Chapter 107: Asking for Help

By the time Cecilia regained consciousness, the person on the ground was silent. She quickly leaned in, touching his forehead; it felt even hotter than before. She fetched the first-aid kit, finding its contents expired. Nathaniel hadn't restocked it. Cecilia grabbed ice cubes from the refrigerator, wrapping them in a cloth to cool him. She then ordered medicine online.

Initially, Nathaniel refused the medicine, until Cecilia added honey. No one would have guessed the legendary Nathaniel had a sweet tooth. He was too heavy for her to move, so she left him on the floor, lowered the air conditioning, and draped a thin blanket over him. Exhausted, she fell asleep on the couch.

As the sun set, Nathaniel opened his heavy eyelids to find himself on the floor. He rubbed his head, then saw Cecilia asleep on the nearby couch. He noticed the blanket, damp towel, and medicine. He lifted the blanket, but dizziness overwhelmed him. "Since when did I fall so ill?" he wondered.

"You're finally awake," Cecilia said, startled by his movement. Seeing he was conscious and unharmed, she stated her purpose: "Considering I cared for you, please spare Vivian. She acted for me. I apologize to your girlfriend on her behalf. I'm sorry."

Nathaniel, still groggy, asked, "Who is Vivian?"

Cecilia explained that her friend, Vivian Kennedy, exposed Stella's plagiarism. "I apologize if it upset your girlfriend, Stella. But I'm asking for mercy. I'll take down the post."

Nathaniel remembered Stella's earlier call for help. "If that's not enough, I can issue a public apology," Cecilia offered.

Her throat tightened as Nathaniel remained silent. "I apologized not to admit slander, but out of respect for your authority. If you refuse mercy, that's fine, as long as your conscience is clear."

She started to leave, but Nathaniel, fighting dizziness, gripped her wrist. "When did I say I wouldn't help you?"

Cecilia's bitterness was evident. Nathaniel admitted, "I didn't realize she's your friend. I'll contact the legal department." He tightened his grip. "Did you come here only for this?"

Cecilia was confused. Had it not been for Vivian, she wouldn't have come. Nathaniel realized his mistake. He'd wondered if Cecilia had a change of heart, perhaps out of concern for him. It was all for someone else.

Cecilia felt uncomfortable under his intense gaze. "Please contact the legal department. I'm leaving now." She withdrew her hand.

Nathaniel, incredulous, asked, "Is this really how you ask for help?"