Chapter 2239

“This blood belongs to Nicholas,” Nathaniel said slowly.

“What?” Cecilia’s voice broke with disbelief.

“I’ve had him locked up,” Nathaniel continued. “I went to see him tonight… and I beat him again.”

That one word echoed in Cecilia’s mind—again.

Until now, she had only suspected that Nicholas’s disappearance was connected to Nathaniel. She had never imagined her husband was personally going to see him… and hurting him.

“His health has always been fragile,” she said, unable to hide her concern. “What if something happens to him because of you?”

Nathaniel let out a short, cold laugh. “If something happens to him, I’d call that good luck—for him.”

Silence settled between them. Cecilia didn’t know how to respond.

“All right, you know everything now. Don’t stay upset. Let’s get some sleep. If I hold you, the nightmares won’t come back.”

She lay down beside him, but sleep wouldn’t come. She turned from one side to the other, restless.

Nathaniel pulled her into his chest. “What’s wrong?”

“I can’t fall asleep,” she admitted.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Don’t feel guilty. Nicholas brought this on himself.”

She let out a soft sigh.

“It’s not guilt over him,” she said quietly. “I just hate putting you in this position.”

Nathaniel tightened his arms around her. “I failed to protect you… and you’re still worrying about me. I’m sorry.”

“Enough.” She gave a faint smile. “I told you I’m fine. No more apologies.” Then she added gently, “You’ve punished Nicholas more than enough. Let it end. Release him. I don’t think he’ll ever dare cross us again.”

Nathaniel’s brows drew together.

Another time? There should never be a next time for something like that.

He took a slow breath. “Leave it to me. I’ll handle everything.”

The certainty in his tone made it clear—he had no intention of letting Nicholas go.

As his wife, Cecilia couldn’t bear the thought of watching him and his brother destroy each other.

“Nathaniel, let him go,” she urged again. “We can cut ties after this.”

She had considered turning Nicholas over to the authorities, but exposing a family scandal would damage Nathaniel’s reputation.

The best outcome she could imagine was Nicholas disappearing somewhere far away, nursing his wounds.

“That’s impossible,” Nathaniel said flatly. “If I let him go, do you really think he’ll stay away?”

He knew their parents—especially Elena—would protect Nicholas no matter what.

The moment Nicholas regained his freedom, she would bring him back.

Cecilia’s worry deepened. They couldn’t keep him locked up forever.

Nathaniel patted her shoulder. “Stop worrying. I’ve already decided what to do.”

She hesitated, then nodded. “All right.”

A few days later, over the weekend, everyone gathered for dinner at Rainsworth Manor.

Elena barely touched her food, her usual brightness dimmed by worry.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” Cecilia finally asked.

“It’s Nicholas.” Elena sighed. “There’s still no sign of him.”

Another heavy sigh escaped her.

Cecilia searched for something to say, but nothing felt right.

Just then, Nathaniel walked in. “Mom, we have news about Nicholas.”

Elena’s eyes lit up instantly. Wren, who had been half-watching TV, jumped to his feet. “Where is he?”

Nathaniel stepped forward and held out his phone. The screen showed an active call.

“Here—talk to him yourselves.”

Elena grabbed the phone first. “Nicholas, where are you? Have you been all right these past few days?”

Cecilia froze slightly as a familiar voice came through the speaker.

“Dad, Mom, I’m overseas right now,” Nicholas said. “Don’t worry about me—I’m fine.”