Yes. Very clearly,” Madison responded while gritting her teeth.
Moira tapped her hand gently and said, “What Mrs. Hadley values the most is her reputation. Reputation means everything to her in our circle. She probably doesn’t want to embarrass Christina in front of us. You just need to keep observing. Who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised with a different outcome.
Meanwhile, Christina did not dare to speak or look at Julia while they were traveling in the car.
It was as if she had done something wrong, anticipating a reprimand.
She thought what the priest said earlier was definitely not something he randomly uttered. Madison must have arranged for him to spew that nonsense.
Christina was angry, especially when he accused her of not caring for her family. She had always cared about her mother and grandmother, and she vowed to repay their kindness.
Meanwhile, Christina and Helen had the same reaction on their faces as they had no idea what was going through Julia’s mind.
They stole glances at her from the corners of their eyes, studying her for a moment before quickly shifting their gaze elsewhere. The fear of meeting her eyes was evident in their actions.
Upon noticing the looks on their faces, Julia asked, “Why are you two so quiet? Did something happen?”
“Mom, I…” Christina, could not help but fidget, not knowing what to say.
The priest’s earlier words lingered in her mind, causing her great discomfort.
Julia could read her thoughts easily. “Do you think I believe the things the priest said? You expect me to buy the story he made up?
Helen could not help but think to herself. Well, you used to believe what the priest said, didn’t you? Not only did you believe his words, but you even thought of Ms. Christina as a jinx.
Christina lowered her eyes, not knowing the right thing to say. Given her typical demeanor, she would have believed what the priest said, wouldn’t she?
Julia was growing increasingly frustrated with the silence of the two individuals and pressed on, “Do you both think I’m so gullible that I would blindly believe anyone?”
As she spoke, she clenched her fists, and a hint of anger flashed across her eyes.
Christina narrowed her eyes and replied with a reassuring smile. “Of course not, Mom. You are wise and discerning. Why would you easily believe the words of a temple priest who was likely paid to mislead you?”
Upon noticing how Christina defended herself before Julia, Helen chimed in and praised Julia. “I agree with Ms. Christina. We’re people living in the modern era. How can we believe such words? You seem to be getting better and better in discerning truth from deceitful lies, Mrs. Hadley!”
Their praises uplifted Julia’s spirit, and the anger in her eyes gradually dissipated.
