Chapter 104: A Domineering Last Name

Nathaniel lay beside Elliot, who appeared to be asleep. Discreetly, the boy reached for his smartwatch, intending to contact Calvin after landing. He found his wrist bare. His clothes had been changed, and with them, his watch—and its tracking device—were gone.

Elliot sighed, and Nathaniel opened his eyes. "Does it still hurt?"

Nathaniel's quick awakening surprised Elliot. "It doesn't hurt anymore. Thank you, Mister."

Elliot's formal address irked Nathaniel. He gazed intently at the boy. "What's your name?"

"Elliot Reese," the boy replied promptly.

Elliot Reese… Nathaniel's expression darkened. He knew the kidnapping stemmed from Elliot's discovery of information concerning him and Cecilia. However, he hadn't finished reviewing the information; otherwise, he wouldn't have asked for the boy's name. Calvin had always guarded the identities of Jonathan, Cecilia, and himself.

Seeing Nathaniel's silence, Elliot innocently asked, "Mister, my name is quite lovely, isn't it? My daddy named me. 'Reese' sounds like a pretty domineering last name, right?"

Nathaniel, increasingly irritated by the boy's renewed energy, stood. "Do you know why you have a stomachache?"

Elliot was perplexed. Could he know about my illness?

"It's because you talk too much. Kids who talk too much get tummy aches."

Nathaniel left the break room. Outside, Mason approached. "Mr. Rainsworth, you're awake?"

"Mhm." After settling, Nathaniel had breakfast sent over. Instead of eating, he asked Mason, "Have you found out his age?"

"He's three years and nine months old."

Three years and nine months… Nathaniel's face fell. If Elliot were his child, he should be over four. Based on his first encounter with Cecilia in August, he estimated the child should be around four years and a couple of months old.

He glanced back at Elliot, who had fallen asleep again. He really looks no older than four. "Find a place to settle him after we return."

Leaving that instruction, Nathaniel went to the lounge. Regardless of Elliot's parentage, he intended to use the boy to bind Cecilia, preventing her escape. Yet, a deep frustration gnawed at him.

Calvin Reese… Elliot Reese… He murmured, a cough seizing him.

As dawn touched Tudela, the plane landed. After ensuring Elliot's safe transfer to a secluded location, Nathaniel instructed his driver to return to Daltonia Villa. He would wait for Cecilia to contact him.

Back home, he lit a cigarette. He only remained on the balcony briefly before another coughing fit left him dizzy. Returning to the living room, he sank onto the couch where he'd often relaxed with Cecilia. A phone call interrupted his rest.