Ch. 1651..1660
Chapter 1651 Rummage Through Everything
Miranda had already come in, so there was nothing more Cecilia could say.
Cecilia forced a smile. "Please, have a seat. Do you mind telling me what brings you here?"
After Miranda took a seat, Felix started to look around.
She said, "It's nothing. Felix insisted on hanging out with your boys."
The housekeeper swiftly came over and poured the coffee.
When Felix found Jonathan's room, he wanted to play with them.
Elliot looked at him with clear distaste. "Felix, why are you here?"
Felix was displeased, but remembering the advice from Miranda and his grandfather, he had no choice but to endure it.
"Eli, Jon, I came to hang out with you guys. I was just too bored at home. You guys never come back to the Rainsworth Manor. Don't you miss Luke and Gabe?" Felix muttered..
Elliot scoffed, "Where we choose to hang out is none of your business. You'd better get lost."
Suppressing his anger, Felix made his way to Jonathan's side. "Jon, you're not going to tell me to leave, too, are you? I don't care. I'm staying here to have fun."
Jonathan watched Felix, who had always been arrogantly domineering, acting surprisingly docile, even swallowing the humiliation from Elliot. He couldn't help but be curious and said, "Sure. Stay and play with
1. us.
"Okay!" Felix's spirits lifted instantly.
Elliot had had enough. He walked up to Jonathan. "Jon, have you lost your mind? Why would you let this guy stay?"
2
Jonathan shot him a glance, then said, "Eli, we're relatives, and it's only natural for relatives to help each other out."
Upon catching Jonathan's glance, Elliot immediately understood and nodded. "All right, I got it. Felix, you better play fair with us this time. Don't try to fake an accident again."
The room was buzzing with activity.
Outside, Miranda had arrived. She looked around, unable to resist asking Cecilia, "Is Nathaniel not home today?"
"Yeah, he's quite busy, working overtime," Cecilia responded.
A sense of excitement involuntarily filled Miranda's heart. With Nathaniel not around, finding the
confidential documents she was after would be much easier.
She stood up. "I'm having a stomachache right now, and I need to use the restroom."
"All right." Cecilia watched her leave.
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Chapter 1651 Rummage Through Everything
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Once Miranda had escaped her sight, Cecilia discreetly instructed a housekeeper to follow her, curious to discover what she was truly up to.
Miranda walked into the room, taking a look around as she moved. She didn't head to the restroom. Instead, she went straight to Nathaniel's study.
She glanced around, and upon seeing no one, she immediately entered. She then began to rummage through everything.
Perhaps she was too engrossed that she didn't even notice when Cecilia had unknowingly arrived at the door.
"Miranda, what are you looking for? Do you need my help?" After waiting for a long period, Cecilia couldn't help but speak up when Miranda still hadn't noticed her.
Miranda's hand momentarily stiffened. She turned her head back, smiling at Cecilia, and said, "I'm sorry. I got lost."
Cecilia couldn't bother to expose her lies. "Let me take you to the restroom."
"All right," Miranda reluctantly followed Cecilia out.
After losing her opportunity, Miranda brought Felix back to the car and called Robert.
"Why can't you handle even such a trivial matter?" Robert chastised her.
Miranda kept on apologizing, yet she was quite displeased deep down because he was scolding her while
his son was out enjoying himself.
After hanging up the phone, Miranda dialed the number of the man she had spoken to before.
Chapter 1652 A Wicked Plan
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Late at night, inside a private booth at the bar, Miranda collapsed into a man's arms, pouring out her heart about her struggles and hardships.
The man comforted her, "Bear with it a little longer. Once we secure the Rainsworth family's wealth, we'll have everything we need."
"It's not as easy as it seems. Nathaniel is a hurdle we could never overcome. He's really riding high now. Not only did he reclaim Orion Corporation, but also has four sons..." Miranda sighed. "Felix's future is definitely going to be tough."
A chilling glint flashed in the man's eyes. "Isn't there a way to eliminate them all?"
Upon hearing those words, Miranda looked at the man in slight astonishment. "What kind of joke is this?" "Miranda, there's no reward without risk. If you're too scared to do it, you can always let Adrian do it," the man suggested.
Miranda shook her head. "Adrian was already terrified by Nathaniel a long time ago. There's no way he would dare to harm Nathaniel, let alone his child."
"You'll need to push him a bit more," the man quietly advised Miranda.
Miranda listened quietly. "Do you mean let him and Cecilia..."
"Given Nathaniel's temperament, would he have let Adrian live if he really did something to Cecilia?" the man added.
Miranda nodded in agreement. "You're right. Why didn't I think of that? This way, I can make Cecilia suffer!"
"In a few days, it would be All Souls' Day, at which time they would all return."
"Okay. Let's proceed this way then."
After they reached an agreement, they embraced each other once more.
At an All Souls' Day memorial, Cecilia had paid an early tribute to Regas and Martha.
She had also visited Paula's grave, and coincidentally, she saw both Magnus and Cassandra there. Originally, Cassandra didn't want to come. However, considering her recent streak of bad luck, she decided to show up after all.
"Who would have thought you'd actually come to pay respects to Mom," Magnus teased with a sarcastic tone.
Cassandra didn't hold back her words. "I never thought an unfilial son like you would come, too."
During their relentless argument, Magnus saw Cecilia approaching, Instantly, he sheathed his sharp words and grinned. "Cecilia."
Magnus waved toward Cecilia..
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Chapter 1652 A Wicked Plan
for investments. He owed much to Cecilia.
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Cassandra sneered at his sycophantic behavior, letting out a cold huff before delivering a sarcastic remark. "Do you think she's your sister just because you're treating her like one? Shameless."
After hearing that, Magnus retorted, "Even though she's not my biological sister, she's more like a sister to
me than a certain someone who shares my blood yet wishes to see me dead.
Cassandra was repeatedly provoked by him, and after shooting him a fierce glare, she left reluctantly.
Once she left, Magnus approached Cecilia. "Cecilia, did you come here alone?"
Originally, Nathaniel was supposed to come along, but Cecilia didn't want to interrupt his work, so she came alone.
"Yes." Cecilia nodded.
"I suppose Nathaniel is pretty busy with work," Magnus said.
The way he was so easygoing at that moment was a far cry from the arrogant version of him in her memories.
Cecilia understood that people wouldn't change easily. The only reason Magnus treated her so well was because she was Nathaniel's wife.
At that moment, she felt a slight headache, and a flood of memories came rushing back.
She suddenly recalled that, a few years ago, he said, "Cecilia, even though you're married into the Rainsworth family, you can't forget about the Smith family. Your surname is Smith, and you should ask
your husband to help the Smith family more. Otherwise, the Smith family will collapse."
Cecilia felt a throbbing pain in her head, causing her to instinctively step back a few paces.
Chapter 1653 Do You Really Like Me
Magnus noticed that her complexion was somewhat pale, voicing his concerns with a question. "Cecilia, are you all right?"
Cecilia shook her head. "I'm fine."
"Come on, get in the car with me. I'll take you to see a doctor." Magnus didn't want anything to happen to his golden goose.
"No need." Shaking off the hand he extended toward her, Cecilia glanced back at Paula's tombstone. Suppressing her dizziness, she started to walk away.
However, she hadn't taken more than a few steps when her vision went black, and she collapsed onto the ground.
Observing the situation, Magnus quickly moved to her side and helped her up.
"Cecilia!" In a flurry of panic, he scooped up Cecilia and swiftly headed toward his car.
"To the hospital, quickly." He commanded the driver as he swung open the car door and climbed in.
When she woke up again an hour later, her head still felt dizzy. Fragments of memories would sporadically resurface, causing her immense discomfort.
Two individuals strolled in, one trailing behind the other.
It took a while for Cecilia to clearly see the person in front of her. Nathaniel's large hand had already gently rested on her face.
"How are you feeling? Is there any discomfort anywhere?" he asked gently.
Following behind him, Magnus was also anxiously saying, "Cecilia, you really scared me to death. If you
ever feel unwell in the future, you must see a doctor immediately, okay?"
Cecilia nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay now. It was probably just a temporary drop in my blood sugar."
The doctor had examined her and indeed, no major symptoms were found.
However, Nathaniel was still worried. "Wherever you go in the future, make sure to bring someone along."
"All right." Cecilia forced a smile.
Magnus was standing off to the side, observing Nathaniel's deep concern for his sister. That made him feel even more reassured.
As long as he stuck with Nathaniel, his days would never be bleak.
"Are you hungry? I'll have someone bring food over," Nathaniel asked again.
"Let's go back and eat. I'm feeling much better now," Cecilia suggested, not wanting to linger in the hospital.
Originally, Nathaniel intended to refuse, but he couldn't resist Cecilia's persistent pleading. In the end, he agreed to take her home.
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Chapter 1653 Do You Really Like Me
Once they got home, Cecilia nestled into the couch, sharing with Nathaniel that she had remembered some more things, events that had occurred after their marriage.
Nathaniel's heart sank, and his voice tightened. "Everything in the past was all a misunderstanding." Seeing him looking all tense, Cecilia forced a smile and said, "I know, I know..."
Her voice was a 'soft murmur, and Nathaniel was still afraid. He kneeled halfway in front of Cecilia, carefully holding her hand. "That's good then."
He was a commanding figure in the business industry, yet, at that moment, he resembled a child who had done wrong, afraid of being scolded by his parents.
It was a stark contrast to how cold she remembered him to be in her memories.
"Nathaniel," Cecilia suddenly called out his name.
Instinctively, Nathaniel tightened his grip on her hand. His voice was magnetic yet laced with a hint of panic. "Yes?"
"Do you really like me?" Cecilia asked, somewhat unsure.
"Of course."
Without any hesitation, Nathaniel firmly pulled Cecilia into his embrace.
Leaning forward, Cecilia lost her balance, collapsing against him. Her heart was in utter chaos.
She wasn't sure if it was because of those fragmented memories or if she was genuinely smitten with Nathaniel, but as she leaned against him, her heart was pounding. "Nathaniel, release me." Nathaniel's heavy breath echoed in her ear as if he was forcefully suppressing something.
"I feel awful," he said, his voice hoarse.
Cecilia thought something was wrong with him. "What's bothering you? Are you sick?"
Nathaniel, captivated by her innocent expression, could no longer resist. He rose to his feet, swept her into his arms, and carried her into the room.
Chapter 1654 Why Is Your Face So Red
It wasn't until Cecilia was tossed onto the bed that she understood his intentions.
She immediately wrapped herself tightly in the blanket, her eyes full of caution. "Don't try anything funny!".
Nathaniel's eyes were tinged with red as he gently grasped Cecilia's chin. "Ceci, I'm just a regular guy."
It had been quite some time since they started living together. He wasn't abnormal, but if things kept going like that, he feared he might fall ill.
Upon hearing those words, Cecilia was about to flee but was abruptly pulled back by Nathaniel.
She couldn't escape, and the man's kiss swiftly followed
Cecilia found her breath becoming labored, and she panicked, leaving her at a loss for what to do.
As she passively accepted the situation, two untimely voices echoed, "Mommy."
Jonathan and Elliot had returned from school, calling out loudly from the bottom of the stairs.
Nathaniel's handsome face grimaced. He had arranged for Charlotte, Madeline, and Lucille to leave, but he forgot about the kids.
Listening to the growing proximity of the two little ones' voices, Cecilia strained to push Nathaniel away. Nathaniel had no choice but to stop.
Cecilia swiftly exited the room just in time to come face-to-face with the two children who had just returned.
"Mommy, were you sleeping? Why is your face so red?" Elliot asked in confusion.
Cecilia's face was burning hot. "Um..."
Before she could even explain, Nathaniel emerged from the room, looking displeased at the two children. "Why are you back already?"
"Because of All Souls' Day," Jonathan noted indifferently after noticing something.
Elliot, however, was unrelenting, tilting his little head and asking, "Mommy, did you sleep with sc*mbag daddy?"
Cecilia's denial came out instantly. "No. We were just looking for something in the room."
"What are you looking for?" Elliot asked.
Once again, Cecilia was at a loss for words, not knowing what to say. After a long pause, she finally responded, "A book."
"Oh, what book are you looking for? Let me help you find it."
"No need. It should be in the study. I'll go have a look." Without any further ado, Cecilia departed, heading toward the study.
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Chapter 1654 Why Is Your Face So Red
Nathaniel watched as Cecilia walked away, his expression sour.
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With just a glance, Elliot realized what was going on. He walked over and sighed. "Daddy, did my brother and l'interrupt something important?"
Nathaniel lowered his gaze. "Why ask if you already know?"
Elliot tiptoed to' pat Nathaniel's arm. "Don't be disheartened. Keep going."
At that moment, Cecilia, who was in the study, was truly restless.
Her mind was filled with the scenes that had just unfolded.
Unsure of what to do, Cecilia spent a long time in thought, feeling that what Nathaniel had said was indeed
correct.
After all, the two of them were husband and wife. It really wasn't right for him to sleep alone for such a long time.
After mentally preparing himself for quite some time, Cecilia picked up her phone and ordered an item online. An hour later, it was delivered.
In the night, after finishing dinner and putting the two children to bed, Cecilia turned to Nathaniel and said, "I've been giving it some thought today, and you're absolutely right. It's perfectly normal for you to have needs.'
Nathaniel had thought she had come to a realization, his gaze burning intensely as he watched her. Cecilia felt as if his gaze was about to set her aflame. She said, "I have something prepared for you." "What is it?" Nathaniel asked, a hint of confusion in his tone.
Cecilia led him into her room, pointing at a parcel not far away. "Open it and see for yourself. If you're not happy with it, we can choose something else together."
Chapter 1655 Utterly Dumbfounded
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Nathaniel was perplexed. He stepped forward and unwrapped the package. When he witnessed what was inside, his face turned an observable shade of pale with a speed that was visible to the naked eye,
Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Cecilia stepped forward, pointing at the doll, and said, "Do you think this will do? I won't mind.
Nathaniel almost lost his temper because of her.
It was the first time anyone had dared to present him with such a thing. He forcefully suppressed the anger welling up inside him. "Ceci, don't you think you're being incredibly unreasonable?"
Cecilia was stunned. "What?"
She didn't think it was anything extraordinary. "Don't get me wrong. I believe everyone has physical needs. I respect you. After all, we are husband and wife, aren't we?"
Nathaniel realized that she simply didn't understand his intentions and, turning around, he left.
Cecilia watched him storm off in anger, feeling somewhat bewildered.
She followed him out, saying, "I was initially considering finding a woman for you, but after all, we're married. And you mentioned that when I wasn't suffering from amnesia, we were deeply in love. I don't think it's right to do so..."
Nathaniel sat heavily on the couch, realizing he had a headache. "All right, stop talking now." Who does she think / am? A man who only knows how to satisfy my physical needs?
Cecilia stopped talking, the air around them becoming unusually stifling for a moment.
After a while, Cecilia finally whispered to him. "If there's nothing else, I'm going to sleep. Aren't we going back to the Rainsworth Manor tomorrow?"
Nathaniel grumbled a displeased "Mhm," then added, "Whatever."
Unaware of the implied meaning in Nathaniel's words, Cecilia felt as if she had received a royal pardon and left.
Upon seeing her truly walk away, Nathaniel was momentarily stunned.
"She's just gone like that?" he mumbled to himself.
After returning to her room, Cecilia didn't forget to lock the door behind her.
Nathaniel listened to the sound of the lock falling into place, utterly speechless.
At Royale Club, Darren and Nathaniel were having a jovial conversation over drinks.
"Nathaniel, how come you have time to drink here? Don't you need to accompany your wife?" Darren was somewhat surprised.
Nathaniel didn't respond. Instead, he looked at him. "What about you? You don't need to accompany Madeline?"
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Chapter 1655 Utterly Dumbfounded
"Have you not clarified things with her yet?" Nathaniel asked.
Darren shook his head. "I've explained it numerous times before, even showed her the evidence.
However, she simply refuses to believe me, convinced that I'm the one who wronged her family. I suppose
I was too impulsive when I was younger. I should have communicated with her better."
Nathaniel attentively listened to his troubles, taking another sip. "We can consider ourselves as friends who share the same misery."
"Truc, everyone has their own troubles."
Cecilia had lost her memory, completely forgetting about Nathaniel with no clue when she would be able to regain her memories.
After the two had finished their drinks, they were escorted back.
In the early dawn, when Cecilia got up to have a drink of water, she discovered that Nathaniel was deeply intoxicated.
Last night, he had spent the entire time sleeping on the couch, his rest far from peaceful, as he often frowned.
Cecilia felt a chill inside the house, so she went to fetch a blanket. Just as she was about to drape it over him, he suddenly seized her wrist.
"Don't leave," Nathaniel muttered in a daze, pulling her entirely into his embrace.
Cecilia was about to rise when she heard Nathaniel say in a deep voice, "I feel terrible."
He was truly in emotional and physical agony.
"Do you know? What I wanted wasn't just any woman or any other need," Nathaniel mumbled, his words heavy with intoxication. "I'm in such pain right now, and I finally understand what it was like for you to be."
Chapter 1656 Great Grandpa
Cecilia listened in silence, an inexplicable sadness welling up within her. She gently patted Nathaniel's back. "It's okay now. Go to sleep."
Nathaniel held her tightly once more before drifting off to sleep again. *完12%日
Cecilia allowed him to hold her, only gently prying his hand away once he had fallen into a deep sleep. Unable to sleep, Cecilia sat on the balcony, a gentle breeze brushing against her, lost in a myriad of thoughts.
At six in the morning, Nathaniel woke from his sleep, his head throbbing with pain. As he gradually regained consciousness, he felt significantly more alert.
He stared at the blanket draped over his body, momentarily lost in thought.
He vaguely remembered that it seemed like Cecilia was by his side after he returned, yet she wasn't anymore.
Nathaniel thought he was dreaming, so he made his way upstairs to the bathroom in his room. After taking a shower and changing into fresh clothes, he continued with his sleep.
Cecilia, too, heard the stirrings of Nathaniel, observing that he seemed to be all right. She thus returned to her own room.
When it was eight in the morning, Nathaniel woke up promptly. Everything was as if nothing had ever happened.
He was seated at the dining table, eating his breakfast with an air of refined elegance.
Cecilia sat across from him, observing his every move with surprise. He was pretty drunk last night, yet there's no trace of it today..
The man noticed her gaze and looked up. "What's up?"
"No, it's nothing." Cecilia immediately lowered his head, eating his meal quickly.
The two children also sensed a strange atmosphere at the dining table.
In a soft voice, Elliot asked Jonathan, "Jon, why does it feel like something's off?"
Jonathan replied, "Just focus on eating your bun."
"Okay."
After breakfast, the family headed to Rainsworth Manor for All Souls' Day, a time dedicated to paying respects to their forebears.
The moment the car pulled up in front of Rainsworth Manor, Elena was there to greet them. "Eli, Jon, come
to me."
Nathaniel stood by Elena's side, his phoenix eyes unabashedly falling upon Cecilia.
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Chapter 1656 Great Grandpa
grand hall.
After a long time, Niel was also seen in the hall.
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Niel's health was not what it used to be. Though he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren, Felix was constantly pestering him, asking for this and that.
Had it been in the past, Niel would've undoubtedly agreed to his requests without a moment's hesitation. However, he had gained two more great-grandchildren. Luke and Gabe were only a year old, at the most endearing and delightful age.
"Felix, why don't you go play with Jon and Eli? I'm not in the best health right now, and I can't keep up with your antics," Niel said.
Felix was chased away by Niel, feeling somewhat displeased in his heart, yet he couldn't justify staying any longer.
After he left Niel's side, Niel immediately called for the nanny to bring Luke and Gabe over.
The two children had just learned to speak, their voices adorable as they called out, "Great-Grandpa..." Niel was brimming with joy. "My two great-grandchildren are truly clever. Even though they're so young, they can already call me 'great-grandpa..."
Not far away, Felix stood beside Miranda, his eyes filled with jealousy.
That adoration Niel displayed used to belong only to him.
Miranda couldn't help but feel worried. Niel held a significant ten percent stake in Orion Corporation. He used to mention that he would transfer his shares to Felix frequently, but he hadn't brought it up at all recently.
She pinched the palm of her hand.
At that moment, Cecilia and Nathaniel entered with Eli and Jonathan.
Then, they all greeted Niel, who hurriedly invited them to take a seat.
At that moment, Robert entered through the back door, carrying something in his hand.
Chapter 1657 Winning His Favor
"Dad, I prepared this soup myself. I learned it from an elderly traditional medicine practitioner. It was time-
consuming and labor-intensive, but it's supposed to prolong life," Robert said ingratiatingly.
Niel's eyes lit up when he heard that.
"Really?"
"Of course. Why would I lie to you? I came back from abroad just to take care of you and ensure you live a long life." Robert replied.
Compared to Nathaniel's unreliable father, Robert was particularly good at winning Niel's favor.
That was also why Niel always favored Robert's side of the family.
"Robert, you're the most filial one in our family," Niel praised.
At this point, it was no secret to anyone that aging was inevitable.
However, Niel refused to accept it. He didn't want to grow old, let alone die.
In his quest to maintain his youthful vigor, he had once even undergone a blood transfusion at the hospital.
"Dad, you're too kind. I think Nicholas and the younger generation are all filial as well." After saying this, Robert cast a meaningful glance at Nathaniel. "Isn't that right, Nathaniel?"
Nathaniel remained silent, unwilling to play the game of false flattery.
Niel understood Nathaniel's character and didn't press the matter further. Instead, he invited everyone to
sit
down and rest.
"It has been some time since we are all gathered together. Relax and enjoy yourselves."
Despite his words, everyone present had their own agendas.
Niel turned to Cecilia. "Ceci."
"Grandpa," Cecilia greeted him politely.
Niel nodded and gestured for her to come over.
All eyes shifted to them as Niel openly said, "Ceci, you're now an important figure in the Rainsworth
family. I heard your health hasn't been great recently. How are you doing now?"
"I'm much better," Cecilia replied.
"That's good. Once you've fully recovered, you need to prioritize the family. As for the company, Nathaniel can handle it," Niel declared.
In his eyes, a woman's place was at home, supporting her husband and raising children.
He had only agreed to Nathaniel marrying Cecilia back then because the Smith family was advantageous
to the Rainsworth family at the time.
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Chapter 1657 Winning His Favor
careers, but we can balance work and family."
Though her words were tactful, everyone could hear that she was subtly pushing back against Niel's traditional views.
Niel's expression darkened instantly.
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He didn't respond to Cecilia's comment but instead turned to Elena. "Look at this, you've spoiled the children," he said pointedly.
Far from being the model of a virtuous wife and mother, Elena hurried to explain, "Dad, young people today think differently from our generation. Please don't worry too much about it."
Niel's anger grew. He was about to say more when two little ones interrupted, clamoring to be held. "Hold me... hold me..."
The sight of the two adorable children immediately distracted Niel, though he still managed to throw one last remark at Cecilia. "I don't care about modern thinking. A woman's primary responsibility is to the family."
Seeing the opportunity, Lucille chimed in, "Grandpa, I think you're absolutely right. That's why I've been personally teaching Felix myself."
Standing there, Cecilia felt lost watching the duo sing the same tune so perfectly.
Nathaniel strode over and stood by her side. "Our family doesn't need a babysitter. Ceci can do whatever she wants."
The room fell silent at his words.
"We'll come back for the memorial later," Nathaniel added, then led Cecilia outside.
As Nathaniel took her away, Cecilia felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
Had she stayed there any longer, sured by stares, she truly wouldn't have known what to do.
Chapter 1658 No Need To Thank Me
Cecilia followed Nathaniel outside, breathing in the fresh air as if she had been reborn.
"Thank you for helping me out," she said gratefully.
Nathaniel let go of her hand and replied, "Didn't I tell you? You don't need to thank me in the future?
They were married, yet Cecilia always maintained a polite distance.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Cecilia murmured, "I'm sorry, I forgot."
"And you don't need to say sorry either," Nathaniel added.
Cecilia felt at a loss, as if everything she said was wrong
"Got it," she replied softly, lowering her head like a child who had done something wrong
Seeing her like this, Nathaniel felt a twinge of heartache. "Come on, I'll take you to rest." "Okay."
Cecilia followed him as they walked to their shared quarters.
Once there, Nathaniel dismissed the servants, leaving only the two of them in the house.
Feeling less restrained, Cecilia sat on the sofa. After a while, she suddenly remembered something. "By the way, Eli, Jon, Luke, and Gabe didn't come."
Nathaniel, now seated with a laptop, opened it to handle some work while responding to her.
"Don't worry. They're safe at the Rainsworth Manor. Besides, with so many extended family members visiting today, staying with Niel will give them the chance to meet more people. It'll be beneficial for them to build connections as they grow up."
Cecilia nodded. "But wouldn't it be inappropriate for us to leave like this?"
"It's fine," Nathaniel replied, lifting his gaze to meet hers. His dark eyes were intense, like black ink. "After all, I don't need to rely on anyone."
There wasn't a trace of arrogance in his words, only quiet confidence.
Cecilia trusted his abilities and decided not to worry further.
She hadn't slept well the previous night and now curled up on the sofa, gradually closing her eyes. While Nathaniel worked, his eyes frequently wandered to her serene, beautiful face. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly.
In the past, when he worked, nothing could distract him.
Cecilia was merely sitting there minding her own business, but he couldn't help sneaking glances at her. Nathaniel didn't know how long he had been watching her when a message from a subordinate snapped him out of his thoughts.
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Chapter 1658 No Need To Thank Me
Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the Rainsworth Manor, Miranda was nervously making a phone call. "Nathaniel's whole family is here. All four kids are together," she whispered.
"This is a perfect opportunity. You must act quickly," the man on the other end urged.
Miranda's hand trembled as she held the phone. "But I'm scared."
She had done bad things before, but nothing like this.
"Miranda, you need to stop being so softhearted. You must put Felix first. Only by getting rid of them can Felix's position be secured in the future," the man insisted.
Before Miranda could reply, her husband Adrian's voice suddenly sounded from behind.
"Miranda, what are you doing here by yourself?"
Startled, Miranda quickly ended the call and turned around.
Thinking fast, she decided to use Adrian to her advantage. She walked toward him, looking
uncharacteristically gentle. "Hubby, did you see Cecilia today?"
"Why are you bringing up Cecilia?" Adrian's expression shifted slightly.
"Don't you think she's changed?" Miranda asked.
"Changed?" Adrian was confused. "I didn't notice. How has she changed?"
To him, Cecilia was as beautiful as ever.
Unfortunately, she belonged to Nathaniel, making her untouchable.
"I'm telling you, don't be fooled by how Cecilia looks now. She's been involved with Nicholas for a long time. It's just that Nathaniel doesn't care."
Chapter 1659 I Am Willing To Help You
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"What?" Adrian was incredulous, then spat disdainfully. "That shameless woman! She used to act so pure
and noble. I really thought she was virtuous. And Nathaniel? Isn't he supposed to be so capable? Why doesn't he dare do anything about his own brother?"
Adrian's face twisted with rage. The fact that something he couldn't obtain was now in someone else's possession particularly irked him.
Miranda observed the changing expressions on his face, fully aware of the unsavory thoughts running through his mind.
She no longer cared.
"Hubby, I know you've always wanted her. I'm willing to help you."
Adrian stared at her in shock but pretended not to understand. "Darling, what nonsense are you talking about? You're the only one I love.
Watching him feign ignorance, Miranda felt a wave of disgust.
"I know you love me, but I also understand that you want Cecilia. I don't want to fight and bicker like other women. I just want to see you happy."
Her eyes were filled with sincerity.
Adrian, far from a virtuous man, was instantly intrigued. "Darling, you're too kind, but that woman Cecilia
is way too pretentious. She'd never agree to anything. Besides, if Nathaniel finds out, won't he break my legs?"
Miranda knew he was a coward.
"Hubby, you're so naive. The only reason Cecilia wouldn't agree is that she's afraid you'll talk. But if I
mediate, I guarantee she'll be yours tonight."
"Really?" Adrian's face lit up with excitement.
"Of course it's true. Just make sure you're all cleaned up and ready tonight," Miranda told her.
Adrian nodded eagerly. "Okay, it's a deal."
He left, rubbing his hands in glee.
Watching his back, Miranda deeply regretted marrying him.
Still, with Felix in the picture, she had to plan for his future.
At ten in the morning, the family gathered for the memorial, followed by casual mingling.
For the rest of the day, the Rainsworth family relatives would stay at the Rainsworth Manor for meals and socializing.
Cecília accompanied Nathaniel, who introduced her to the extended family members one by one.
"I don't remember all of them..." Cecilia admitted, feeling a bit disheartened.
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Chapter 1659 I Am Willing To Help You
"It's fine. You'll remember in time," Nathaniel reassured her gently.
"Right."
Cecilia nodded.
Just then, a man approached Nathaniel-it was Blaine.
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After glancing briefly at Cecilia, Blaine turned to Nathaniel and said, "Nathaniel, can we talk privately?" Nathaniel already knew that Blaine had been mingling with Nicholas recently.
He informed Cecilia before stepping aside with Blaine.
As they walked away, Blaine chuckled at him. "Nathaniel, you've really changed. Afraid of your wife now?"
Nathaniel remained unbothered by the teasing in his tone. "It's not fear. It's love."
Blaine, notorious for his sinister reputation, had been married multiple times, with each wife meeting an untimely demise.
Even Jessica, who had relentlessly pursued Nathaniel, had perished because of him.
So when he heard Nathaniel talk about love, it sounded to him like the biggest joke. "I never thought I'd
hear this from you, Nathaniel. A man like you, actually falling for a woman. You better be careful-I might steal your business while you're distracted."
"Go ahead. If you can take it, it's yours."
The two cousins exchanged jabs, one after the other.
Meanwhile, Cecilia found a quiet corner to sit in. With nothing to do, she pulled out her phone and started scrolling aimlessly.
"Ceci." A familiar voice echoed above.
Chapter 1660 Are You Ready
Cecilia looked up and met Miranda's sharp, calculating gaze.
"Why are you sitting here all alone? Want to join the other cousins for a chat?" Miranda asked.
No, thank you. I prefer being by myself," Cecilia replied.
Miranda gave a stiff smile. "All right then."
Cecilia thought she would leave, but to her surprise, Miranda sat down beside her.
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Seeing Cecilia glance at her, Miranda said, "To be honest, I'm not a big fan of crowds either. Since you're alone and I'm alone, why don't we keep each other company?"
With that, Cecilia couldn't refuse.
Besides, this was the Rainsworth family's property. It wasn't like she could ask Miranda to leave. Cecilia's eyes wandered to the younger Rainsworth family members chatting among themselves in the distance.
Miranda sipped her drink, her gaze fixed on Cecilia's glass.
A sly glint flashed in her eyes as she picked up her phone, pretending to have stumbled upon something sensational.
"Ceci, take a look at this..."
She handed her phone to Cecilia.
Puzzled, Cecilia took her phone and saw some gossip about Eric.
While Cecilia was distracted, Miranda reached out toward Cecilia's glass.
After completing her task nervously, Miranda turned to Cecilia and said, "Eric works at your company, right? I never would've guessed-he likes men!"
"It's just tabloid gossip. It's probably not true," Cecilia replied.
Eric didn't strike her as someone who liked men.
If he did, he wouldn't constantly butt heads with Calvin.
With Calvin's looks, few people attracted to men could resist him.
"True, the media does love to make things up," Miranda said, retrieving her phone. "By the way, Ceci, you're not leaving tonight, are you?"
Cecília picked up her glass, took a sip, and replied, "We're leaving tomorrow."
"Oh, that's great." Miranda's eyes gleamed with excitement as she watched Cecilia drink.
Cecilia couldn't quite understand what she meant by "that's great."
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Chapter 1660 Are You Ready
tonight. You must join us."
*12%:
"No, you guys go ahead." Cecilia didn't even remember who they were. Staying around them would just feel awkward.
Miranda sighed regretfully. "Okay, if you insist."
She stood up. "I'm heading to the restroom."
"Okay." Cecilia nodded.
After leaving, Miranda headed to a secluded corner and immediately called her secret lover. "It's all set. I'm just worried about Nathaniel. Someone needs to keep him occupied."
The man on the other end reassured her that he'd take care of it.
Sure enough, not long after, Miranda saw Nathaniel speak privately with Cecilia before walking away. Glancing at her phone, Miranda noted the time. It was already past five in the evening.
Another thirty minutes, and everything would fall into place.
Half an hour later, Miranda approached Adrian. "Hubby, are you ready?"
Adrian was practically trembling with excitement. "I've been ready for ages. Should I go to her now?"
He glanced toward Cecilia, his gaze burning with desire.
Seeing him so eager, Miranda clenched her teeth in irritation but kept her tone soothing.
"Don't rush. If you go now, people will see, and that'll be bad for both of us. Let me go first and take her to
the empty west wing where no one lives. Half an hour later, you can come over."