Chapter 2166

Chapter 2166

Cecilia had braced herself for some grave announcement. Instead, Nathaniel admitted the “emergency” was nothing more than Eric’s arrival.

“So you don’t trust me, huh?” Cecilia teased, a half-smile tugging at her lips. “The moment you heard Eric was in town, you rushed straight home.”

Nathaniel pulled her into his arms. “It’s not you I doubt,” he murmured against her hair. “I doubt myself.”

It took someone as dazzling as Eric to make a man like Nathaniel admit to insecurity, and Cecilia didn’t miss that detail.

She patted his back in gentle reassurance. “There, there. There’s nothing between Eric and me. He’s handsome and young, sure, but I know my limits.”

Nathaniel’s brows drew together in a sharp, indignant line.

What kind of explanation was that?

Did she mean he simply wasn’t as good-looking as the actor?

Worse—was she rejecting Eric only because she believed she didn’t deserve him?

Once upon a time, Nathaniel would never have worried about a mere actor. Now, however, Cecilia had become the steady axis of his life, and Eric—with that sculpted face and legions of online admirers—felt like a very real threat.

Nathaniel had witnessed Eric’s relentless pursuit before: the polished smile, the roses, the shameless compliments that fell like hail. And for once, the usually unshakable man found himself uncertain, wondering if Cecilia might actually be swayed by that pretty face.

Just then, the front door opened. Jonathan and Elliot stepped inside, just in time to catch their parents locked in a long embrace.

Jonathan, ever the discreet older brother, lowered his gaze and slipped quietly down the corridor toward his room, the soft tread of his sneakers swallowed by the carpet.

Elliot, however, had no intention of retreating. Before his parents realized he was home, the boy planted himself between them, wide, curious eyes fixed on their faces like searchlights. Cecilia startled, arms tightening instinctively around Nathaniel before she quickly pulled back, her cheeks warming with surprise and embarrassment.

“Eli, sweetheart, why are you standing here? When did you get home?” Cecilia asked, smoothing stray hair from his forehead.

Elliot sighed. “Mommy, you barely notice me anymore. Jon and I have been back for ages. I’ve been standing here watching you and Daddy hug each other for, um…”

He started counting on his fingers. “For as many times as I can count on all five fingers—dozens of times over.”

Cecilia parted her lips, but no sound came out. The situation was so absurd she found herself completely speechless.

Nathaniel’s patience had already worn thin. “Have you finished your homework?” he asked, brow creasing. “And tell me, genius—what exactly is five fingers counted a few dozen times?”

Elliot froze. The color drained from his face, embarrassment wiping away every trace of earlier confidence.

“I’m starving, so I’ll go eat now. Bye!” He turned and waved over his shoulder. “Daddy, Mommy, keep hugging all you want. I promise I won’t tease you.”

With that, he bolted down the hall, sneakers tapping a hurried rhythm against the polished floor.

Cecilia watched the small, mischievous figure disappear around the corner and let out a helpless laugh.

She slipped out of Nathaniel’s arms. “Come on. Let’s eat before Eli turns our embarrassment into tomorrow’s headline.”

Nathaniel rose beside her. Without a word, he placed a guiding hand at the small of her back and steered them toward the dining room.

Inside, Jonathan and Elliot were already seated, forks moving with youthful urgency as they dug into their food.

Elliot perched on the edge of his chair, trying hard to look contrite while hope flickered in his eyes. “Mommy, you two looked busy earlier, so we went ahead and started eating.”

“Yes, yes, I know.” Cecilia set her stack of files aside and offered him the gentlest smile. She moved around the table and took the empty seat across from the boys, the amber dining-room light wrapping her in a quiet halo.

Jonathan paused with his spoon halfway to his mouth and lifted his head politely. “Old Mr. Sinclair asked if I could spend the weekend at his place, Mommy.”

Cecilia nodded without hesitation. “Of course. I’ll have Mr. Marco take you there when the time comes.”

Since George had welcomed a great-grandchild of his own, there was no longer any reason for Jonathan to stay at Sinclair Manor. Yet after the boy moved back home, George felt the absence keenly. He called every day, his voice thick with longing, insisting Jonathan visit every weekend.

Cecilia never objected. Knowing someone loved her son so deeply filled her with quiet gratitude.

Elliot seized the pause. “Mommy, I want to visit a classmate’s house this weekend too.”

“Which classmate?” Cecilia asked, tilting her head.

“Dante Kennedy,” Elliot replied, pronouncing the name with obvious pride.

He and Dante had been getting along remarkably well lately, bonded by their shared, outspoken dislike of Felix Rainsworth.

“All right,” Cecilia said with another nod. “And when you have time, you’re welcome to invite Dante over here as well.”

“Really?” Elliot’s eyes lit up, an idea bursting across his face. “Then can I invite the whole class over this weekend instead?”