Chapter 271 A Prank
They were composite photos of Nathaniel with Stella, complete with insinuations that he had been cheated on.
By the time Nathaniel found out, the images had already spread and even made it to the trending news headlines. The IT department scrambled to delete the photos and launch an investigation. They discovered that the method used was similar to the one used previously to transfer funds. from Nathaniel’s private account, and the timing was almost identical, usually around three or four in the morning.
After sobering up, Nathaniel stared at the photographs, a throbbing headache adding to hist frustration. “Have they found out who did it?”
After a brief hesitation, Mason replied, “We traced the address to Zachary’s Seabay Villa, but he wouldn’t do something like this. The hacker who breached your private account before–his location was linked to where Vivian resides.”
“I have a hunch. Could it be that child?” Mason suggested.
At the mention of Jonathan, Nathaniel fell silent. “Suppress the news,” he ordered.
Once that was done, he asked, “Have they found the child?”
Mason shook his head.
Nathaniel picked up another glass of wine, taking a sip, the fiery liquid burning his throat. He tossed the empty glass aside. “Keep searching.”
“Understood,” Mason replied.
He then provided another update. “We’ve identified what happened last night. Mrs. Rainsworth offended a local bigwig, known as Mr. Reynolds. He’s a notorious figure, with multiple stints in jail. Unfortunately, he managed to slip away this time.”
Nathaniel’s brow furrowed slightly. “Understood.”
With nothing else to attend to, Mason left.
Nathaniel sat on the couch, lost in thought about the previous day’s events. Eventually, he opened his laptop and instructed customer service at one of his subsidiaries to provide him with an
account.
On Cecilia’s end, her new song hadn’t sold, so she was exploring other collaborations. But she got lucky that morning–a major website expressed interest in striking a deal.
Unbeknownst to Cecilia, the website was actually arranged by Nathaniel. She had no idea that he was well–acquainted with her line of work.
Online, Nathaniel personally communicated with her.
Chapter 271 A Prank
Cecilia typed: Hello, shall we meet in person for a discussion?
Nathaniel: No need. Let’s sign the contract online, and I’ll transfer the money to you.
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Cecilia hadn’t expected the other party to be so prompt. After confirming they were using the company’s account, she signed the contract. Sure enough, it didn’t take long before fifty million was transferred into her company’s account.
Cecilia: Thank you, it was a pleasure working with you.
Nathaniel, listening to the music she had composed, replied: How many pieces have you composed in
total?
Cecilia responded: Adding this one, that makes thirty–two.
Nathaniel: I’ve listened to your new song; it’s pretty good
Cecilia: Thank you.
After a moment of contemplation, Nathaniel typed again: Could you possibly sign over the other songs to me as well? All I need are the rights to use them. Name your price.
Cecilia was taken aback by the offer. Since the rights to her other songs had already been licensed elsewhere and weren’t exclusive, they couldn’t fetch a high price. She quoted a base price of ten million in total.
Before long, the money was transferred into her account. All Cecilia could do was keep expressing her gratitude.
Nathaniel stared at the emoji she sent, feeling a mix of emotions. Then, as if driven by an unseen force, he asked: If I may be so bold, are you married?
Worried that Cecilia might misunderstand and refuse to chat further, he quickly added: It feels like there’s a story within the melody you composed.
Cecilia replied: I was married once, but we’re divorced.
Reading her response, Nathaniel felt a wave of frustration so intense that he could hardly resist the urge to rush next door and confront her.
When did we divorce? How could I not have known?
But Cecilia, interpreting his silence differently, assumed the company had strict requirements for songwriters to maintain a positive public image. She quickly reassured him: Rest assured, I have no bad habits, nor will I engage in any scandal.
Nathaniel read her message, his thoughts racing. He typed: If you hadn’t divorced, wouldn’t you be less stressed now, being alone?
With Calvin, she had two children, yet the other party didn’t even ensure her basic living conditions. Reflecting on it, Nathaniel wished he could delve into Cecilia’s mind, curious about
Chapter 272 I Was Married Once
Cecilia wasn’t sure why the person on the other end was asking such personal questions, but given how promptly they had transferred the money, she assumed it was out of sympathy, nothing more. So, she decided to continue the conversation.
She typed: Actually, I felt quite liberated and happy after the divorce. The pressure seemed to have lessened.
Nathaniel paused as he read the message from Cecilia on the screen, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. He couldn’t accept it.
He typed back: Why? Is it because you didn’t like him?
Cecilia hesitated before responding. Considering the person on the other end was a stranger, she saw no reason to hide anything. She texted: The decision to leave a marriage is typically made after careful consideration, not just for one reason.
Nathaniel felt a heaviness in his heart. He typed out a few sentences, only to erase them repeatedly, unsure of what to say.
Cecilia messaged: If there’s nothing else, I’m going to log off now. Bye.
Nathaniel closed the chat box, pondering over Cecilia’s words. He sat alone for quite some time, his thoughts a whirlwind. Needing some fresh air, he opened the door, only to see Cecilia walking toward him with a backpack on.
Their eyes met briefly before Cecilia quickly averted her gaze. Perhaps it was because she had been discussing him with someone online earlier, but she felt a strange sense of embarrassment. She hurriedly walked past Nathaniel, avoiding eye
contact.
Nathaniel watched her retreating figure, his gaze deep and unreadable. He couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions.
She’s heartless!
With long strides, he quickly caught up to Cecilia. As he reached her side, he spoke nonchalantly, “Is this how you thank your ex–husband who saved you last night?”
He deliberately emphasized the words “ex–husband.” It was the first time Cecilia had heard the term used in reference to Nathaniel. She stopped in her tracks, surprised, and looked at him.
Nathaniel’s handsome profile was turned towards her, his deep gaze locked onto hers, unwavering.
Avoiding his gaze, Cecilia replied, “I’ve already thanked you for what happened last night. If you’re unsatisfied, I don’t have any other solutions. You said it yourself–you’re my ex–husband. As your ex–wife, when I was in danger, you stepped in to help. That wasn’t just about moral. obligation, was it?”
She didn’t want to give Nathaniel the wrong impression, leading him to believe she still had feelings for him or wanted to continue their relationship.
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going?” he asked.
Cecilia pursed her lips. “It’s none of your business,” she retorted, before briskly walking away.
Nathaniel’s brows furrowed, a layer of bitterness in his eyes as he watched her leave. Frustrated, he punched the wall next to him. If this were the past, he would have let Cecilia be, but now, his boundaries had been crossed time and again. Without hesitation, Nathaniel quietly got into his car and followed her.
He watched as she hailed a taxi, went to the mall, and shopped for groceries alone, communicating with others in a foreign language. He remembered how she had struggled when she first sought him out in Daprein, her language skills poor, relying heavily on a translation app that led to many misunderstandings. But now, she was managing on her own, far from home.
Her words echoed in his mind, “Actually, I felt quite liberated and happy after the divorce. The pressure seemed to have lessened.”
A strange, indescribable feeling settled deep in Nathaniel’s heart.
At that moment, his phone rang. It was Elena.
“Nathaniel, when will you be coming back?” she asked.
“Is something wrong?”
“The shareholders at the company have been up to something behind the scenes. Your grandpa wanted me to tell you to get back here immediately!” Elena explained.
Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed slight
Chapter 273 Trouble At The Company
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Nathaniel’s heart unexpectedly dropped into a state of panic. He pushed through the crowd, urgently searching for her. It wasn’t until he saw her at the checkout counter that the tension. within him finally eased.
After settling her bill, Cecilia returned home to cook and rest. She was pregnant now and had to take good care of the baby.
After spending some time writing sheet music, Cecilia laid back in her recliner, listening to music and reading a book. She gently placed her hand on her stomach, murmuring softly, “Darling, grow up quickly.”
Suddenly, the ringtone of her phone echoed through the room. Cecilia picked it up, only to find an unfamiliar text message containing a disturbingly graphic image. Her hand trembled, nearly dropping the phone.
She assumed it was someone’s idea of a prank and tried not to let it bother her. She deleted the message, hoping it was an isolated incident.
Later that night, as dusk settled in, Cecilia was awakened by a soft rustling sound from outside. Being a light sleeper, she quickly got up and walked into the living room. “Who’s there?” she called out. “Nathaniel, is that you?”
She had changed the lock and assumed the noise was Nathaniel trying–and failing–to get in. But when she raised her voice, the sounds outside abruptly stopped. Peering through the peephole, she saw no one.
An inexplicable fear gripped her. Returning to her bedroom, she barricaded the door with some objects. Lying back in bed, she couldn’t shake the image of the disturbing photograph from earlier.
With her hearing aid broken and her device for directly contacting Sven being repaired, she had no choice but to communicate with Sven via phone.
“Sven,” she whispered into the phone.
“I’m here.”
“Are you asleep? Can you come over to my place?”
“All right,” Sven replied, immediately stepping out of his car.
As Sven made his way to her apartment, he failed to notice a man slipping away into the shadows.
Meanwhile, Nathaniel, who lived next door, also heard some commotion from Cecilia’s side. He vaguely heard her calling his name.
He recalled telling her to call on him if she ever needed anything. Assuming that Cecilia had finally come to an understanding, Nathaniel quickly changed into something more presentable. Glancing at his reflection in the mirror, he headed out to find her.
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Chapter 273 Trouble At The Company
Sven arrived first at Cecilia’s place. She told him about the terrifying text message she had received and the unsettling sound of someone trying to pick her lock.
“I’ll check outside,” Sven said, just as a knock echoed through the apartment.
Sven swiftly moved to the door, ready for anything. But when he opened it, he found Nathaniel standing there, clad in a dark bathrobe. Nathaniel’s dark eyes narrowed when he saw a strange man in Cecilia’s home.
Sven, recognizing Nathaniel, retracted his fist and suppressed his hostility. He turned to Cecilia. “Ms. Smith?”
Cecilia hadn’t expected Nathaniel to be at the door. Assuming that the earlier prank had also been his doing, she said, “Sorry for the trouble, Sven. Everything’s fine now. You should go and rest.” “Sven bowed respectfully before glancing at Nathaniel and leaving.
Nathaniel abruptly shut the door behind him with a resounding slam. ““Who was he?“” he demanded.”
“It has nothing to do with you.”
These four words, again.
Nathaniel’s patience was nearly at its limit. “Come back to Tudela with me tomorrow,” he ordered.
Cecilia’s eyes widened slightly. “I’m not going back.”
“You don’t have a choice!” Nathaniel said sternly as he strode toward her, casually undoing the belt around his waist and tossing his bathrobe aside.
Startled, Cecilia quickly turned away. “What are you doing?”
Nathaniel wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close. “Weren’t you calling for me just now because you needed something?”
Every nerve in Cecilia’s body was on edge. Her face flushed red. “I never called for you!” she insisted, struggling to break free from his grasp.
But Nathaniel held her tighter, and with a swift motion, he scooped her up into his arms. He whispered in her ear, “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been holding back?”
Send Gifts
t.
Send Gifts
Chapter 274 Please Divorce Me
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Cecilia trembled as Nathaniel held her tightly. “Nathaniel, it’s over between us. Please don’t do
this!”
As Nathaniel tugged at her clothes, he responded, “Did you really think you could decide on a divorce all by yourself?”
At that moment, Cecilia realized there was no escape. No matter how much she resisted, it wouldn’t be enough. Desperation set in, and she did the only thing she could think of–she bit down hard on Nathaniel’s shoulder.
He grunted in pain, but he didn’t stop.
The taste of blood filled Cecilia’s mouth, and she stared at him blankly before cursing, “Nathaniel, you b*stard!”
“You’re despicable! You promised you’d never touch me when we got married, and now that I don’t love you anymore, what the hell are you doing?” Her voice was filled with venom and bitterness.
“I misspoke,” she admitted. “It’s not that I don’t love you now. The truth is, I never loved you from the start! You’re not even my type. You’re just a hot–headed maniac, a lunatic! If I’d know had a twin brother, I never would have married you!”
you
Nathaniel listened to her words, feeling as if even breathing had become painful. He tried to maintain his composure, but it was clear that her words had struck a nerve. His large hand. cradled Cecilia’s face, his fingertips brushing her lips.
“Keep cursing,” he whispered.
Tears welled up in Cecilia’s eyes. “Nathaniel, if you have any shred of decency, then divorce me. I’ve returned all the money you asked for. What more do you want?”
Instead of responding, Nathaniel bit down on her lips.
Tears streamed down Cecilia’s face as she tried desperately to push him away, but he remained unyielding.
In a moment of sheer frustration, Cecilia fought back, both of them tasting the metallic tang of blood in their mouths. It was only then that Nathaniel gradually let go, a bitter smile playing at the corners of his lips. “So you do know what pain feels like? You had two sons with Calvin. You faked your death and disappeared for five years, while I only neglected you for three. Who really went too far?”
Cecilia was stunned.
Two sons? Did he find out about Jon?
Nathaniel noticed her confusion and gently cupped her face. Leaning in close, he whispered, “Are you afraid I’ll hurt them? How long do you think you can hide them? One year? Five years? Or
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maybe ten? Believe it or not, once I find them, they’re as good as dead.”
Smack!
A harsh slap from Cecilia landed squarely on Nathaniel’s cheek.
His
gaze turned icy. “Is it too much to ask for a child of our own now?”
Choked with emotion, Cecilia retorted, “I don’t want to have a child with you.”
Her words cut Nathaniel deeply, like a dagger plunged into his heart.
He didn’t hold back anymore. “You want to have a child with Nicholas, don’t you? You want to marry him, right? I’m telling you, a sickly man like him is absolutely not worthy of you! There’s no way you two could possibly have children!”
Cecilia had no idea that Nicholas had returned to Tudela. For the first time, she heard about Nicholas‘ situation from Nathaniel’s own lips.
“Where is Nicholas?”
She wanted to ask him–why had he initially told her his name was Nathaniel? Where had he been all these years?
Seeing the intense desire in her eyes, Nathaniel understood more clearly than ever that he had been the fool all along. “You’re married, yet you’re preoccupied with your brother–in–law. How could you even ask such a thing?” Nathaniel’s eyes reddened at the corners.
“I’ve long stopped wanting to be with you,” she stated.
Had it not been for the mandatory cool off period, the two would have divorced long ago.
Nathaniel immediately silenced her, refusing to hear any more of her words. Cecilia pounded on his back with all her might, but he refused to let go.
Outside, the cold wind howled relentlessly. Knowing she couldn’t escape, Cecilia carefully shielded her stomach, fearful for her child’s safety.
hapter 275 Sever Ties
At that moment, Cecilia made up her mind–she had to sever all ties with Nathaniel.
The night brought a fierce storm, blanketing everything in a sudden flurry of snow.
Cecilia found herself securely enveloped in Nathaniel’s arms, her throat dry and parched. “I want some water,” she murmured weakly, devoid of energy.
Nathaniel’s narrow eyes widened slightly as he reached for a bottle of water on the bedside table. The bite marks on his hand were still clearly visible, along with the marks on his shoulders and his cracked lips.
He handed the bottle to Cecilia, who took a few sips, feeling slightly better. However, a wave of nausea rose in her stomach, making her feel particularly sick.
“Ugh!” She couldn’t bear it any longer. She pried away Nathaniel’s hand and bent over the edge of
the bed, dry heavin
Nathaniel rose up and reached out to pat her back. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
Cecilia abruptly pulled away from his grasp. “Don’t touch me!”
Nathaniel’s hand froze mid–air.
Cecilia turned around and looked at him coldly. “You can leave now, can’t you?”
Nathaniel’s face instantly grew serious. He reached out again, disregarding her resistance, and grasped her face firmly. “I’m giving you an hour to get ready. In an hour, we’re heading back to Tudela.”
He had spent enough time here already; he didn’t have the time or energy to keep indulging her antics. Releasing her, Nathaniel rose from the bed, donned his bathrobe, and stepped out of the
room.
This time, Cecilia didn’t contemplate running away. Last night, she had realized that Nathaniel’s relentless pursuit was because they were still legally married.
She picked up her phone and made a call to Vivian. “Vivian, are you familiar with divorce lawsuits?”
An hour later, Cecilia stood by the door her suitcase packed and ready. When Nathaniel emerged, his bodyguard followed closely behind.
Nathaniel was prepared to forcibly take Cecilia away, but to his surprise, she was patiently waiting at the door. Dressed in a suit and leather shoes, Nathaniel approached her. “Have you figured it
out?”
“Yes,” Cecilia replied, her expression indifferent.
The bodyguard took her suitcase and followed the pair as they boarded the vehicle, heading
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toward the airport.
What they didn’t know was that someone had been covertly observing them the entire time.
By the time they arrived at Tudela, it was four o’clock in the afternoon. Cecilia, clad in a down jacket, stepped out of the airport. A flurry of white snow fell, blanketing everything in a pristine layer of white. She couldn’t help but wrap her clothes tightly around herself.
Just as Nathaniel was about to pull her into his arms, a clear voice called out from the distance, “Ceci!”
No wonder Cecilia had been so fond of him during their childhood. Jon and Eli are so handsome–it had to be in their genes!
Send Gifts
“Should I submit the lawsuit today then?” Vivian asked.
Nathaniel walked closer, noticing how tightly she was wrapped up, almost like a dumpling. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I haven’t eaten yet. Let’s go have a meal together.”
“I don’t want to,” Cecilia replied, still curled up on the couch.
Nathaniel sat down beside her and pulled her into his arms. “Are you feeling warm now?” he asked gently.
Send Gifts
At the Rainsworth Manor, Elena had prepared a large meal, hoping Zachary would bring Jonathan over. But as Zachary and Elena talked, it became clear that there had been a
Send Gifts
The message on Nathaniel’s screen read: Thank you for your assistance. To be honest, I’ve been in dire need of collaboration lately. Also, I’m not sure why you inquired about my divorce earlier, but I want to tell you that even though my marriage was less than perfect, it doesn’t mean all marriages are doomed. If you’re experiencing any issues in your own marriage, I hope you find a resolution. I wish for you and your wife to find happiness.
lengthy message, a complex mix of emotions surged through him. He couldn’t help but type out a response: But it seems like she doesn’t love me anymore, what should I do?
Cecilia typed back: Is there some kind of misunderstanding between you two?
Nathaniel paused, considering his reply carefully: I wasn’t good to her in the past…
He quickly typed: She used to love me deeply.
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