Chapter 151 You Have Truly Changed
Stella couldn’t believe it. “Ceci, you weren’t like this before when we were younger.”
She used to be so noble back then. How could she measure Nathaniel’s worth with money?
In response, Cecilia asked her, “Isn’t the position of Nathaniel’s wife worth a hundred billion?”
Stella laughed.
“You’ve truly changed. Back in our university days, you vowed never to compete with me over a man. Yet, not only have you done just that, but you’re also demanding a hundred billion from me to win him back.”
Stella was quite adept at making unfounded countercharges.
A mocking chill filled Cecilia’s eyes. “Everyone knows it wasn’t me who took Nathaniel away from you. It was Nathaniel who didn’t want an orphan like you.”
Stella’s pretty face contorted completely.
“Enough! Are you sure money is all you want?”
Cecilia nodded, then continued, “I hope you won’t tell Nathaniel about the money I asked you. for. If you do, our agreement will be null and void. I will forever be entwined with Nathaniel, and you will never have the chance to become his wife.”
Cecilia had said that on purpose.
She actually wanted Stella to relay the message to Nathaniel.
If Stella told him, Cecilia had her own plans for dealing with it.
If Stella truly intended to prepare ten billion, then Cecilia would be more than happy to accept it.
However, Cecilia was even more certain that Stella would tattle..
After all, this was her usual behavior. Stella would always blame Cecilia for anything that went wrong in the past, even if it wasn’t her doing. This time, she was certain Stella wouldn’t miss the perfect opportunity to tell on her.
“I’ll give it some serious thought,” Stella said, preparing to leave.
Before she left, the sheet music on Cecilia’s table was rustled by the wind. Stella unintentionally caught a glimpse of it, and was somewhat taken aback.
However, she didn’t pay it any mind. After all, in her perspective, people like Cecilia, with their hearing impairment, were naturally fated to have no connection with music.
She never could have imagined that the renowned foreign composer, Cecille, whom she admired, was none other than Cecilia herself.
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After she left, Cecilia calmly tucked away the sheet music, then laid down.
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side, Stella was still contemplating how to tell Nathaniel about Cecilia asking her for
On the other si
money.
If I were to tell Nathaniel directly, he might not necessarily believe me. Moreover, I’ve complained to him far too many times now.
After a brief moment of thought, Stella made up her mind. She decided to first give Cecilia a portion of the money.
Then, when the time came to hand over the rest of it, she would make sure to have Nathaniel witness it.
Seemingly considering herself the lady of the house, Stella had breakfast delivered to her the following morning.
As Cecilia’s spirits were low, she often woke up late each day.
Before she had even awakened, breakfast was already neatly arranged in the dining room.
Nathaniel had returned at some point and was sitting in the living room.
“Nathaniel, breakfast is ready,” Stella announced.
Nathaniel gave her a glance. “I’ve already eaten. You can head back after finishing your breakfast. I can arrange a hotel for you if it’s inconvenient for you to return to your original place.”
Stella had been rejected several times by then. Fearing that Nathaniel would get angry, she didn’t dare to persist any further.
“Please arrange a hotel for me, then.”
After leaving Daltonia Villa, Stella sat in the minivan and immediately had someone prepare a check.
Afterwards, Stella sent a text message to Cecilia: I’ve prepared two hundred million. Meet me at the cafe on Cross Street at ten tonight. I’ll hand it over to you first so you can be at ease.
Cecilia only woke up at eight in the morning.
As she glanced at her phone, she noticed the text message from Stella.
Has she agreed to give me money just like that?
Cecilia felt that something was amiss.
However, she was curious about Stella’s real intentions, so she replied: Okay.
Chapter 152 Personal Business
Upon receiving a text message from Cecilia, Stella’s lips curled up in delight. Without delay, she texted Nathaniel: Nathaniel, I’m not sure what kind of relationship you’re maintaining with Cecilia right note, but she’s not as simple as she seems. If you don’t believe me, meet me at the cafe on Cross Street at ten tonight.
She wanted to expose Cecilia’s true colors right in front of Nathaniel.
At that time, Cecilia was unaware of all this. After she had woken up and freshened up, she saw Nathaniel sitting on the living room couch, engrossed in his phone.
Upon hearing footsteps, Nathaniel secretly deleted the message from Stella, then lifted his head to look at Cecilia.
“Let’s go out for breakfast.”
Cecilia was somewhat puzzled. She was sure she had seen breakfast laid out in the dining room.
Without giving it much thought, she went out to eat with Nathaniel.
In the restaurant outside, a refined breakfast was laid out on the table.
Without any hesitation, Cecilia picked out her favorite dishes and began eating.
Nathaniel had been paying close attention to her. “Don’t you have anything to tell me?”
“What?”
Cecilia looked puzzled, but deep down, she had thought of Stella.
“There’s nothing.”
Nathaniel didn’t ask any further.
Cecilia felt that he had really been idle lately. Is there no need for him to go to the office anymore?
The breakfast was finished rather quickly.
The driver then took the two of them to the office.
Sharing an office with Nathaniel, Cecilia found it utterly impossible to compose any music.
Before long, she grew restless and found herself standing before Nathaniel’s desk.
“I want to go out for a stroll.”
Nathaniel’s hand, which had been leafing through the documents, paused. “All right.
To her surprise, it was easier than Cecilia had anticipated. Before she left, she added, “I have something to do tonight, so I’ll be back a bit later.”
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Chapter 152 Personal Business
Nathaniel’s gaze deepened as he lifted his eyes to look at her tranquil face, his lips slightly parting
“What is it?”
“My personal business,” Cecilia said, pretending to have a secret.
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Nathaniel was taken aback by her words, his expression solemn. A chill flickered in his sharp eyes as he warned. “Let me remind you. Don’t do anything that would upset me
Upon hearing his words, Cecilia was ninety percent sure that Stella had told him about her asking for money.
However, it was quite peculiar as Nathaniel was not the kind of person who could tolerate irritations
If he already knows, then why didn’t he confront me directly? Why is he beating around the back?
After leaving the company, Cecilia still didn’t understand.
She discreetly sent a text message to Sven.
Before long a taxi pulled up in front of her. The man behind the wheel was none other thanı
Sven
True to his reputation. Sven, the trusted right–hand man by Calvin’s side, was always thorough and thoughtful in all matters.
After Cecilia got into the car. Sven informed her that a car was trailing them.
Without a doubt, they knew those people were Nathaniel’s subordinates.
“Do you want to shake them off?” Sven asked.
“No need.”
If we shake them off again. Nathania’s suspicions would only deepen.
Sven glanced at Cecilia through the rear–view mirror and asked, “So, where are we heading now?”
“Could you do me a favor and show me around? I’ve been feeling rather cooped up lately.”
“All right.”
The inside of the car fell silent.
Cecilia rolled down the car window, gazing at the scenery outside that was both familiar and foreign to her. Gradually, her emotions settled into a calm serenity.
The individuals Nathaniel sent had also followed them all the way. Seeing that the taxi didn’t seem to have a destination and was just aimlessly wandering around the city, the bodyguard
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Chapter 152 Personal Business
Nathaniel instructed them to continue observing Cecilia.
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When the taxi wasn’t far from the Smith residence, Cecilia couldn’t help but say, “Sven, could you drive over there?”
The Smith residence was situated halfway up a hill.
Since Regas had a fondness for antiques, the entire mansion was made of wood.
Regas had planted a multitude of flowers outside his mansion, the most abundant of which were the begonias, Cecilia’s favorite.
That was because this place had already been acquired by Stella.
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Chapter 153 She Had Been Played
All Cecilia could do was gaze from a distance at the sea of pink begonias blooming outside the courtyard.
“I didn’t expect them to still be here,” she murmured.
Sven followed her gaze, and what met his eyes were the beautiful begonia flowers, truly a delightful sight to behold.
The mansion appeared quaint, yet it was brimming with vitality. It was evident that the original owner had put a lot of thought and care into its construction.
“What is this?” Sven couldn’t help but ask.
“The home I grew up in in Tudela,” Cecilia replied.
Regrettably, she no longer had the right enter the mansion.
“Let’s go.” Cecilia shifted her gaze away.
The vehicle slowly pulled away.
Cecilia hadn’t noticed a man hiding in the nearby shrubs. The man looked a bit disheveled, having been secretly lurking there for a while.
After taking a stroll around the city, Cecilia requested Sven to drive her back to Daltonia Villa.
Afterward, she was in the music room, playing the piano while simultaneously writing sheet
music.
The bodyguard reported Cecilia’s itinerary to Nathaniel
Later that night, Nathaniel deliberately spent extra time at the office.
Around nine, he instructed his driver to head toward the café on Cross Street.
At this moment, Cecilia too had boarded a car, coming over from Daltonia Villa.
Her phone vibrated. Upon checking, it was a message from Sven that read: Nathaniel’s car has indeed headed toward Cross Street.
Upon returning to Daltonia Villa, Cecilia asked Sven to keep an eye on Rainsworth Group, to see where Nathaniel would go that evening.
It was just as she had anticipated..
Stella was still fond of tattling as always.
There were hardly any people in the café at night.
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Chapter 153 She Had Been Played
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Stella had reserved a private room, which conveniently offered a view of the scenery outside.
Cecilia arrived here right on schedule.
She was clad in a long dress, with a light jacket draped over her to conceal the allergic red spots. on her body.
In truth, even if she wasn’t allergic, she would always prepare a jacket when going out for toot long, due to her fear of the cold, even in the summer.
The present Cecilia was completely different from when Stella first returned to the country a few
years ago..
Her appearance and attire were striking, instantly capturing attention. She had regained her pre- marriage figure, and her face radiated an extraordinary elegance that left a profound impression on anyone who saw her.
Stella felt a tinge of jealousy toward her.
Although her mother, Paula, hadn’t treated her well, she had undeniably inherited Paula’s stunning looks. particularly her physique. It was evident she was the daughter of a renowned. dancer.
“Take a seat, Ceci. Let’s talk, she said, suppressing the bitterness in her heart and quietly placing her mobile phone on the table.
The call had already been made to Nathaniel. Outside, he could hear the conversation between the two.
Cecilia settled herself into a chair.
Subsequently, Stella presented a check worth a hundred million. “Ceci, you asked me to prepare ten billion, and then leave Nathaniel. I really couldn’t gather that much money, and even if I could, I don’t think it would be right to give it to you. After all, Nathaniel isn’t a commodity. He isn’t something you can just sell off. Take this one hundred million, and use it as you see fit. Consider it a personal sponsorship from me.”
On the other end of the phone, Nathaniel was seated in his car. Listening to Stella’s words, his brows furrowed deep in thought.
Did Cecilia really approach Stella and demand ten billion in exchange for me? She sure has quite the idea!
With that in mind, he quietly continued to listen.
As long as Cecilia accepted that hundred million, he would immediately head over and take her back to Daltonia Villa.
She could forget about ever having any freedom, then.
However, Cecilia pushed away that one billion and countered Stella’s question by asking. “Didn’t you ask me how much money it would take for me to leave Nathaniel? Why are you setting a
Chapter 153 She Had Been Played
Stella paused. When have I ever said that?
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“I’ve told you before, I have no need for your tainted money. Back when the Smith family went bankrupt, you, who owed them so much, didn’t lift a finger to help. And now, all of a sudde you’re acting all kind?” Cecilia continued.
Stella looked at Cecilia in shock. “But you were the one who said-
“I’ll say it again. Nathaniel and I are still married. Even if he doesn’t love me, I won’t leave him!” Cecilia’s gaze landed on Stella’s upside–down phone.
She knew that Stella was probably on the phone with Nathaniel at that moment.
As for Stella, she realized that she had been played by Cecilia.
Livid, she then discreetly picked up her phone and ended the call.
Inside the black Cadillac, Nathaniel silently listened to the conversation between the two individuals. He then instructed the driver. “Head back home.”
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Chapter 154 What It Truly Means To Be Smart
Inside the café. Cecilia stood up and walked over to Stella.
I’ve
Then, she lowered her voice and gently whispered into the latter’s car, “Didn’t you say changed? So, why do you still think I’d fall for your lies, just like before? I’ll have you know, I was well aware of your underhanded tactics before. I simply chose to ignore them out of disdain! Do me a favor and be a bit smarter next time!”
After hearing what Cecilia had said, Stella’s expression, which usually looked pitiable, turned terribly gloomy.
Cecilia then walked straight out of the cafe. Once outside, she looked toward the spot where Sven had parked his car. But now, the car that was once there was nowhere to be seen.
She couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief..
Suddenly, she realized that the current Nathaniel was truly different from the young man she used to adore.
That young man wasn’t one to overthink things. He would treat her well without ever doubting her.
Cecilia sat in the car, lost in thought as she left.
Stella had just stepped out and hadn’t gotten far when suddenly, a man seized her hand, leading her to a secluded area.
“I miss you so much, Stella.”
The man standing before her was unshaven, with dark circles under his eyes, clearly indicating that he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in quite some time.
Stella reached out, intending to push him away. “Sean, how did you manage to track me down here? How many times do I have to tell you that I’m not going back to Lushtopia with you? If you truly care about me, then go back alone. Don’t stay in Tudela anymore.”
Sean’s heart was filled with pain. “Is it because of Nathaniel? He isn’t truly sincere toward you. If he really loved you, why hasn’t he married you yet?”
Upon hearing these words, Stella didn’t care in the slightest.
“So what? At least he can provide what I desire.”
Sean was taken aback.
Following that, Stella added, “What can you provide me?”
“L…”
“Right now, you can’t give me anything.”
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Sean shook his head, his hands firmly gripping Stella’s arm, “Even though my company has gone under, I can still compose music. I can write songs just for you.”
Stella scoffed dismissively with a smirk.
“I don’t need your music, you’ve long since lost your talent. Just admit it, Sean.”
Sean’s eyes were brimming with tears as he exclaimed. “How could you be so heartless? Could you have gotten this far if it weren’t for me? I need you right now!”
Noticing his anger, Stella switched to a more persuasive tone.
“Sean, can you please be a bit more mature? We’re all looking for someone who can support and stand by us. Look at what you’ve become now. You weren’t as desolate as you are now when I left. Five years have passed, and while I’ve flourished, you haven’t grown at all. It’s only because of my patience that I still converse with you. Any other woman would have stopped acknowledging you a long time ago. And you think I’m heartless? How hurtful!”
Upon hearing her words, Sean became compliant once again.
“It was your absence that left me completely devastated.”
Stella let out a deep sigh. “But as a man, shouldn’t you be protecting me? Or am I expected to support you financially in the future? Sean, you’ve been here all along, haven’t you? If so, then you must have seen what just happened. I was bullied, but you couldn’t help me at all.”
After Sean silently listened to her, he let her go, his eyes filled with serious determination.
“I can protect you!”
He then took his leave after saying that.
Stella watched his retreating figure, her gaze fierce and icy as she patted the spot where he had grabbed her.
Cecilia, didn’t you think I wasn’t smart enough? Well, I’ll show you right now what it truly means to be
smart!
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Chapter 155 Duties Of A Wife
Nathaniel was still awake when Cecilia returned to Daltonia Villa.
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He was dressed in dark–colored pajamas, seated on the sofa, and had his gloomy gaze
on Cecilia.
“Did you have fun today?”
“Kind of,” Cecilia replied.
Nathaniel rose, his towering figure instantly blocking most of the light before her.
“I heard from Stella that you were planning to sell me for ten billion.”
Cecilia choked up. This guy clearly knew what I said, so why is he asking me about it?
“I didn’t.”
“Is that so?” Nathaniel leaned in toward her, his body lowered.
Cecilia instinctively stepped back as she replied, “First of all, you should know that Stella and I aren’t on good terms. How could I possibly ask her for ten billion to sell you out? Besides, when your mother offered me a check before, I didn’t even accept it. Why would I do such a thing now?”
After hearing her words, Nathaniel remained skeptical and unconvinced.
He knew that Stella would never have allowed him to witness today’s spectacle. The only possibility was that Cecilia had already found out about everything Stella did.
As such, he chose not to expose Cecilia either.
“Is there anything else?” Cecilia found herself backed against the wall.
As Nathaniel watched her, her cautious demeanor caused him to swallow hard.
The mere thought of the intoxicating and overwhelming sensation when being with a woman nearly drove him to the brink of losing control.
“How’s your money situation coming along?”
Cecilia hadn’t expected him to start asking for money so soon. “It’s not ready yet.”
“Then you might as well consider my suggestion.”
Nathaniel took a deep breath, his voice heavy as he continued, “After all, we are married. If you’ve fulfilled your duties as a wife, then naturally, there’s no need to return the betrothal gift.”
Duties of a wife?
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Chapter 155 Duties D1 A Wife
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Her face was as hot as a flame. Before she could speak, Nathaniel’s searingly warm hand landed on her cheek, gently caressing it.
“How about one hundred million for each time?”
Cecilia’s mind went blank.
One hundred million at a time? Who does he think I am?
She was reminded once again of the first time when he disregarded all her resistance.
Cecilia pushed him away lightly. “Not so great.”
After speaking, she quickly ascended the stairs in a fit of anger and annoyance. Once she returned to her room, she locked the door behind her.
Just like that, the space in Nathaniel’s embrace suddenly became empty. He didn’t understand why she was angry again.
He discovered that among women, it was Cecilia who was most prone to anger. She would get. upset at the drop of a hat, and even dared to show him her displeasure.
No other woman would have dared to give him attitude.
Feeling upset, Nathaniel promptly left his home and headed toward Elite Club.
The manager swiftly arranged for the most attractive and intellectual women here to come over so he could choose.
Nathaniel sat solemnly at the head of the room, his gaze sweeping over rows and rows of diverse women. Yet, he found himself devoid of interest.
“Mr. Rainsworth.”
A seductive woman took the initiative to approach Nathaniel, attempting to get on his good side.
Nathaniel watched her actions with a cold gaze, yet his mind was filled with images of Cecilia’s angry demeanor.
When the woman touched his hand, he felt an overwhelming sense of disgust
“Get lost!”
Before long, the women in the private room started to leave one by one, their spirits seemingly deflated.
Nathaniel was sitting here all by himself.
At that moment, a woman named Nancy took advantage of the wine–serving distraction to sneak into the private room. Upon seeing Nathaniel, she immediately fell to her knees.
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Nathaniel didn’t find it strange when he saw the woman’s face filled with fear and hurt as she looked at him.
“Who are you?
Nancy was taken aback.
“I–I’m Nancy. Have you forgotten me?”
Nancy?
Nathaniel’s memory was exceptional, but he wouldn’t bother to remember those who were irrelevant to his work or himself.
Upon seeing his expression, Nancy realized he had genuinely forgotten about her. She had no choice but to recount the events of that day to him.
“You asked me back then if I would be willing to serve you even if no money was involved. I said it was okay, and you stated that I would be working at Elite Club without receiving any salary from then on.”
Upon hearing her words, Nathaniel was reminded of what happened.
“Do you regret this now?”
Nancy shook her head anxiously. “No, I’m begging you to have mercy on me. Please let me go. really don’t want to entertain customers.”
Nathaniel was puzzled. Who allowed her to entertain guests?
Stella again…
Why should the one who receives the apology have to make the trip?
“Yeah. You should come over too, Ceci.”
This was all he could do for her now.
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