Chapter 10: The Fall of Smith Corporation

When Cecilia turned on the news, the headline announced a Rainsworth Group press conference. Nathaniel had successfully acquired Smith Corporation. That moment marked Smith Corporation's demise. A photograph of Nathaniel filled the screen—strikingly handsome, exuding confidence and vigor. Beneath it, comments flooded in: "Incredibly handsome, so young, and already a corporation CEO! It's a pity he's married… but isn't his wife the daughter of the Smith family? A business marriage, remember? Three years ago, he abandoned his bride…" The internet held a long memory. Cecilia almost forgot the day she was abandoned at the altar, the memory of Nathaniel's angry departure fading. She scrolled through more comments. For three years, she knew Smith Corporation's fall was inevitable, but not this swift. Lately, Nathaniel seemed unusually at ease. The acquisition felt like a final, decisive victory.

Zachary chuckled. "Three years ago, the Smith family deceived you with that marriage. Now, they've gotten what they deserve." He turned to Nathaniel, working beside him. "Nathaniel, has the little deaf been begging lately?" Nathaniel paused, pen hovering over his paper. People kept mentioning Cecilia. Even after the divorce, why is she still on my mind? "No," he replied tersely. Zachary was surprised. Could Cecilia remain so composed after the Smith family's actions? "Could she have figured it out? I heard her family is searching for her, but no one knows where she's hiding."

Nathaniel's irritation flared. "Get out!" he snapped. Zachary, startled by the outburst, quickly left. Alone, Nathaniel reached for his phone, finding no messages from Cecilia. She hadn't contacted him. Outside, Zachary worried. Nathaniel seemed unchanged, yet Cecilia's name ignited his anger. He called his assistant: "Have we located Cecilia?" "Yes, she's at a small motel in Hillscester."

Zachary obtained the location and drove there. Cecilia had stalled Nathaniel and Stella for over three years. Even with their divorce, letting her go easily felt unfair. Rain fell gently. After volunteering, Cecilia collected medicine and walked towards the motel, umbrella in hand. The streets were nearly empty. Zachary, in his luxury car, spotted her slender silhouette. He accelerated, driving through a puddle that splashed Cecilia. In his rearview mirror, her vacant gaze caused a jolt of unease. Cecilia recognized his Bugatti but pretended not to see him. He slowed, pulling alongside her. "Hey, upset? You see me and don't greet me? Weren't you quite enthusiastic before? Didn't you enjoy pleasing me?" Cecilia remained silent. She had once tried to ingratiate herself with Nathaniel's circle, unaware of Zachary's disdain. At a gathering, he'd revealed his friendship with Stella, mocking Cecilia, calling her lowly and shameless, even pushing her into a swimming pool. Since then, she'd avoided him.

Zachary's annoyance grew. He stopped, opened his car door, and confronted her, grasping her arm. "What game are you playing?" Cecilia winced. "I don't know what you're talking about." She tried to free herself, but he brushed her off. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands!" Cecilia fell hard to the ground. Zachary stared, incredulous. Did she fake that? I only gave her a gentle push… Seeing onlookers, he felt uncomfortable, returned to his car, and warned, "Just because you're disabled doesn't give you the right to interfere with Stella. She's worked hard. Stay out of her and Nathaniel's way."

He then discreetly informed the Smith family of Cecilia's location. Cecilia lay on the ground, injured and in pain. She couldn't understand Zachary's corruption. She remembered saving him from a car explosion four years ago, his bloodied, blinded state contrasting with his gentle thanks. Is this his repayment? She hadn't expected anything, but certainly not enmity. A passerby helped her up. "Miss, who was that? Should we call the police?" Her ringing ears made understanding difficult. Assuming their concern, she declined help. The Sinclairs were as influential as the Rainsworths, a global medical business. Zachary could have inherited the empire, but dedicated himself to Nathaniel instead. Cecilia couldn't afford to offend him.

Back at the motel, she showered and treated her injuries. Exhausted, she lay down, the day's events solidifying her resolve to leave Nathaniel. Awakening at dawn, she found Paula, dressed in traditional attire, seated on the couch. "Awake, are we? You sure gave me a hard time finding you," Paula said sarcastically. Cecilia listened, her eyes dimming. "Mom…" Paula, seeing her daughter's pale face, showed no concern. She slapped Cecilia across the cheek.