Ch. 911..920
Chapter 911 Badmouthing Cecilia
Cecilia was still immersed in the moments he had saved her.
Amused by his question, she gave his arm a playful pinch and said, “Do you have nothing better to ask?”
Before she could add on, the ring of her cellphone interrupted their intimate conversation abruptly.
“Who’s that?” Nathaniel couldn’t help but ask.
Cecilia picked up her phone and saw that it was Calvin. She responded truthfully, “It’s Calvin.”
Nathaniel sounded like a jealous young man when he said, “Turn on the speaker. I want to hear why he’s calling you.”
The day before, even though Cecilia was merely acting, seeing her in such harmony with Calvin made him feel jealous.
Helpless, Cecilia turned on the loudspeaker.
“Hello, Calvin.” Cecilia answered the call.
“I called Sven yesterday and found out everything. Are you okay now?” Calvin asked.
“Yes, I’m fine now,” Cecilia responded.
Calvin continued, “That’s good. However, I stand by what I said yesterday. If you’re willing, I’ll send someone to bring you here. As long as you’re with me, I assure you that you won’t get hurt.”
Nathaniel’s face darkened considerably.
Before Cecilia could even reply, Nathaniel blurted, “Mr. Reese, there’s no need for you to go out of your way for my wife.”
Calvin never imagined that his conversation with Cecilia would be overheard by Nathaniel.
Without any hint of politeness, he said, “Mr. Rainsworth, if you could ensure her safety, I wouldn’t have to worry. Let me warn you, Ceci is like my sister. If you can’t protect her, you better return her to me. Unlike you, I will never let my woman or child get hurt.”
Nathaniel tightly clenched his fist. This time he truly had nothing to say.
Cecilia was quick to reassure Calvin, saying, “Calvin, I’m not hurt. Don’t worry about me, I’m really okay. When I have time, I’ll come back to visit you at Erihal.”
With that, she hung up the phone.
Calvin stared at the disconnected call, seething with anger. He threw a punch at the wall in frustrat
He was truly filled with regret now. Why hadn’t he gone to Tudela earlier to stop Cecilia from marrying Nathaniel?
Inside the ward, Nathaniel’s mind was filled with Calvin’s words. Indeed, he had put Cecilia in danger this time.
Ethan was out to get Nathaniel. If it hadn’t been for him, Cecilia would not have been injured.
On top of that, he still needed Cecilia’s assistance to buy themselves some time because he was blind!
Aside from when he first took over Rainsworth Group, he had never felt this defeated before.
Unaware of Nathaniel’s thoughts, Cecilia stood up to get breakfast when she noticed someone bringing food over. She then served Nathaniel a bowl of oatmeal.
“Come, eat this.”
Nathaniel took the bowl and spoon handed to him, only cating a little. He didn’t have much of an appetite.
On the other hand, Cecilia certainly had her fill.
After having breakfast, Nathaniel’s phone began to ring.
He picked up the phone. It was Elena who was calling. “Nathaniel, aren’t you coming over today?”
At that moment, Cecilia remembered that it was Labor Day. Usually on holidays, they would return to the Rainsworth Manor.
Since she forgot all about it, she even asked Sven to take Elliot to school.
“I’m not coming back this time,” Nathaniel responded.
The current incident hadn’t yet become the talk of the town. Everyone was still unaware that Cecilia and Jessica had been kidnapped, and that Nathaniel had been injured.
Nathaniel had also cautioned Mason to warn Jessica not to speak recklessly in public.
“Did Cecilia tell you not to come back? This girl is becoming more and more unreasonable.”
“I made the decision myself.”
With that, Nathaniel hung up the phone.
At the dining table, Elena couldn’t help but feel annoyed. “It must be something Cecilia said again. Ever since Nathaniel’s car accident, he’s like a changed person, always listening to Cecilia.”
Nicholas listened quietly, offering no response.
Cassandra chimed in, “The way Cecilia behaves is truly inappropriate. Now, we have to invite her for her to come back. If something happens to Mom and Dad in the future, is she not going to come back too?”
Chapter 912 The Old Rules
A glint of frostiness flashed through Nicholas eyes, yet he remained silent. He nonchalantly responded with a few words before standing up.
“Mom, I’m full. I’m heading to the office now.”
“Do you have to go to the office today?” Elena asked.
“Yes. I wouldn’t be of much help at home anyway,” Nicholas said. Then, turning to Cassandra, he added, “You should stay home and help Mom with the party. Try not to show up in public if it’s not necessary.”
The sentence following that was a reminder of the incident a few days ago where Cassandra had falsely accused Cecilia of plagiarism online, only for her lies to be subsequently exposed.
Reluctantly, Cassandra held her tongue and said, “Fine.
The matter had blown up online, so she didn’t dare to express her anger toward Nicholas at that moment.
After Nicholas left, he took out his phone and noticed several missed calls.
It was the third son of the Murdock family, Francis.
Nicholas dialed back.
The call connected quickly on the other end. Francis‘ voice was trembling as he said, “Mr. Nicholas, what should we do? My brother has been taken away by Nathaniel’s men.”
Upon hearing this news, Nicholas was not surprised in the slightest.
“He brought this on himself.”
Nicholas knew his brother better than anyone else. Unless Nathaniel became a fool, no one could easily harm him.
Francis was now filled with regret. Why hadn’t he advised Ethan to stop?
“Sir, can you please save my brother? I’ve already lost my eldest brother, I can’t bear to lose him too!”
Francis had been hiding outside all this time, not daring to return to the Murdock family.
As Nicholas got into his car and gazed at the swiftly passing scenery outside, a cool indifference reflected in his eyes.
“I’m not some kind of saint, and besides, you’re well aware of how strained my relationship with Nathaniel is. Even if I intervene and ask him to let go of your brother, he won’t do that.”
This was a subtle rejection.
Francis knew that Nicholas wouldn’t save Ethan.
He glanced at Stella, who was equally anxious on the side, and found himself compelled to speak again.
“Can you promise to protect me? Everything I did this time was all under Ethan’s orders. I never intended
At this point, all Francis could do was to lay all the blame on Ethan in order to save himself.
Nicholas caught a crucial information in Francis‘ words, “Did you say he kidnapped Cecilia?”
“Yes, Ethan said that Cecilia is carrying Nathaniel’s child. Now, this is Nathaniel’s only vulnerability.”
Nicholas gripped his phone tightly. “How is Cecilia now?”
“I suppose she’s fine, but I’m not entirely sure. I didn’t partake in hurting Nathaniel, so I don’t really know.”
He kept distancing himself from the matter.
Nicholas couldn’t be bothered to ask more questions. Instead, he said to Francis, “I can spare your life, but what can you offer me in return?”
Immediately, Francis pledged his loyalty.
“As long as you save me, I promise to follow your every word from now on. I’ll even hand over my entire company to you.”
Francis was nothing more than a rich and spoiled brat. Aside from his way with women, he was incompetent.
However, Nicholas had a fondness for these seemingly useless individuals as they were easier to control
“All right.”
He ended the call, then turned to his subordinates and said, “Check on how Nathaniel is doing right now, and see if his wife, Cecilia, has run into any trouble.”
Inside the hospital, Nathaniel was lying on the bed as Mason reported to him about Ethan’s situation.
“He has already been locked up. No one knows why he’s suddenly gone mad now.”
Nathaniel refused to believe that he had really gone mad.
However, he didn’t utter any harsh words because Cecilia was by his side. He simply told Mason, “Proceed according to our old rules.”
“Okay.”
After Mason left, Cecilia asked curiously, “What are the old rules?”
Chapter 913 Stop Obsessing Over Your Cousin
According to his old rules, Ethan would be eliminated from this world.
Afraid of alarming Cecilia, Nathaniel lied, “He will never be able to return to Tudela.”
“Oh, I see.” Cecilia understood.
A knock echoed from the doorway, and a bodyguard announced, “Mr. Rainsworth, Ms. Quill wishes to see you.”
Nathaniel frowned deeply. He didn’t like Jessica at all.
Before he could even utter a word, Jessica had already stumbled into the ward, disregarding any attempts to stop her. “Nathaniel, Nathaniel, are you okay?” she asked anxiously.
Jessica could clearly recall the moment before she was rushed to the hospital. Nathaniel had sustained severe injuries, all in his desperate attempt to save that despicable Cecilia.
She couldn’t comprehend why he still chose to save Cecilia even after she cheated on him.
Was Cecilia really that likable?
The bodyguard blocked her path, preventing her from moving forward. However, given that she was Nathaniel’s cousin and was injured, it was inappropriate to lay a hand on her.
“Move aside, I need to see Nathaniel.”
Cecilia listened to the clamor of Jessica outside, her ears aching. “Let her in.”
Only then did the bodyguard stop blocking Jessica.
Jessica had also heard Cecilia. She stumbled in, leaning on her crutch. Upon seeing Cecilia, she demanded sharply, “Cecilia, how do you still have the audacity to stay here?”
When Cecilia thought about Jessica’s past despicable acts, she retorted, “Why can’t I be here? Nathaniel and I are married, after all. I haven’t even asked you the reason you’re here.”
Upon discerning what Cecilia was planning to do, Nathaniel chose not to engage in conversation. Instead, he closed his eyes to rest and rejuvenate.
“You really have no shame, carrying someone else’s child and still claiming to be in a marital relationship with Nathaniel. What kind of marriage is this?”
Once she finished speaking, she turned to Nathaniel and said, “Nathaniel, you should quickly file for divorce with her.”
Nathaniel didn’t even open his eyes.
In front of Jessica, Cecilia deliberately wrapped her arms around Nathaniel’s arm.
“Since Nathaniel doesn’t mind that the child in my belly isn’t his, why should you? Why are you more concerned than the one directly involved?”
Who said he didn’t mind?
If the child in Cecilia’s belly belonged to someone else, he would indeed be extremely bothered!
Jessica choked on her words, clearly taken aback by how shameless Cecilia had become these days.
“You…”
“What’s wrong with me? You’re just jealous that I have such a wonderful husband” Cecilia suddenly changed the subject and said, “Jessica, not to lecture you as your cousin–in–law, but you’re not getting any younger. If you really can’t find a man, I can introduce you to some. Stop obsessing over your cousin. He’s already taken.”
After being exposed by Cecilia, Jessica’s face instantly turned red with embarrassment.
“You’re spouting nonsense! I only consider him as an elder brother.”
“Oh?”
Cecilia didn’t trust her at all.
Seeing herself being humiliated by Cecilia, Jessica limped over to Nathaniel’s side while leaning heavily on her crutch.
“Nathaniel, say something, will you? Are you just going to stand there and let her bully me?”
Finally, Nathaniel opened his eyes. “Cecilia is my wife, and we are promised to each other for life. Why should I speak on your behalf?”
Who do you think you are? He almost blurted.
Jessica felt her heart sink.
However, she was not willing to give up just like that. Since the child in Cecilia’s womb wasn’t of the Rainsworth family, she could find someone who was willing to handle Cecilia if Nathaniel couldn’t bear to deal with her.
She left the ward with a pitiful look. The moment she stepped out, Cecilia went to the door and shut it firmly.
The sound of the door closing felt like a stab to Jessica’s heart once again.
“Cecilia, wait and see. There will come a time when you cry,” Jessica murmured to herself.
Chapter 914 Determined To Reveal The Truth
Inside the ward, Nathaniel extended his hand toward Cecilia.
Cecilia placed her hand on his naturally. “Does your head still hurt?”
“It doesn’t hurt anymore, but I can use a hug,” he replied.
Cecilia sat on the bed and embraced him. “If I accidentally touch your wound, you must tell me.”
“I know, I’m not that foolish,” Nathaniel said, his lips curling up into a smirk.
He hadn’t felt this happy in a long time.
The two of them were locked in an embrace, oblivious to the passage of time. Even when the door was pushed open from the outside, they were still lost in their own world.
“Daddy, you’re a grown man. Why do you still need Mommy to hold you?”
When the childish voice rang out, Cecilia turned toward the door. There, she saw Sven leading Elliot, standing at the entrance.
Elliot was flabbergasted. “Mommy, you guys are too much! You’re sneaking hugs in the hospital, yet you make me go to school even during holidays.”
When Cecilia came back to her senses, she immediately let go of Nathaniel.
“Um…”
She had no idea how to explain herself. Elliot’s shining eyes seemed to indicate that he could see through everything.
“Seems like I really am someone unimportant.” Elliot pouted.
Immediately, Cecilia rose to her feet and approached him. “Sweetie, I was wrong. How are you unimportant?”
Nathaniel’s eyebrows furrowed when he felt Cecelia withdrawing her embrace.
Why does this little brat have to show up at this moment and disrupt my plans?
Elliot was satisfied, thinking to himself that him and Jonathan were indeed the most important people to Cecilia.
“Mommy, don’t lie to me anymore, okay?”
“All right,” Cecilia agreed without hesitation.
Elliot finally stopped acting coy. He then walked toward Nathaniel and asked, “Daddy, are you feeling better?”
“Yes, I’m feeling better now,” Nathaniel replied.
“Daddy, do you want me to blow on it for you? When I got cut by a knife before, Mommy blew on it and Elliot looked on with deep concern.
Nathaniel’s heart inexplicably softened. “It’s okay, I’m not in pain.”
As Nathaniel and Elliot talked to each other, Cecilia and Sven stepped outside.
Sven said to Cecilia, “I really had no Race. Eli insisted on coming.”
He could be indifferent to everyone else, but he simply couldn’t bring himself to refuse the affectionate child.
Cecilia didn’t mean to blame him. “No worries, I also forgot that Eli didn’t have school today. Have you guys had breakfast yet?”
Sven nodded. “Yes.”
“That’s good then.”
As the two were engrossed in conversation, Jessica, clad in her hospital gown, was hobbling along the wall for support not far away. With a sarcastic tone, she mocked, “Isn’t one man enough for you? Are you planning to cheat on Nathaniel now?”
Jessica’s voice was quite loud. Both Cecilia and Sven heard her loud and clear.
Cecilia instantly glanced at her. “Jessica, it seems your leg injury isn’t as severe as I thought.”
Cecilia felt that she should have kicked Jessica’s mouth yesterday.
Upon hearing these words, Jessica showed no fear. On the contrary, she retorted, “I should thank you, Cecilia. If it weren’t for those extra kicks you gave me, I wouldn’t have ended up in this state.”
At that moment, Jessica still didn’t realize that they might not be able to escape if it weren’t for Cecilia.
Cecilia couldn’t be bothered to explain herself.
“You’re welcome.”
Jessica’s expression became even more unpleasant.
Had it not been for Nathaniel’s strict instructions forbidding her from sharing the recent events with others, she would have informed the Rainsworth family long ago.
However, she was sure that the child Cecilia was carrying wasn’t Nathaniel’s. She was determined to find the right moment to reveal this truth to everyone.
“Cecilia, no need for the sarcasm. The reason I’m here is because Aunt Elena called me. She insisted that you and Nathaniel must return home tonight with the kids.”
Chapter 915 Go Spend Time Together
So, she’s just a messenger Cecilia replied, “You should tell Nathaniel yourself.”
Fine! I’ll tell him myself! Jessica slowly made her way to the hospital room. A short while later, she emerged looking visibly upset.
When Cecilia entered the room, Elliot was sitting idly by.
“Let’s head back, Eli, we shouldn’t disturb Daddy’s rest, okay?”
“Okay.”
Elliot intended to see how Nathaniel was faring. However, staying there was too dull, he thought it would be better to go back and live stream.
Upon hearing that the two were leaving, Nathaniel chimed in, “I’ll be back tonight.”
His wounds had already been stitched up, so he would be fine as long as he didn’t engage in strenuous activities.
“But are you sure your injury is okay?” Cecilia expressed her concern.
“Don’t worry, it’s fine. Zachary has already said that I’m out of danger.”
After finishing his statement, Nathaniel added, “I plan on dropping by the Rainsworth Manor tonight.”
He still had business to attend to with Nicholas.
According to Mason’s investigation, Nicholas had been closely associated with Ethan recently, so he wasn’t sure if Nicholas was involved in the crime Ethan committed.
Moreover, every time the Rainsworth family held a gathering, quite a number of their business partners would attend.
Nathaniel was determined to secure the means to protect Cecilia and their children quickly.
“Then, We’ll go back with you,” she said uneasily, uncomfortable about him returning to the Rainsworth
Manor alone.
“If you’re not comfortable with it, don’t force yourself.” Nathaniel knew Cecilia hated returning to the Rainsworth Manor.
Cecilia, however, shook her head. “I wasn’t willing before, but now I am.”
In the past, Nathaniel didn’t care about her, so every time she visited the Rainsworth Manor, she was met with all sorts of disdainful looks and cold shoulders. However, things were different than before.
“All right.”
The sweet exchange between the two reached Elliot’s ears, causing the corners of his mouth to lift in joy. “Mommy, should we pick up Jon and bring him with us?” he suggested.
He wanted to show Jonathan that their mommy had completely fallen for their sc*mbag daddy.
“Let’s ask Jon later, then,” Cecilia responded.
“Okay.”
After bidding farewell to Nathaniel, they left and got into the car.
In the car, Cecilia made a phone call to Vivian.
“Hey Vivian, where’s Jon?”
Vivian had been busy the night before and had finally got a moment to sleep for a bit. “Jon went with Grandpa to a friend’s house,” she said.
One could easily guess that George had gone off to show off the child.
Upon hearing this, Cecilia didn’t press any further. “Oh, all right, I was just asking. No big deal.”
“Sure thing.”
Vivian nodded.
At that moment, a knock came from her door. “Who is it?” she called out.
After she hung up the phone, she looked toward the door and saw Zachary open it and walk in without hesitation.
“Are you still sleeping at this hour?”
Vivian asked, slightly annoyed, “Do you need something?”
Zachary initially wanted to inform her about the incident involving Cecilia and Nathaniel, but considering her tendency to panic easily, he decided against it.
“It’s nothing.”
“Don’t bother me if it’s not important,” Vivian said as she settled back into bed, intending to catch up on some sleep.
“Get up. Grandpa asked me to take you on a date,” Zachary added.
Not only did George refuse to let him go out and have fun during the holiday but also insisted that if he were to leave, he had to take Vivian with him.
Vivian had wanted to sleep a little longer, but when she heard it was George’s request, she had no choice but to get up.
After a quick tidy up, she left the house with Zachary.
As they were getting in the car, George had called to supervise. “Don’t just stay at home when you have free time, learn to go out more often, I’ll call you again later.”
George was worried that the two might head out together but not spend time together.
Chapter 916 An Encounter With The Ex
After hanging up the phone, Zachary finally found relief.
He asked Vivian, “Where should we go?”
Vivian was feeling rather lazy and didn’t feel like doing much.
“Let’s head to the nearby mall. We can grab some food there. If Grandpa asks, we’ll just say we went to see a movie, how about that?” she suggested.
Though Zachary was reluctant, he recognized it as the best approach.
They went to the mall together.
At that time, the shopping mall was packed with people.
Vivian unintentionally bumped into Zachary’s arms from the bustling crowd several times. Left with no choice, Zachary had to safeguard her. “What’s even fun about this place?”
He couldn’t understand.
Vivian found herself contemplating that she had no idea where to go if she were to leave.
She spotted a grill house in the distance that had no queue. “Let’s head over there,” she suggested.
Perhaps in her rush to leave, she hadn’t noticed someone standing in front of her and nearly knocked them over.
“Could you be a bit more careful? My wife’s pregnant,” a familiar voice rang out.
Vivian was taken aback, only recognizing Ernest after she had steadied herself.
She saw Ernest assisting a gentle–looking woman with a slightly protruding belly.
She hadn’t expected Ernest’s wife to be pregnant not long after their marriage.
Ernest hadn’t expected to encounter Vivian there. His expression stiffened for a moment before he quickly regained his composure. “Oh, it’s you. After all this time, you’re still as careless as ever.”
Vivian didn’t refute his criticism but instead took a step back.
“Sorry, it wasn’t intentional.”
Listening to her, who was always fearless, apologize to Ernest, Zachary felt somewhat displeased.
He pulled Vivian into his arms. “Who isn’t pregnant these days? Vivian is also expecting.”
A single sentence caused Ernest’s pupils to contract.
Clearly, he didn’t expect Vivian to be carrying Zachary’s child.
Still unsatisfied, Zachary added, “Mr. Ernest, do you think you can afford to compensate if something happens to my son?”
Ernest was ready to retort, but his wife lowered her head and gently tugged the hem of his shirt. “Ernest, drop it. Let’s go, the baby and I are hungry.”
Upon hearing her words, Ernest decided to ignore Zachary and Vivian and carefully guided his wife past the two, making a cautious effort to maintain a distance.
Vivian watched as their figures receded into the distance, remaining in a daze for quite some time.
Zachary was displeased. “Isn’t he just a sc*mbag? Why the long face?”
He picked up his phone and walked off to the side to make a call.
Vivian’s mood was terrible at the moment. The image of how Ernest had protected his wife and the affectionate tone his wife had when calling him crossed her mind.
It was as if she and him were enemies in the past.
Even then, she couldn’t comprehend why Ernest, who had loved her deeply, left her without a word and suddenly married someone else.
Seeing Zachary on the phone at a distance, Vivian thought he didn’t want to keep her company anymore. She didn’t mind and was getting ready to grab a bite on her own.
No matter what, she couldn’t let herself go hungry.
Vivian went to the grill house alone, sat down, and ordered a meal.
By the time she finished placing her order, she noticed that everyone in the mall was heading toward the exit.
At that moment, the restaurant owner approached her with an apologetic demeanor.
“Apologies, miss, we’ve received instructions from the management and unfortunately, we can’t accommodate you today. Here’s a voucher for you. We look forward to welcoming you next time for a meal.”
Vivian was ushered out in a daze by the restaurant owner. Once outside, she noticed the security guards busily dispersing the crowd, urging everyone to leave.
She was about to leave when suddenly someone grabbed her arm.
Chapter 917 I Rent The Entire Mall
“Where are you going?” Zachary asked.
Vivian noticed he wasn’t on his phone anymore and explained, “Didn’t you see the security guard asking us all to leave?”
Resignation filled Zachary. “The security guards are asking them to leave, not us.”
Vivian was somewhat confused, so she silently listened to his explanation.
“I made a call to the person in charge here earlier, asking him to escort everyone out,” Zachary said.
Initially, Zachary didn’t mind the crowd. However, upon seeing Ernest and his wife, he felt the urge to drive everyone away.
Only then did Vivian understand what he had done, realizing that with wealth truly came the power to do as one pleased.
Zachary had asked everyone in the mall to leave, which meant he was shouldering all the expenses for the day: It must have been a considerable amount.
“What a waste of money. You should have just given it to me instead,” Vivian muttered.
Zachary didn’t catch what she said, and couldn’t help but ask, “What are you mumbling about?”
Vivian immediately shook her head. “Nothing, so does that mean we can eat here for free today?”
“Of course.”
Upon hearing such good news, Vivian instructed Zachary to tell all the restaurants to prepare their signature dishes.
Puzzled, Zachary asked, “Can you even finish everything?”
“I want to try a bit of everything.”
It will be a waste not to eat everything since Zachary has already spent the money.
Zachary immediately had someone make the arrangements.
She could go around the entire mall to eat, from the first to the sixth and even the seventh floor. All the food was free of charge.
Clothing could be purchased freely since Zachary would pick up the tab.
Vivian found a spot in a restaurant and settled down. She then called Cecilia, inviting her and Elliot to join her, promising a fun–filled time with food and drinks on the house.
Cecilia and Elliot had nothing much to do at home, so Cecilia had Sven take them out.
Upon meeting, the friends had endless topics to discuss, leaving Zachary to amuse himself by teasing Elliot.
He raised his hand, intending to touch Elliot’s face, but Elliot quickly dodged. “Mr. Zachary, don’t think that just because you treat us to meals and buy us things, you can touch me as you please.”
Elliot knew how Zachary used to bully his mom.
Zachary hadn’t expected Elliot to reject him, yet he still stubbornly reached out to pinch his cheek.
The next moment, an agonized scream echoed, “Ah!”
Cecilia and Vivian turned their attention in the scream’s direction, only to see Elliot biting Zachary’s hand.
Zachary cried out in pain, “Open your mouth, I won’t touch you anymore.”
Elliot wouldn’t let him off the hook so easily. He bared his teeth in determination.
Zachary hadn’t expected that from Elliot. Even though Elliot wasn’t as eloquent or philosophical as Jonathan, he was definitely fiercer.
“Eli, open your mouth. Release Mr. Zachary’s hand,” Cecilia voiced out.
She couldn’t comprehend when Eli had picked up the habit of biting people.
Elliot finally let Zachary go and said, “Mr. Zachary, please refrain from touching me casually in the future. I might not be able to control myself from biting.”
He was so adorable, not at all like a child who would bite.
Zachary looked at his fingers. They are bleeding. This kid is truly ruthless.
“Got it.”
very least, Jonathan would reason
He had come to realize that having Jonathan was much better. At th with him and wouldn’t resort to violence. Elliot would immediately choose violence.
Having had their fill of food and drink, Cecilia strolled around the mall with Vivian. When she noticed it was getting late, they decided to return home.
By the time Cecilia and Elliot returned to Daltonia Villa, Nathaniel had also come back.
The wound on his head had been stitched up, but unless one looked closely, it wasn’t visible.
“You’re back.”
“Yeah, Vivian and Zachary went on a date today, they rented out the whole mall and invited me to hang out,” Cecilia said excitedly.
He rented an entire shopping mall?
Nathaniel quietly listened to her cheerful tone, assuming it was crucial, and discreetly took note of it.
Chapter 918 Return To The Rainsworth Manor
After changing into appropriate clothing, Nathaniel, Cecilia, and Elliot then headed toward the Rainsworth Manor.
The Rainsworth Manor was exceptionally lively that day.
In wealthy households, there was never a lack of popularity.
Even Jessica, who hadn’t fully recovered, made her way there to keep Niel company.
Elena and Cassandra were busy greeting their guests when Queenie arrived. Some of the attendees recognized Queenie and upon learning that Cassandra was pregnant, they each took turns to convey their sentiments to Elena.
“Mdm. Elena, Cassandra is already pregnant. When will she and Nicholas get married?”
“Exactly, have a date been set yet?”
“Once everything is set, let us know so we can prepare their wedding gifts in advance.”
Listening to everyone pressuring her about Nicholas‘ marriage, Elena couldn’t help but fret.
She had also discussed it with her son, but Nicholas kept assuring her that he had everything under control, telling her not to worry. Thus, she didn’t press the matter further.
“It really depends on Cassandra and Nicholas. Whenever they decide to have their wedding, that’s when it will happen,” Elena replied.
Everyone’s gaze was drawn to the bashfully blushing Cassandra.
Cassandra was completely open about it. “We’re already picking out our wedding dress. We’ll be married before long.”
As soon as she spoke these words, everyone began to offer their congratulations.
When Nicholas returned, he heard about Cassandra’s remarks from his subordinates. He didn’t say anything, but his expression had darkened.
Isn’t Cassandra indirectly rushing me to get married?
Jocelyn had also noticed it but still advised Nicholas, “Mr. Nicholas, Ms. Evans is carrying your child after all. It’s better for the child if you marry her sooner rather than later.”
Nicholas looked at her, his usual gentleness nowhere to be found.
“Jocelyn, don’t meddle in my personal affairs in the future.”
He rarely scolded Jocelyn in such a cold tone. Jocelyn lowered her head, not daring to speak further.
Nicholas softened his voice again. “You should know I don’t like her.”
Jocelyn simply nodded.
Cassandra because of Queenie.
The banquet was in full swing.
Meanwhile, not long after Nicholas returned, Nathaniel also arrived.
As soon as Nathaniel arrived, all eyes were drawn to him.
Jessica also turned her gaze toward Nathaniel.
Niel watched as Nathaniel and his family approached, he couldn’t help but snap, “Nathaniel, you’re becoming more and more thoughtless.” Niel was already aware of the incident that occurred the day before. He had learned from Jessica that the child Cecilia was carrying was not sired by Nathaniel. “Come with me to the study.” He knew that he shouldn’t air his family’s dirty laundry in public. Just as Niel was about to leave, Jessica immediately stopped him and softly said, “Old Mr. Rainsworth, you mustn’t tell Nathaniel that it was me who said it.” Niel gently patted her hand, assuring, “Don’t worry.” Nathaniel softly instructed Cecilia and Elliot to wait, then followed Mason to meet with Niel. Cecilia watched as Niel’s man led Nathaniel to the study.
She took Elliot’s hand and casually found a deserted spot to sit.
Oddly enough, perhaps due to the branch company’s bankruptcy and the debt they were left with, Nathaniel’s cousin, Adrian, and his wife, Miranda, didn’t show up. Only Felix was sitting alone in the corner.
Felix had noticed Elliot quite a while ago.
His resentment toward Elliot remained intense even then.
He felt that if it hadn’t been for Elliot, he wouldn’t have been neglected, and his parents wouldn’t have frequently argued.
Felix knew that Elliot and Jonathan were not the same. Elliot was sickly.
He clenched his fist, resolute in his decision to teach Elliot a lesson later.
Chapter 919 The Quick Thinking Of Elliot
After sitting down with Elliot, Cecilia waited for Nathaniel’s return.
However, she hadn’t anticipated that Cassandra would come over with a few of the Rainsworth family cousins who were around the same age, and deliberately sit next to her.
“Cecilia, why are you and Eli tucked away in such an inconspicuous corner? I thought you didn’t come.” Cassandra was the first to speak.
The others also sat down. One said, “Cecilia, this must be your child with Nathaniel, right? Such an adorable kid, but I heard he’s suffering from a serious illness, what kind of illness is it?”
The woman seemed to intentionally hit Cecilia’s sore spot, deliberately poking wherever it hurt the most.
Before Cecilia could respond, another woman chimed in, “I recall Granddad mentioning that it’s leukemia.”
“Huh? Leukemia? Isn’t that incurable?” another person exclaimed loudly.
“It seems so. Leukemia can’t be cured.”
Everyone was taking turns, deliberately provoking Cecilia with their words.
Cecilia clenched her fists tightly. The illness that plagued Elliot was her sore spot. It was also the subject she didn’t know how to retort to.
Elliot immediately realized the women held ill intentions at first glance. He couldn’t help but voice out, “Mommy, have these madams never been to school?”
When Cecilia came to her senses, she instantly understood Elliot’s implication. Yet, she feigned confusion.
“Sweetie, why would you ask such a thing? They are all honor students. Many of them have returned after studying abroad.”
The Rainsworth family, be it men or were illiterate.
All the women couldn’t help women, placed great emphasis on education. There was no way they
All the women couldn’t help but giggle. “Eli, I’m a Kentridge University graduate, you know.”
“Exactly, there’s not a single fool in our Rainsworth family,” everyone explained.
Elliot looked at them with wide
Yes. His words took them by surprise.
“Do none of you have parents, then?”
Everyone became even more confused. “Eli, why
Unaware of Elliot’s” they asked our of curiosity.
Would you think that?” they asked.
After all, they didn’t know how scheming a child of just over four years old could be.
Hence, they were taken aback by Elliot’s ton.
and above all, to refrain from speaking ill of others.”
Everyone was dumbstruck.
Elliot continued, “My teacher also said only those who lacked upbringing would constantly speak ill of others.”
Everyone finally understood then that Elliot was criticizing them for their lack of manners and even
casually included their parents in his repri
The group of women, who were initially realization.
bag with confidence, wore grim expressions at the
At that time, Cecilia added insult to injury. “Eli, you mustn’t speak nonsense. These are your aunts, their parents must have been too busy and overlooked the importance of good manners.”
“Cecilia, how could you say such a thing?” Someone finally couldn’t hold back anymore.
Cecilia turned to look at her. “What’s wrong with what I said? Is it only okay for you to talk about Eli, but not for me to talk about you?”
“My child is sick, but what’s it to you?” Cecilia bluntly retorted.
For a moment, all the women were at a loss for words, their gazes collectively shifting toward Cassandra
They had come over to aide Cassandra.
It was Cassandra who said she feared being bullied by Cecilia because she was lower in the family hierarchy.
Just as Cassandra was about to speak, Elena’s voice sounded from behind them, “Who’s speaking ill of Eli?”
Elena was wondering why she hadn’t seen Elliot when she knew he would attend, but as soon as she got within hearing range, she caught Cecilia that someone had been badmouthing Eli.
Cassandra was about to explain when Elliot interrupted, “Grandma Elena, just now these madams said I have leukemia and called me a short–lived wr*tch.”
Chapter 920 Apologize To Elliot
Elena was completely stunned that someone had actually dared to curse her grandson and called him a short–lived wr*tch.
The cousins present we’re all at a loss for words. They had only said that leukemia was incurable, but when had they ever called Elliot short–lived wr*tch?
Yet, Eli was particularly skilled at acting and promptly embraced Elena.
“Grandma Elena, am I not going to live much longer? I don’t want to die yet, Grandma Elena.”
Tears fell from his eyes as he spoke.
Had Cecilia not known the truth, she would have been deceived by Elliot as well.
At that moment, she vaguely realized that her younger son was quite clever.
“My dear Elliot, how could you possibly not live long? You will live a long, healthy life.” Elena bent down to wipe away Elliot’s tears, then turned her cold gaze toward the others present. “Who among you dared to curse my grandson? Speak up!”
At that moment, Cassandra desperately wished to find a place and hide.
The others were also afraid of Elena, each stuttering and stammering.
One bravely spoke up. “Aunt Elena, we didn’t call Eli a short–lived wr*tch.”
“What exactly did you tell him then?” Elena demanded loudly. “If none of you said it, how would a child even know of the word, short–lived wr*tch?”
“We just said Leukemia isn’t an easy illness to treat,” another person whispered.
Cecilia interjected, “You just said it’s not easy to cure? Is that all?”
They had clearly stated that it was incurable.
In reality, regardless of whether Elliot’s illness was curable, they shouldn’t have spoken such harsh words in front of them as relatives.
Elliot’s sobs grew louder. “Grandma Elena, I don’t want to die,” he whimpered.
Elena was utterly heartbroken.
Pointing at the people present, she scolded, “Are you all still children? How thoughtless! Apologize to my grandson right now.”
The group of women had never seen Elena that angry before. Despite their reluctance, they found themselves apologizing to a four–year–old child.
“Eli, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say what I said.”
“I’m sorry, Eli.”
She had thought she didn’t need to apologize since she hadn’t said anything. However, unexpectedly, Elena demanded, “Cassandra, what are you waiting for Apologize to Eli.”
Cassandra was taken aback.
“Mom, I never said anything about Eli.”
Elena was no fool. She knew Cassandra had spent the day getting acquainted with the women. Since this incident had occurred, even a fool knew there was more to the story.
“Apologize to him now!”
At her firm demand, Cassandra had no choice but to apologize, “I’m sorry, Eli.”
The adults had apologized to Elliot, but he deliberately said, “All of you need to be more courteous in the future, okay?”
They reluctantly nodded in agreement.
“Understood.”
The incident passed just like that.
After Elena asked Cecilia why Jonathan hadn’t shown up, she led Elliot to play.
From a distance, Felix saw Elliot being led away, and he discreetly followed.
Meanwhile, Niel sat in his armchair in the study and demanded angrily, “The child in Cecilia’s belly isn’t a, Rainsworths. Why didn’t you tell me that?”
The look in Nathaniel’s eyes subtly shifted. His expression didn’t change, and he simply asked, “Did Jessica.. say that?”
He hadn’t expected Jessica to be so audacious. Despite his warnings to watch her words, she continued to spout nonsense.
Niel firmly slammed his cane on the ground.
“All I have to do is ask around a bit to find this out. Do I need someone to tell me? What exactly is going on? Speak up! Whose child is she carrying?”