Free Web NovelChapter 334: Chapter 335 Calling in Favors
Christina’s POV
"What is it? Something so mysterious that you can’t even let me tell Ryan?" Naomi sounded both puzzled and intrigued.
"I’ll explain everything over dinner. You’re honestly the only person who can help me with this." I gripped my phone tightly, my knuckles turning white.
"Okay, fine, I won’t say a word. Where should we meet?" Naomi could obviously tell I was serious and quickly agreed.
"You pick the place. But are you sure it’s alright in your condition?" I knew how protective Ryan was of her and their unborn pup.
"It’s totally fine. Let’s meet at The Galleria. I need to look at some baby stuff this afternoon anyway, and we can grab dinner after you finish work."
"Alright, just be careful, please. I wouldn’t bother you like this if I had anyone else to ask. I feel like such a jerk making you come out while you’re pregnant. Ryan will probably have my head if he finds out."
But I needed answers. Even though part of me suspected Niall was right, I still clung to that tiny sliver of hope that Hudson was innocent, that he wouldn’t betray me like this.
"Don’t be ridiculous. I’m happy to help," Naomi reassured me. "I’ve been going stir-crazy stuck at home. Ryan’s probably losing his mind with me around 24/7. He might actually thank you for getting me out of the house for a bit."
"Okay. Thanks, Naomi. See you tonight."
"Sure thing. I’ll take a nap and then head out. I’ll text you later."
"Sounds good."
I ended the call and let out a long, weary sigh.
"What if Niall’s right?" Akira whined softly. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
"Then we’ll deal with it," I whispered back, but my heart was already cracking at the thought.
The afternoon dragged on endlessly. I couldn’t focus on anything. My mind kept circling back to those documents, to the possibility that Hudson had lied to my face.
My phone rang. Hudson’s name lit up the screen.
"Hello," I answered flatly.
"I’ll pick you up for dinner tonight. Any preferences?" His voice was low and gravelly, like he was tired.
It hit me suddenly that he’d only just been released from the hospital. The gunshot wound he’d taken for me was still healing.
That thought still filled me with gratitude and warmth.
But then, if what Niall said was true—if Genevieve was behind everything and Hudson had gone so far as to set up Beatrice and lie to me—that warmth curdled into something sour and painful in my throat.
"Actually, I can’t tonight. Naomi Fenty called and asked me to join her for dinner and shopping. I already promised her." I kept my voice light and breezy.
"Can’t you reschedule?"
"I’ve already given my word. Rain check?"
"Fine. Just be careful out there," he relented.
"Don’t worry. Gotta run now; I’ve got a ton of work piled up," I said with fake cheerfulness.
He sounded slightly annoyed that I was rushing him off. "Are you that swamped today?"
"Unfortunately, yes. Client crisis. Talk later." I hung up before he could press further.
Once the call ended, I slumped in my chair. "How can he act like everything’s normal?"
"Maybe because for him, it is," Akira suggested. "Or maybe..."
"Maybe he’s just a really good liar," I finished for her.
The rest of the afternoon was pure torture. Each minute stretched longer than the last.
Finally, the workday ended. I quickly packed up and headed to The Galleria.
"Christina, over here!" Naomi waved from her booth. "Sit down. Let’s order first. What do you want to eat? You look like you could use some serious comfort food." From my expression, she could tell something was majorly wrong.
"Yeah, you’re right." Even with zero appetite, I couldn’t let a pregnant woman starve on my account.
After ordering, I looked her over. "How have you been feeling?"
"Pretty good, actually. I’m past the four-month mark now, so I’m finally eating and sleeping well. But look, I’ve already ballooned up." She gestured to her growing bump.
"You still look gorgeous to me. If anything, you should probably eat more. They say a healthy mother means a healthy baby."
"That’s exactly what Ryan keeps saying. He’s constantly trying to stuff me with food." A sweet, content smile touched her lips.
I envied that happiness. Their loving marriage. The fact that they’d soon have their own little family.
"What about you and Hudson? Any baby plans?" Naomi’s curious eyes fixed on me.
I shook my head. "Let’s not go there."
"What’s wrong? Trouble in paradise?"
"No. We don’t really fight; he usually gives in to me." I gave her a pained smile. "The reason I asked to see you... I need a favor. But you have to promise not to tell Ryan."
"What is it? You’re freaking me out here. And why come to me instead of your super-powerful Alpha husband? Spill it—what’s going on?" She was practically bouncing with curiosity.
"A little while ago, something happened at my studio. Someone sabotaged it. They hacked into my database and messed with the job sheets, which screwed up all the customer orders..." I explained the whole situation. "Look, here’s all the evidence."
I slid the folder across the table.
"Wait, what? Hudson did that? He covered for Genevieve and lied to you?" Naomi looked shocked as she flipped through the pages.
I pressed my lips together, my smile bitter. "Check out all that proof. If someone hadn’t shown me this, I’d still be believing Hudson’s version."
Naomi studied the documents carefully. "It does look... legit. But hold up, this transfer record... why is it from my husband? What the hell? Was Ryan mixed up in this, too?" Her brow furrowed deeply. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
"Yes. That’s actually why I needed your help."
"So... what do you need me to do? Ask him about it?" Naomi looked at me seriously.
"I know it’s asking a lot, but..."
"Say no more." Naomi patted my hand reassuringly. "I’d want the same if I were in your shoes."
I gave her a grateful smile. "I just don’t want Hudson finding out about this."
