Chapter 2228

Inside, Cecilia was working when Arnold knocked on the door.

“Ms. Cecilia, Mr. Nathaniel is here.”

She lifted her head and looked toward the entrance.

Nathaniel stood there in a sharp suit, straight as a blade, though his face looked faintly worn.

“Why are you here?” Cecilia asked in surprise. “Shouldn’t you be at your own office right now?”

After Arnold closed the door behind him, Nathaniel walked straight toward her.

“Ceci.” His dark eyes were filled with emotions she couldn’t quite read.

Cecilia met his gaze. “What’s going on?”

Nathaniel didn’t know where to begin.

“Ceci… do you remember something I once told you?”

She frowned slightly, trying to follow. “You’ve told me a lot of things. I’m not sure which one you mean.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed as his hand gently cupped her cheek.

Confused, Cecilia felt his fingers slide slowly downward until they rested against her neck.

In that instant, realization struck her.

So Nathaniel knew everything.

“You found out?” Cecilia’s hand tightened. “I’m sorry.”

Nathaniel, convinced Nicholas had been telling the truth, felt his eyes sting.

“Why are you apologizing to me?” he said hoarsely. “I’m the one who should be sorry.”

He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.

“I’m sorry I didn’t protect you.”

Cecilia had no idea Nicholas had lied to Nathaniel.

She assumed his distress came only from seeing the wound on her neck.

Gently patting his back, she said softly, “It’s okay. Don’t blame yourself. I’m fine.”

Seeing her still trying to comfort him only made Nathaniel feel worse.

“Ceci, don’t worry. I’ll make sure he pays for what he did.”

Cecilia hummed quietly before adding, “But… he’s your brother.”

That single bond was why she had kept silent. She hadn’t wanted to put Nathaniel in such a difficult position.

Nathaniel cut her off immediately.

“That’s exactly why I won’t let him get away with it.”

They were twins. Even in the womb, Nathaniel had taken more nutrients, leaving Nicholas frail from birth.

Because of that, their parents had always told Nathaniel to give in to his brother—and he truly had.

He had never imagined Nicholas would go this far.

Hearing his words, Cecilia gently slipped out of his arms.

“I understand,” she said sincerely. “But please… don’t make things too difficult.”

Nathaniel knew exactly what she was worried about.

“Don’t worry about my troubles,” he said quietly. “You’re what matters most.”

Cecilia nodded.

“Okay.”

She took his hand and tugged it lightly.

“Now go back to work. Everything’s already settled anyway.”

Nathaniel studied her calm expression, convinced she was only pretending to be fine to reassure him.

“No,” he said firmly.

“For the next few days, I’m staying right here with you.”

He couldn’t shake the fear that something might happen to her the moment she left his sight.