Chapter 231 A Stranger
In an effort to avoid disappointing Cecilia, Nathaniel ultimately decided to take her out that night. The rain, which had been relentless earlier, finally gave way to a brief respite, allowing the full moon to cast its serene light over the landscape.
Nathaniel drove to the location Cecilia had indicated, which turned out to be a small pond. Or rather, it used to be a small pond; now it had been transformed into a public park, with the pond itself expanded into a man–made lake.
Fortunately, given the late hour, most people had already gone home, leaving the park quiet and almost deserted.
Cecilia stepped out of the car, wrapping her coat more tightly around herself.
Although winter had not yet arrived, she was dressed much more warmly than the average. person, her frail appearance making her seem almost delicate.
Nathaniel walked beside her, his gaze scanning the surroundings. “Is this the place?”
“Yeah,” Cecilia replied, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “The changes are significant.”
Nathaniel, however, found himself at a loss. He had visited the Smith residence a few times during his childhood, but he had never ventured to the back mountain and had no memory of a small pond being there.
As they walked along the wooden bridge that crossed the lake, Cecilia stopped at its center and gazed up at the full moon. The soft light bathed her face, and for a moment, she felt as though she had traveled back in time to her childhood.
She remembered standing on this very spot with Nathaniel, making a wish together under the moonlight. Her wish had been simple and earnest: to marry Nathaniel one day. A wish that, in some ways, had come true.
Nathaniel stood a short distance away, watching her intently. The moonlight seemed to cast a glow around her, making her appear ethereal, as though she were a part of the night itself. The scene before him was so captivating that he found himself momentarily speechless.
Cecilia turned to look at him, her eyes searching his face. “Nathaniel, why aren’t you coming over?” she called softly.
Nathaniel snapped out of his reverie and slowly began to approach her. When he reached her side, he took her hand in his, but immediately noticed how cold it was–completely devoid of warmth.
Why are your hands so cold?”
With a playful smile, Cecilia replied, “One’s hands are cold because their heart is warm.” The words were a gentle echo of something Nathaniel had once said to her when they were children, but now they felt almost foreign to him.
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Nathaniel, who had no recollection of these past exchanges, pulled her into his embrace, tucking her hand inside his trench coat to warm it. “One more minute, then we’re heading back,” he said. firmly, as if trying to protect her from the chill in the air.
“Is that all?” Cecilia looked up at him, her expression hopeful, as if waiting for a flicker of recognition, some sign that he remembered the past they had shared.
But there was nothing–no hint of memory or sentimentality in his eyes. It was as if the Nathaniel she had known as a child had vanished completely, leaving only this stranger in his place.
When they returned home, Cecilia found herself unable to sleep. She lay in bed with her eyes tightly shut, but the words Miranda had spoken earlier that day echoed in her mind.
“I’ve always had a question that’s been bothering me,” Miranda said, her voice carrying an air of mystery. “Back in the day, you described Nathaniel as a gentleman–kind and gentle, didn’t you?”
These thoughts kept her awake long into the early morning hours. She had initially planned to find a way to take Elliot away with her today, but now she was filled with doubts. She needed to know if she had truly misplaced her love, and she needed to find out where Nicholas had gone. Why had she never heard anything about him?
After having breakfast, Nathaniel left to attend to some business matters. Meanwhile, Cecilia decided to confront Miranda directly. She made her way to Miranda’s residence, finding her sitting in the garden, basking in the rare sunshine.
Miranda seemed unsurprised by her visit, as if she had been expecting it. Removing her sunglasses, she asked, “So how was your little adventure?”
Cecilia wasted no time. “I want to ask you about Nicholas,” she said, getting straight to the point.
Miranda took a sip of her fruit juice, a faint smile playing on her lips as she spread her hands. “I’m sorry, I’m just a daughter–in–law in the Rainsworth family. There’s a lot I don’t know, and even if I did, I wouldn’t dare to spread it around.”
Cecilia wasn’t convinced. “What do you want?” she asked, her tone sharp. She was certain Miranda had an ulterior motive for bringing up Nicholas in the first place.
But this time, Cecilia guessed wrong.
Miranda wasn’t after anything tangible. She simply wanted to stir up trouble between Cecilia and Nathaniel, to see how Nathaniel would react once the truth came to light.
However, she didn’t dare reveal everything to Cecilia, fearing Nathaniel’s retaliation. Instead, she wanted Cecilia to discover the truth on her own.
“Why don’t you reach out to Elena? She knows her son better than anyone else, doesn’t she?” Miranda suggested with a sly smile.
Chapter 232 Where His Heart Truly Lies
Cecilia returned home, frustrated and empty–handed after her encounter with Miranda. She knew better than to ask Elena for answers, realizing that she was unlikely to reveal anything of value.
Back in her room, Cecilia unlocked her phone and saw a message from Calvin: Call me back when you have a moment.
Without hesitation, she dialed his number.
The call connected almost immediately, and Calvin’s familiar voice greeted her. “How have been lately?”
you
“I’ve obtained a map of the place they’re keeping Eli,” Cecilia replied. “I plan to secretly whisk Eli away when I saw him.”
“Once you’ve decided on a time, let me know. I’m not comfortable with you being alone.”
Cecilia understood his concern. He was worried that if she attempted to take Eli out of Spring Forest Manor by herself, they would be caught and brought back. “Don’t worry,” she assured him. “I’ll definitely find you when I leave.”
What Cecilia didn’t say aloud was that she was concerned about the possibility of a confrontation between Calvin and Nathaniel. She feared that if things escalated, Nathaniel would hold a grudge against Calvin.
“That’s good,” Calvin said after a brief pause. Then, as if considering something, he added, “The task you entrusted me with has been taken care of.”
Cecilia remained silent as Calvin continued, “Sean understands Stella better than anyone else now. You could have him reveal the truth to Nathaniel at any time, or make Stella pay the price.”
Sean had been a difficult figure to manage, repeatedly trying to escape to find Stella. The previous day, he had managed to slip away, but when he found Stella in the hospital, she treated him like a lunatic and had him shooed away.
That final humiliation confirmed his suspicions–Stella had been using him all along. If Stella wished for his downfall, Sean was determined to ensure her ruin in return.
Cecilia was lost in thought when the ringtone of another phone interrupted her. “Wait a moment,” she told Calvin before picking up the other phone. To her surprise, it was a photo message from Stella.
In the photograph, Stella was holding a trophy for Best Female Singer, a sarcastic smile on her face. Nathaniel was standing not far away, his expression unreadable. It turned out that the “urgent matter” Nathaniel had mentioned today was about meeting Stella.
After the photo, Stella had sent another message: I’ve made up my mind. I won’t compete with you for Nathaniel anymore. Because both of us know where his heart truly lies.
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Just as Cecilia was about to turn off her phone, another message from Stella appeared: Oh, there’s something I think I should tell you. I am planning to start trying for a baby.
The term “preparing for pregnancy” stood out like a glaring red flag. Cecilia’s grip tightened on her phone as she recalled the conversation from a few days ago when Nathaniel had expressed. his desire to have a child. Now it dawned on her that he wanted to have a child with Stella.
It took her a moment to regain her composure before she resumed her conversation with Calvin. “Stella recently landed a role in a major series. The kickoff ceremony should be happening soon.”
A faint smile played at the corners of Calvin’s mouth as he responded, “I understand.”
Finally, Calvin felt Cecilia had regained some control over the situation.
Five years ago, Cecilia had discovered the kind of woman Stella truly was, but out of consideration for Nathaniel’s dignity, she had kept it to herself. Now, she was ready to bring the truth to light.
As Cecilia was about to end the call, a thought suddenly occurred to her. “Could you help me look up someone?” she asked.
At the award ceremony, Nathaniel’s presence was both a strategic and necessary move.
Stella had previously been involved in a plagiarism scandal that had tarnished the reputation of Central Media, a company under his banner. His attendance was meant to discuss potential collaborations with industry figures, and the discussions had gone smoothly.
As he was about to leave, Stella approached him, her expression carefully neutral. “Nathaniel, I need to talk to you. Can we step aside for a moment?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Nathaniel didn’t spare her any courtesy. “Speak your mind here,” he said bluntly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Stella hesitated, then squeezed his hand. “I know after all these years, we haven’t been together, and it might truly be impossible for us to be together again,” she began, her voice filled with resignation. “I think I might accept someone else’s confession of love in the future.”
Send Gifts
Chapter 233 Do It Tonight
Stella’s reasons for her bold statement to Nathaniel were twofold. First, she wanted to gauge if he would become jealous, and second, she genuinely considered seeking out other options.
After all, in Tudela, there were plenty of wealthy and powerful individuals who would be interested in her. With her looks and current status, marrying into a wealthy family wouldn’t be a difficult feat. She couldn’t allow herself to remain fixated on Nathaniel any longer.
“Understood,” Nathaniel replied with unsettling calmness before getting straight into his car. The vehicle quickly drove away, leaving Stella standing alone, a deep sense of injustice washing over her.
From behind, her best friend Yvette hurried over, her high heels clicking on the pavement. “Stella, what happened? Did Mr. Rainsworth reject you?” she asked, concern lacing her voice.
Stella’s expression soured, but she forced a lie. “He didn’t say much, probably just upset.”
Yvette tried to console her, saying, “It seems like Mr. Rainsworth still has feelings for weren’t for that deaf girl coming back, he would have surely married you.”
you. If it
Stella knew this was a lie she had told herself countless times. Despite Cecilia’s absence for four to five years, Nathaniel had never once considered marrying Stella. Deep down, she knew that.
“I never really thought he would marry me,” Stella admitted, her voice tinged with loss. “After all, I’m just an orphan, completely unworthy of him.”
Yvette nodded sympathetically. She, too, had always thought Nathaniel’s affection for Stella was unique. Perhaps his reluctance to marry her was due to the significant disparity in their social
status.
“Don’t think like that, Stella. You know, in our circle, you’re truly exceptional. We all rely on our parents, but you–you’ve made it on your own. If Nathaniel doesn’t marry you, there are plenty of others who would. What’s the big deal if he’s not in the picture?”
Stella nodded, though her heart was heavy.
At that moment, an extended Lincoln pulled up in front of them. The car window rolled down, revealing the handsome face of a man inside.
“I won’t keep you any longer, my boyfriend is here to pick me up. Goodbye,” Yvette said cheerfully, heading towards the luxury car.”
Stella watched silently as Yvette got into the car. Then she turned to her assistant and asked, “Who’s Yvette’s boyfriend? Do you know him?”
“He’s the third son of the Murdock family. His father runs a chain of clothing businesses,” the assistant replied.
Stella took a moment to process this information before finally shifting her gaze away, her thoughts clouded with uncertainty.
1/2
Back at Rainsworth Manor, Nathaniel returned home, and Cecilia didn’t bring up his encounter with Stella. She had something more pressing on her mind.
“Nathaniel, didn’t you promise to take me to meet Eli today?” she asked, her tone steady.
“Let’s go,” Nathaniel replied, not forgetting his promise. As soon as he returned from the award. ceremony, he had come to find her immediately.
“Can I go alone?” Cecilia asked, her eyes fixed on him.
Nathaniel studied her closely, sensing that something was amiss. Her behavior since the day. before had been unsettlingly similar to how she acted five years ago, just before she asked for a divorce.
“No.” Nathaniel responded firmly, rejecting quest outright. He couldn’t let her;
her alone; toot much was at stake. He knew that the primary reason she was still with him was because of Elliot.
After a pause, Cecilia pressed on, “After we go together, can I be alone with him? I don’t want to be constantly watched.”
Nathaniel remained silent, his expression unreadable as he considered her request. Eventually, the two of them left the house together.
At Spring Forest Manor, Elliot was on a call with his older brother, Jonathan, discussing their ongoing schemes.
“Jon, did you really get over seven billion from him?” Elliot asked.
“Yeah, I just haven’t figured out how to link up with the overseas account yet,” Jonathan replied.
If Jonathan moved the money now, it would undoubtedly expose their actions.
Their father had some tricks up his sleeve; he hadn’t called the police or continued the investigation. He simply wanted Jonathan to walk right into a trap.
Suddenly, Elliot had an idea. “You could use my address,” he suggested.
Surprise briefly flashed across Jonathan’s eyes, quickly replaced by a grin of delight. “Why didn’t it occur to me to have sc“mbag daddy investigate himself?”
“We’ll do it tonight,” Jonathan agreed, the plan solidifyin
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