Chapter 106: A Clear Conscience Fears No Accusation

“Vivian, don’t worry, I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”

Vivian knew Cecilia would surely find Nathaniel. Grasping her hand, she said, “Geci, don’t force yourself. It’s just a free seven-day stay. I’m not scared. Don’t worry about me.”

After Cecilia left, she hailed a taxi. Unlocking her phone, she saw Stella’s Twitter post: “A clear conscience fears no accusation!”

“Hah! How well written,” she thought.

Cecilia gripped her phone tightly, her fingertips paling. She rushed to the company, only to learn from the secretary that Nathaniel had hired a new CEO and was resting at home. Nathaniel taking a break? This was news to her.

Cecilia took another taxi to Daltonia Villa. Security offered no resistance. The vast mansion was unusually quiet, the surroundings unchanged. As Cecilia entered, she heard a loud bang. Without thinking, she used her fingerprint to unlock the door—her fingerprint hadn't been removed from the lock. Stepping inside, memories flooded back.

Beyond the entrance, Nathaniel lay on the floor. The bang had been him falling. A faint scent of theco lingered.

“Mr. Kainsworth,” Cecilia said, approaching him. He was deeply furrowed, his forehead beaded with sweat, his eyes closed in discomfort.

She knelt, placing her hand on his burning forehead. He had a fever. His discomfort eased slightly at her touch. When she tried to withdraw her hand, he grasped her wrist, pulling her close.

They were so close. In a daze, he muttered, “You heartless creature, are you planning to run away again?”

Heartless? Cecilia thought. Who exactly is the heartless one?

She tried to pull away, but he held her tighter, his chest against her back, his powerful heartbeat a steady rhythm. She frowned at his pained expression.

Nathaniel rarely fell ill, but when he did, it lasted. Jonathan was similar; even a minor cold took a month to clear. When ill, Nathaniel had a terrible temper. At the company, employees suffered. At home, Cecilia bore the brunt of his irritability, his picky eating, his tantrums.

Nathaniel grunted, pulling her forcefully into his arms.

“Let go of me!” she gasped.

He warned indistinctly, “Thinking of running away again? I’m telling you, this time, even if you were to die, you must die in my arms!”

His hand tightened on her neck. Before she could react, his hands cupped her cheeks, and he kissed her. A fleeting kiss, leaving no trace. Exhausted, he collapsed back to the ground.