Chapter 102: Who Is Your Daddy

"Given your celebrity status, you should be prepared for gossip and rumors," Nathaniel said, his voice cold.

Stella felt a pang of disappointment. He was unyielding, heartless. "Nathaniel, please stay with me," she pleaded.

She hadn't expected his blunt response: "I know my mother wants you to bear my child. Don't entertain the idea."

Stella was stunned. "Knowing your place is best," he added, then abruptly left.

Watching him go, she was bewildered. His father was a notorious philanderer, yet Nathaniel remained impervious to temptation. Elena desperately wanted a grandson, but Stella had no chance to conceive.

She summoned a doctor to treat her injured hand.

After leaving the Polaris Condominium, Nathaniel called Mason. "Well?" he asked.

"The arrangements are complete, including some unconventional methods," Mason replied. "They should return the child without your intervention."

"Should?" Nathaniel's displeasure was evident.

Mason hesitated. "Calvin seems vigilant. There's been unusual activity around the local hospital. Dealing with this might take time, and they can't guarantee Calvin won't notice."

Nathaniel considered this. "Arrange a private jet to Erihal immediately," he instructed. "I'll personally retrieve him."

"Understood."

Nathaniel drove directly to the airport. If not for Stella's self-harm, he would already be on his way. Returning the child would prevent Cecilia's departure and end his mother's pressure for a grandchild.

Late that night, four bodyguards stood watch outside a VIP ward in Erihal, patrolling to prevent unauthorized access to Elliot's room.

Before they could react, a team of highly trained bodyguards swiftly subdued and removed them. The entire operation took less than a minute.

Hospital surveillance was disabled, and by the time the lights flickered back on, Nathaniel had already secured the boy.

In a black limousine, Nathaniel watched the sleeping boy, occasionally frowning in his sleep. He placed a hand on the child's forehead.

Elliot's obsidian eyes, strikingly similar to Nathaniel's, opened. He showed no panic, simply noting his location. I've been kidnapped by scumbag daddy, he thought, but maintained a perplexed expression.

"Mister, where are you taking me?" Elliot asked softly.

A flicker of displeasure crossed Nathaniel's face. "Back to our country," he replied, seemingly unconcerned about sharing this with a four-year-old.

Elliot blinked sleepily. "Mister, please hurry. My daddy will be upset."

"Daddy?" Nathaniel's voice deepened. "Who is your daddy?"

A sly glint appeared in Elliot's eyes. "Mister, don't you know? My daddy's the most powerful man here. Calvin Reese."

Nathaniel's expression hardened.