Chapter 111 Let Us Go Home
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Nathaniel’s resentment wasn’t just because the Smith family tricked him into marriage back then, but also the fact that Cecilia faked her death and spent so many years living together with Calvin abroad.
Cecilia’s eyes were stained with pain. “You know full well that what happened back then had nothing to do with me.”
“But you were one of the beneficiaries, weren’t you?” Nathaniel’s voice was laced with a hint of suppressed anger.
The matter that angered him was that Cecilia only felt that she owed him for tricking him into marriage back then, mentioning nary a word about her faking her death, Calvin, or the child.
Following his words, Cecilia found herself left without a retort.
After a prolonged silence, Nathaniel went to the balcony alone and again lit a cigarette..
In the biting wind, he couldn’t stop coughing, his eyes. At some point, his eyes had taken on a reddish hue and somewhat stung-
He didn’t know why he chose to keep Cecilia with him in such a manner either.
Perhaps it was because he wasn’t willing to accept the truth, unable to accept that she had gotten together with another man when he had searching relentlessly for her for four to five years.
Maybe he couldn’t come to terms with the fact that the girl who had loved him for more than a decade suddenly fell out of love with him and chose to leave.
Even now, I can still remember the first time Cecilia proposed divorce and how she left with such nonchalance. At that time, I never truly believed that she would let go of me. It’s only now that I understand that she wasn’t throwing a tantrum. Instead, her departure was one she had contemplated and planned for a long time.
At those thoughts, Nathaniel snuffed out the cigarette and entered the ward again, radiating an aura of chilliness.
“Come, let’s go home.”
Go home… Do I still have a home?
Cecilia was slightly lost.
They both got into the car.
While driving, Nathaniel couldn’t help but cough non–stop.
Yet, Cecilia turned a deaf ear to it, looking out at the raindrops sliding down the window.
When a person doesn’t love someone anymore, perhaps it’s manifested in the indifference she’s showing now.
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Nathaniel gazed into the rearview mirror. Her cold and indifferent expression sent a stab of paint to his heart.
After the long night, Cecilia retired in the room she occupied in the past..
The following morning, by the time she had awoken and freshened up, breakfast was already served in the dining room.
In the past, she had never eaten a meal Nathaniel served, not even takeout.
“I had Mason buy the food. Anything that’s needed in the future, just tell him.”
Nathaniel stepped forward, pulled out a chair, and sat down. All the while, he spoke as naturally as he did in the past.
Cecilia seated herself as far away from him as possible. As her gaze fell onto the trash can nearby, she glimpsed the black and white photo and urn in it.
“Okay.”
Last night, she spent a long time mulling things over.
As long as Elliot was safe, she decided that she could stay there for then. It would also be the perfect opportunity to find a way to obtain Nathaniel’s sperm. Once she had accomplished that, she could then figure out a way to leave.
Seeing she had finally stopped being sarcastic with him, Nathaniel felt a sense of relief wash over
him.
While eating oatmeal, Cecilia asked, “How’s the matter with my friend?”
“I already have her released.” Pausing briefly, Nathaniel continued in a cold voice, “Stella is an artist of Central Media. You should be well aware that Central Media is a subsidiary of Rainsworth Group. Tell your friend not to post baseless accusations in the future.”
Cecilia’s hand tightened around the spoon she held.
This lengthy speech of his is just a blatant defense of Stella.
“My friend didn’t post baseless accusations. Stella’s song is a plagiarism of a song by a composer abroad, and she is the lawyer of that composer,” she clarified,
Nathaniel snickered derisively. “Since she’s a lawyer, she should know better than anyone what she can write and otherwise.”
The mocking smile on his face pricked at Cecilia’s nerves.
Nathaniel didn’t notice her anger. He added, “Moreover, considering her level of expertise, if she were to take on Rainsworth Group’s legal department in an international lawsuit, her chances of losing would be a hundred percent.”
Chapter 112 First Time Seeing Nathaniel Coax Someone.
Bam!
Unable to bear listening to Nathaniel any longer, Cecilia abruptly set her spoon
“I’m full.”
Having said that, she shot to her feet to head out.
Only then did Nathaniel realize that she was upset.
He couldn’t help standing up and going after her, grabbing her wrist.
“Why are you angry?”
down.
Cecilia withdrew her hand. “I’m not angry. You’re absolutely right, Mr. Rainsworth. It’s my best friend who wasn’t lacking in expertise. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been sent to the police station by your subordinate and detained for a day.”
And she claims that she isn’t angry?
Nathaniel inexorably lowered himself, explaining, “I didn’t know that the lawyer Stella mentioned was your friend.”
Cecilia simply listened without saying a word.
For the first time, Nathaniel was at a loss as to what to do.
All he could do was coax. “Tell me what I can do to make amends for her having been detained? I’ll have someone apologize to her?”
Cecilia hadn’t expected him to say that. Before she could respond, a cough suddenly sounded at the door.
Mason stood at the door, his face a picture of shock.
The temperature around Nathaniel instantly plummeted.
“Why haven’t you left yet?”
“I came to see what else needs to be arranged, Mr. Rainsworth.”
Mason stood there awkwardly.
Back when Cecilia was around, she was the one responsible for managing Nathaniel’s daily life.
Ever since she left, all the burden fell on his shoulders. Only then did he realize that his employer was exceedingly fussy in private.
The man would be upset whenever breakfast was delivered early or late and scold him if his
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clothes were not arranged according to his specifications.
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Once, Nathaniel even flew into a rage just because the milk wasn’t heated to the required temperature and went as far as to fire the person who delivered the meal.
As such, many part–timers who had any contact with the man found it unbearable. No matter how good the pay, they all chose to resign.
As Nathaniel’s personal assistant, Mason had no choice but to take matters into his own hands.
Following that, he realized that Cecilia was incredibly patient and could truly tolerate Nathaniel’s various peculiar demands.
All those years, he had never heard the latter express any dissatisfaction about his life.
Unluckily, he happened to overhear their conversation this time.
It was his first time seeing Nathaniel coax someone.
“You don’t need to come anymore in the future.”
Mason was taken aback. “I’ll strive to do even better in the future, Mr. Rainsworth.
I had worked diligently by his side for decades. Am I truly going to be dismissed over such a trivial matter?
“What I meant was for you to focus on your main job in the future. You no longer need to come over to Daltonia Villa every day.”
In an instant, Mason let out a sigh of relief.
“Understood.”
After he had said that, he was just about to leave when Nathaniel called him outside.
“How’s the child doing?”
“He has been very well–behaved since last night. The housekeeper there said he’s particularly sensible, able to bath and dress by himself.”
Mason paused for a moment before adding, “He also asked when you would be visiting him.”
Nathaniel’s expression turned complicated. “You should head back to the office first.”
As he spoke, he couldn’t help but cough violently.
“Mr. Rainsworth, shall I call your personal doctor to come over and have a look at you?”
Mason noticed that Nathaniel’s complexion was not only very poor, but he had also been constantly coughing recently.
“No, it’s okay. I’m fine.”
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While he was speaking, his gaze fell Cecilia’s back in the house out of his peripheral vision.
Mason couldn’t help but advise. “Mr. Rainsworth, I think you should let Ms. Smith know if you have feelings for her. Otherwise, she might be oblivious.”
“Don’t meddle in my personal affairs.”
Mason knew he had overstepped his bounds, and his eyes behind his gold–rimmed glasses dimmed slightly.
Send Gifts
Chapter 113 Chose To Delude Himself
“I’m sorry.”
Mason had always stayed well within the lines of propriety. He only cautioned Nathaniel this time because he didn’t want the man to harbor any regrets in the future.
Over the past four to five years since Cecilia’s disappearance, he knew of the changes in Nathaniel better than anyone else.
Nathaniel didn’t blame him either and returned to the house after watching him leave.
At that moment, Cecilia had just received a call from Vivian, who informed her that she had been released in the middle of the night yesterday.
“Ceci, did you go to seek Nathaniel out?” Vivian felt that something was off. She had tried calling Ceci last night, but no one answered.
“Yeah, I spoke of this matter with him yesterday,” Cecilia admitted without holding anything back.
“Did he give you a hard time, then?” Vivian’s voice carried a hint of anxiety.
“No.”
Upon seeing that Nathaniel had returned, Cecilia said, “I’ll chat with you again in a bit.”
She then ended the call.
Nathaniel walked in. “Who called?”
“My friend, Vivian.”
Then, Cecilia stood up and looked at him. “Where’s Eli? I want to see him. His health has always. been poor, so he can’t be without a doctor.”
“There’s a medical team where he is.”
In other words, he was rejecting her request.
“He’s my son, and I must see him!”
Cecilia knew that if he was adamant about something, no amount of pleading on her make a difference.
part
would
Truth be told, she was terrified deep down.
She was afraid that Nathaniel might not believe her and conduct a paternity test with Elliot. If so, he would know that she was lying, and Elliot was his child.
“Stay put
put at home, and I’ll make sure you get to see him. Don’t you have anything else to say to
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me besides him?”
Cecilia looked at him in puzzlement.
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“What have you been doing all these years abroad? And why did you decide to come back?”
What baffled Nathaniel the most was her appearance at the charity auction and her subsequent collaboration with Rainsworth Group.
He didn’t believe in coincidences.
A lie often required many more to keep it under wraps.
“As I’ve said, I wanted to start a new life. As for coming back…”
Cecilia looked up, meeting his unfathomable gaze straight on.
“Would
believe me if I said it was because I was resentful? I couldn’t accept the fact that I sacrificed so much for you, yet you seemed not to care at all. So, I wanted to return and see your attitude once more.
She reckoned that only such an explanation would begrudgingly convince Nathaniel because he was full of himself and believed that she would never leave him, much less fall for anyone else.
Nathaniel’s eyes brimmed with scrutiny. “That was all?”
“Yes.” Cecilia nodded.
Nathaniel’s heart sank.
It wasn’t because of Cecilia’s words but the look in her
r eyes.
Having traversed the business world for many years, he could not possibly fail to discern whether someone was lying.
Yet, he couldn’t discern even the slightest hint of resentment toward him in her eyes.
Nathaniel’s throat tightened. “Let’s not dwell on the past. From now on, let’s live in peace.”
With that said, he left.
In the end, he still chose to delude himself.
Although Nathaniel had Cecilia stay at Daltonia Villa, he did not restrict her personal freedom.
She could leave Daltonia Villa and go to other places anytime.
After Cecilia had stepped out of Daltonia Villa, Sven’s car slowly drove out from an obscure spot.
“Ms. Smith, are you okay?” Sven asked in concern.
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Chapter 113 Chose To Delude Himself
Sven couldn’t hear anything and had no idea what happened to her.
Cecilia nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Are we heading back to Ninth Ville now?” Sven asked.
“Head to Vivian’s place.”
“Okay.”
Sven drove.
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Throughout the drive, Cecilia gazed out of the window, her mind filled with the events of the previous night.
Chapter 114 Stolen Song
“Did Nathaniel bring Elliot back?” Vivian was completely shocked when she heard about Elliot’s situation.
“Yeah, but we still don’t know where he’s taken him,” Cecilia said, worry clouding her eyes. “Also, he already knows that my amnesia was just an act. From now on, I’ll be living with him. I’m counting on you to take care of Jon. Please, make sure he doesn’t find out about Jon.”
“Don’t worry,” Vivian assured her confidently, “I’ll definitely keep Jon safe. Then, a thought struck Vivian. “Back then, did he ever confess his feelings for you? Why else would he insist on you coming back to live at Daltonia Villa?”
Cecilia was caught off guard but quickly dismissed the idea. “Stella was right when she said, “Those who don’t love you, will never love you in their lifetime! How could he have fallen for me just because I disappeared for a few years?”
Vivian, still frustrated, muttered, “Nathaniel is nothing but scum. Even if he doesn’t love you, he still wants to control you.”
Cecilia patted Vivian gently, “Let’s drop it, we don’t need to talk about this.” She added, “Today’s Friday, we planned to pick up Jon together later.”
As they shifted the conversation to Jonathan, the atmosphere became lighter. “All right,” Vivian agreed.
She hadn’t forgotten the lawsuit against Stella.
After enduring a day of torment from Stella, she couldn’t have lost her nerve. Vivian showed Cecilia the overwhelming public support online for Stella. Cecilia reviewed it all.
Once a song becomes a hit, people will try to ride its coattails.
So shameless!
The song Stella created was for Mr. Rainsworth. I wonder how that so–called renowned foreign composer managed to create their masterpiece.
Exactly, the song released by Stella, I haven’t seen anything like it anywhere. That composer should have the guts to release their own original songs!
Cecilia sneered internally. “Vivian, it’s time.”
Vivian asked, “What do you mean?”
“The information you gathered before wasn’t enough. I’ve got something new, something I recently managed to dig up.”
This tune was first released by Cecilia on a niche platform, but later, the platform was shut down. Recently, she had asked some friends in the industry for help, and they managed to get the platform up and running again. Naturally, the songs she had released a long time ago resurfaced.
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She found it strange, though, wondering how Stella had gotten hold of this particular piece of
music.
When Vivian heard this, she couldn’t hide her surprise. “You mean to tell me you had this song four years ago? Why didn’t you give it to me sooner? If I’d had it then, I wouldn’t have had to go through all that trouble,” she lamented.
Cecilia looked apologetic. “I’m sorry, I just got a response from overseas this morning. I never expected such a coincidence either. Now, we can finally get our revenge.”
“Yeah.” Vivian nodded repeatedly. “I bet tonight’s going to be a sleepless night for Stella.”
Meanwhile, at the preschool’s lounge, Jonathan had become quite familiar with Vivian’s nephew, Dante, and Felix.
“Felix, will Stella really come to pick you up today?” Dante asked. He was the strongest of the three children, and his words carried weight.
“Yeah, that annoying woman, trying to suck up to our Rainsworth family and my great–grandpa, specifically told Grandma Elena she’d come to pick me up,” Felix replied.
Dante rolled up his sleeves. “Great, she bullied my aunt yesterday, so today I’ll make her regret it.”
“Sure, I’ll help you,” Felix added, already becoming an integral part of their trio. He didn’t like Stella either.
Chapter 115 Make Her Regret It
As for why, it might have been because his mother often told him that Stella wanted to have hist uncle’s child and compete with him for the future leadership of the Rainsworth family.
Jonathan set down the book he was holding, his beautiful eyes shifting toward the other two. “What do you plan to do?”
Upon his question, the two youngsters exchanged puzzled glances. Felix moved closer to him, pursing his lips as he asked, “Jon, what do you think we should do?”
Jonathan knew they had no real plan, but he had already made up his mind. He secretly shared his plan with the two little ones, who listened intently,
Just then, a little girl approached, “Jon, what are you guys talking about?”
Felix moved her aside. “Go away, don’t interrupt us men when we’re having a serious conversation.” The little girl pouted, nearly bursting into tears.
Meanwhile, a minivan was cruising down the road. Stella had just finished applying her makeup. The assistant nearby said, “Stella, it’s just a child. Can’t we just send a housekeeper to pick them up?”
Stella shot her a glance. “What do you know? He’s not just any child, he’s the eldest great- grandson of the Rainsworth family. Did you really think just anyone could come to pick him up?”
The last time Stella made a fool of herself at the banquet, Niel had been particularly disdainful toward her. Felix was the apple of Niel’s eye. Winning him over would surely please the old man again..
Stella’s hand instinctively rested on her lower abdomen, wondering when she would be able to carry Nathaniel’s child. If she had a child with Nathaniel, she could do whatever she wanted.
Just then, a phone call came through. Stella picked up her phone and glanced at the screen. Answering the call, she lowered her voice, “Haven’t I told you not to call me anymore?”
“Stella, can you come back? I really miss you; please come back. I can’t go on without you,” a man pleaded over the phone. “I know you and Nathaniel haven’t wed yet. After all these years, he won’t marry you.”
Stella tightened her grip on the phone. “If you really cared about me, you’d want me to be happy, wouldn’t you? Stop calling me.”
She was afraid of being overheard, so she hastily ended the call. As a result, she didn’t hear the man on the other end saying he was on his way to Tudela.
Noticing her assistant’s inquisitive gaze, Stella quickly lied, “Just a fan.”
Finally, they arrived at the preschool. Stella donned a mask and sunglasses before heading out to
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She didn’t mind, standing by the door waiting for Felix to come out. She waited for a long time, but Felix never showed up. Instead, a sturdy little boy approached her.
“You’re Stella, right? Felix is still in the restroom. He asked me to let you know to wait for him in the classroom.” Dante played the role of a well–behaved child convincingly.
Stella was instantly cheered up by him. “All right,” she replied.
Stella headed to the classroom full of anticipation, completely oblivious to Dante’s triumphant smile.
When Cecilia and Vivian went to pick up Jonathan, they saw a large crowd gathered at the entrance of the kindergarten as soon as they arrived. Some people were even taking pictures with their smartphones.
“Is something wrong?” Vivian asked, confused. “Ceci, wait for me in the car; I’ll go pick up Jon.”
“Okay.” Whenever they went to pick up Jonathan, Cecilia would always wait in the car, just in case. After stepping out of the car, Vivian made her way through the crowd, catching snippets of the buzzing chatter around her.
hapter 116 Stella Is At The Preschool
“Stella came to pick up the Rainsworth family’s kid, but things didn’t go well for her. It was quite pitiful!”
“Indeed, it’s not easy to break into high society, not even for a celebrity. You even have to please your boyfriend’s nephew…”
“Goodness, isn’t it nice to be an independent woman? Isn’t the money from being a celebrity enough? Why the need to latch onto a wealthy family?”
“People are never truly satisfied…”
Everyone was engaged in a lively exchange of words. Only then did Vivian roughly understand that Stella had actually come to this place.
She ventured into the crowd, standing on her tiptoes, and caught sight of Stella. She looked like a drenched rat, being escorted by a few bodyguards into a minivan before driving off.
Vivian couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Even Stella has her comeuppance. She had it coming!”
Once Stella left, the crowd that had been watching the drama slowly started to dissipate. Vivian was still wondering where Jonathan was when she heard a shout, “Aunt Vivian.”
“Dante? Why haven’t you left yet?” Vivian looked at Dante, who was bare–chested and grinning at her, somewhat puzzled. She quickly approached him. “Didn’t the driver come to pick you up?”
Dante shook his head. “I told him to pick me up ten minutes later.”
“Why?”
“You saw that woman just now, didn’t you? I’m responsible for it.”
Vivian was bewildered. “You drenched her with water?”
to get in
She was somewhat fearful. She had just been released, and now, was her nephew going to trouble again? Stella was, after all, Nathaniel’s first crush.
Dante wore a smug expression. “It’s not just me; there’s also-”
Before he could identify the other two accomplices, Jonathan had already stepped out and said, “Dante, your car’s here.”
Dante took a look outside. The driver was waving at him. He had already forgotten what he just said. “Aunt Vivian, I’m leaving now. Bye!”
Vivian felt that something was off. However, she didn’t give it much thought and led Jonathan toward the car. Upon seeing them get in, Cecilia couldn’t help but ask, “What happened?”
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Chapter 116 Stella Is At The Preschool
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But Jonathan’s wide eyes showed only confusion. “Ms. Kennedy, what are you talking about?”
Acting now, are we? Go ahead and keep up the act!
Vivian crossed her arms over her chest. “Stella was also at the preschool just now. I was standing too far away to see clearly, but she was completely drenched, looking utterly disheveled.”
“Why would she come here?” Cecilia felt a bit uneasy.
Immediately, Jonathan clarified, “Oh, Ms. Kennedy, is that what you were referring to?” He explained, “Here’s what happened. She came to pick up one of our students. At that time, we were cleaning. She was wearing high heels and accidentally slipped. Then, she accidentally knocked over a water bucket on the side.”
Vivian sighed in relief. “That’s all that happened?” She was thankful that her nephew hadn’t offended someone as influential as Stella.
Jonathan nodded. “What else could it be?” He had made thorough preparations and was determined not to give Stella any leverage against him.
At that time, Stella had indeed fallen on her own. As for the water in the bucket, they had pretended to knock it over by accident–their acting skills were undoubtedly better than hers.
Vivian was taken aback again. “All right then, let’s pretend I never asked. But honestly, it was so satisfying to watch.”
On the other side, inside the minivan, the assistant was gently wiping the grime off Stella’s face and tending to her leg injury. Before she could finish, Stella’s phone started ringing.
As soon as Stella answered the call, Elena immediately started berating her. “Stella, what’s going on? Didn’t y you say you were going to pick up Felix? I went out of my way to secure this opportunity for you, and this is how you act? If you didn’t want to do it, you shouldn’t have insisted from the start. You still don’t have a child; what’s the point of having you around?”
Chapter 117 She Has Been Sued
Before Stella could explain, the call was abruptly ended. Stella clenched her fists in frustration.
That rascal Felix actually tattled to his family.
After some careful thought, Stella concluded that her fall was undoubtedly connected to those children.
How could the hallway be so slippery? And why, of all times, did it have to be right after I fell that Felix and another kid came over carrying a bucket of mop water? He had somehow managed to spill all the water on me by sheer coincidence!
Stella really didn’t expect to be bested by a mere kid. The next time she saw him, she was determined to give him a hard time.
Just when she was in a fit of anger, her manager inconveniently decided to call. “Stella, there’s. trouble. Your song. Ray of Light in the Dark, has been sued. The internet is in an uproar.”
“Hasn’t everything been resolved?” Stella asked, puzzled.
“What do you mean it’s resolved? Go see for yourself. The song belongs to Ms. Cecille, and it was released four years ago. The song you released is ninety–nine percent similar to hers.” The manager was now as frantic as ants on a hot pan. “Now, they’re not just accusing you of plagiarism, but also claiming you abused your power and had Ms. Cecille’s lawyer detained for a day. Previously, the chat logs between our assistant and Ms. Cecille’s studio were also exposed. Everyone’s saying that we couldn’t afford to buy others‘ compositions and that we relied on stealing them.”
After hearing that, Stella felt her head throbbing. “Let me take a look first.” She forced herself to stay calm. Upon unlocking her phone, she was greeted with news of her plagiarism scandal topping the trending list.
Before Stella could gather her thoughts, she saw that the latest post on her Twitter account: a clear conscience fears no accusation was nearly overwhelmed with comments from fans and passersby.
Oh, so the tables have turned? Those fans who initially claimed there was no plagiarism, do you see it now?
Really, a clear conscience fears no accusation? Stella, won’t you explain why a song, remarkably similar to yours, was released four years prior to your own? Why is it that your song, which is now released, bears a ninety–nine percent similarity to that one?
Wouldn’t you call this plagiarism? You can’t even be bothered to edit a thing; you’re just copy–pasting!
I agree. Her only difference was that she wrote the lyrics. I was wondering why the words felt odd; they didn’t quite match the melody. Even her lyric writing wasn’t up to par
Stella meticulously read through each message, genuinely hesitant to casually post on Twitter respond randomly. She called her manager, “Get in touch with the PR team, quickly.”
dub
Darance of her relationchin with Nathanial the mansmar did not mat angust her “Stalls if un
A
Chapter 117 She Has Been Sued
Finished
had sought out Ms. Cecille’s studio for negotiation when we were first accused, we could have resolved this. But now… You were so adamant about not plagiarizing in the beginning, even declaring your innocence so boldly. Even if we spent money to suppress all the trending topics, it would be of no use.”
“Right now, there are only two options. Either we ask for Mr. Rainsworth’s assistance again, or we find Ms. Cecille personally to apologize,” the manager proposed.
Stella furrowed her brow.
I’ve just offended that little tyrant, Felix. How can I possibly seek out Nathaniel for help?
She feared that the more she sought his help, the last shred of affection Nathaniel had for her would be completely extinguished.
The only person I can turn to now is… Ms. Cecille.
Stella couldn’t help but recall Cecilia.
Vivian was Ms. Cecille’s lawyer back then. Could it be that Ms. Cecille is actually Cecilia? It can’t be!
Stella dismissed the thought, acknowledging that Cecille was quite famous abroad and had a substantial number of fans.
How could Cecilia have become a renowned composer after only a few years abroad? Wasn’t she busy
running the company with Calvin’s support?
Stella convinced herself it must be a coincidence. She told her assistant, “Get me Ms. Cecille’s contact information. I need to find her myself.”
Chapter 118 His Gifts
Cecilia had a meal at Vivian’s house, and we spent a long time chatting. As the hour grew late, she decided to take a ride back to Daltonia Villa.
She was worried that Jonathan might overthink things, so she asked Vivian not to mention anything about Elliot or the fact that she was currently living at Daltonia Villa.
In truth, Jonathan had noticed early on that something was off with his mother today. However, being considerate, he chose not to pry. Instead, he planned to subtly coax information out of Vivian in private.
At Daltonia Villa, Nathaniel returned from the company at five in the afternoon. He was seated on the living room couch, an exquisite gift box placed on the coffee table in front of him.
Ding!
The Epean–style wall clock showed the hour hand resting on the 10.
It’s already ten o’clock, yet Cecilia hasn’t returned?
Nathaniel had never waited this long for anyone before. He tugged at his tie in irritation, a slight frown creasing his handsome brows. He took the gift box in his slender hand, repeatedly examining it to ensure that the contents would please her, before finally closing it again.
Another half hour passed, and Nathaniel’s irritation only intensified. He rose, reaching for the items on the table, prepared to personally bring Cecilia back.
At that moment, the sound of the door opening echoed from the entrance. Nathaniel looked over, his gaze meeting Cecilia, who was walking in, clad in a long dress the color of begonia. flowers and wearing high heels. As their eyes locked, for a moment, neither of them spoke.
Coming back to her senses, Cecilia asked, “You’re still awake?”
Not only was he awake, but he also hadn’t eaten. At this moment, Nathaniel’s mind was in a complete mess. “Where have you been? Why are you just getting back now?” he asked.
“Oh, I went to my best friend’s place for dinner.” Cecilia, having swapped her shoes for a pair of slippers, walked in. She then moved past Nathaniel, heading upstairs to her room. She found it odd.
Hasn’t he always had someone tailing me? Why is he asking now?
Nathaniel couldn’t hold back any longer. His towering figure blocked her path. “Aren’t you going to ask me where I went today? What I did?”
“What else could you be doing? Weren’t you at work?” In the past, Nathaniel spent all his weekends working; she didn’t even need to ask. Cecilia was somewhat puzzled, wondering what had gotten into him.
Facing her clear gaze, Nathaniel found himself unable to muster any anger, no matter how hard
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Chapter 118 His Gifts
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he tried. He approached Cecilia, extending the gift box toward her. “It’s a gift from a client at the company.
past, whenever Cecilia stared at the gift in his hand for quite some time but didn’t take it. In the Nathaniel made a mistake, he would casually give her gifts that were originally presented to his company by clients.
On one occasion, she was pushed into the pool by some of Zachary’s people. She nearly drowned, her eardrums painfully swollen, almost causing her to go deaf. In the end, he casually gifted her a necklace and said, “Avoid those places in the future, and you’ll stay out of trouble.”
Back then, it was the first time Cecilia had received a gift from Nathaniel. She had been overjoyed for a long, long time.
In the past, whenever she was hurt, regardless of the circumstances, he would always try to appease her with gifts. And right in front of him, his friend had remarked, “A woman like her, at few lavish gifts would keep her happy for quite some time. She’s no different from her mother, both greedy for wealth.”
Upon hearing this, she had wept as
he returned all the gifts Nathaniel had given her in the past, right in front of him. That day, Nathaniel was extremely upset as he gripped her hand tightly. “What on earth are you playing at! If you don’t want it, there won’t be any in the future!”
After that, Nathaniel truly stopped even pretending to keep up appearances. Regardless of whether she was hurt or insulted, he never offered a word of comfort, nor did he give any more gifts.
Recently, her interactions with Nathaniel had caused a rush of past memories to flood back,
attempts, she found it impossible to forget.
overwhelming her. Despite her
Cecilia snapped back to reality. “I don’t want it.”
Chapter 120 Not My First Time Seeing It
Finished
Nathaniel didn’t pause; he scoffed coldly, “It seems like Calvin doesn’t love you as much as you think. How long has he been neglecting you?”
This time, Cecilia was truly infuriated. When she came to her senses and raised her hand to strike him again, Nathaniel decisively grabbed her wrist. “Did I hit a nerve?”
Cecilia didn’t feel like explaining at all. Over the years, her relationship with Calvin was just like that of ordinary friends. “It seems like your desperation now is because Stella doesn’t love you, isn’t it?”
Two can play this game.
Nathaniel sneered coldly, “I’m not like you.” He had never laid a finger on Stella.
Cecilia laughed, “What’s so different? We’re two of a kind. You think you’re any better than me? I used to think you were deeply affectionate, but now it seems that was all there was to it. Does. Stella know what you’ve done?”
Nathaniel was not at all angry. He didn’t respond but firmly held Cecilia in his embrace. Cecilia bit down hard on his shoulder. Nathaniel sharply inhaled in pain, yet he didn’t let her go. Instead, he lowered his head and kissed her.
Over the years, he had dreamt of this scenario countless times. Cecilia was taken aback, realizing that now wasn’t the time to be angry–rather, it was an opportunity to seize. She ceased to resist.
Under the veil of darkness, Nathaniel could not discern Cecilia’s expression. However, noticing her change, he was evidently puzzled. His voice was hoarse as he asked, “It seems like you’re cooperating with me?”
Cecilia’s pupils constricted. The next moment, Nathaniel paused and promptly turned off the bedside lamp. Instinctively, Cecilia shielded her own body. Nathaniel’s voice caught in his throat. “It’s not like it’s my first time seeing it,” he paused, before changing the subject, “Does Calvin know how honest your body is? Hmm?”
Cecilia was caught between anger and embarrassment, looking at him in disbelief.
Is he taking me for a fool?
When Nathaniel regained his composure, he glanced at Cecilia without uttering another word. He then got up and headed to the bathroom, where he showered under cold water for quite a
while.
Afterward, he returned and once again embraced Cecilia, drifting off into a deep slumber. Cecilia, however, found sleep elusive.
Her mind was not only occupied by the events of the evening but also by the words spoken by Nathaniel. She clenched her palm tightly, unsure of how much time had passed. Only when
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Chapter 120 Not My First Time Seeing it
She wasn’t sure where to go, so she ended up on the balcony. There, she braced against the cold wind and listened to the sound of rain outside. After an indeterminable length of time had passed, the occasional murmur from Nathaniel’s sleep talk could be heard within the room.
“Cecilia. I’m not feeling well… You heartless creature, you shouldn’t have come back…
When Cecilia returned to the room, she could hear herself being cursed. Suddenly, she felt as if the years of affection she felt for him were particularly unworthy.
Standing at the edge of the bed, she peered at the face she had adored for almost half her life under the dim light. A sudden urge to slap it hard washed over her, but in the end, she held herself back.
Indeed, I’m heartless. I should have let you keep mistreating me after you started, shouldn’t I? I should have always been at your service, never leaving your side, right?”
Nathaniel fell into a high fever once again. In his delirious state, he listened to Cecilia’s complaints. Annoyed, he closed his eyes and reached out for her.
Cecilia took a step back, avoiding him, before she opened the bedroom door and left. Not long after she left, she heard the heavy thud of a man falling onto the floor in the bedroom.
This time. Cecilia didn’t show any mercy. She spent the night on the living room couch downstairs.
When Nathaniel woke up, he was plagued by a throbbing headache, accompanied by a slight fever. He realized he was once again lying on the ground.
Looking up toward the bed, he noted the absence of Cecilia, and his brows furrowed in confusion. Stepping out of the bedroom and standing on the second floor, he spotted a small figure curled up on the couch.
