When Her Death Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel) novel Chapter 1758

Chapter 1758 Jocelyn Defends Nicholas
To her, no one in their right mind would do the things Nicholas had done and still call it love.

For a moment, Jocelyn was at a loss for words. “Maybe... maybe Mr. Nicholas was just under too much pressure.”

After all, between the two brothers, Nathaniel had always overshadowed Nicholas in every way.

Cecilia could see that Jocelyn was still trying to defend him. Rather than argue, she chose to let it go. As Nicholas stepped out of the café, Cecilia said, “I'm leaving.”

Jocelyn nodded. “Alright.”

She watched as Cecilia walked away.

At that moment, Nicholas approached. “What were you talking about with Ceci?”

Jocelyn shook her head. “Nothing important.”

Something flickered in Nicholas' eyes, but he said nothing more. “Let's go. Back to the office.”

“Okay.” Jocelyn nodded.

As they sat in the car, Jocelyn hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Mr. Nicholas, I plan to return to my hometown this weekend.”

Nicholas glanced at her, a hint of confusion in his eyes. “Is something wrong?”

“I'm going back for my engagement. My family has been urging me,” Jocelyn replied.

A heavy silence settled inside the car, thick and suffocating.

Nicholas had always encouraged Jocelyn to settle down, often telling her not to delay marriage. Yet now, the words that left his lips were entirely different. “You know how important our collaboration with the Griffiths family is right now. Could you postpone it for a while?”

Jocelyn blinked, momentarily caught off guard. She hadn't expected Nicholas to subtly ask her to stay.

She thought of her aging grandmother back home, of the decision she'd already made. Taking a slow, steady breath, she finally said, “I've already made arrangements. I can't postpone them.”

Nicholas was momentarily stunned.

Jocelyn had never turned him down before.

His gaze deepened as he studied her, his eyes lingering for a long moment before he finally said, “All right then. I shouldn't hold you back.”

“Thank you,” Jocelyn replied.

“But,” Nicholas added, “I'll have the finance department prepare a generous gift for you. Though, I'm afraid I won't be able to attend your engagement party.”

The driver started the car.

Inside the ward, Queenie coughed from time to time, pressing a tissue to her lips. When she pulled it away, fresh blood stained the white fabric.

She quietly folded the tissue, making sure to hide the evidence before discarding it in the trash.

Caliste watched with a frown, unable to hold back a sigh. “You're getting worse every day.”

“Don't worry,” Queenie reassured her with a gentle smile. “I feel much better now.”

Caliste was about to argue when a knock sounded at the door. She walked over and opened it, revealing Cecilia and Nathaniel standing outside. “Ms. Cecilia, please come in,” she said, stepping aside.

Queenie's face lit up the moment she saw them. “Ceci.”

Cecilia walked over and sat beside her. “How are you feeling?”

“I'm doing much better,” Queenie replied.

As she spoke, her gaze flickered around the room, searching. But when she didn't see her grandsons, a trace of disappointment crossed her face.