Chapter 109: Eli Has Been Taken

Nathaniel, no longer hungry, was exasperated by Cecilia’s demeanor. He wondered how he’d overlooked her glibness in the past. Outside, the sky darkened ominously, culminating in a startling clap of thunder and a brilliant flash of lightning. Cecilia checked her phone; it was eight o'clock. She usually called Martha to check on Jonathan by now.

Suddenly, a figure loomed before her. Nathaniel stood behind her, unseen.

"What are you looking at?" he asked.

Cecilia quickly put away her phone and turned. His complexion had improved considerably, though his eyes remained sharp.

"You're full, yes? Can I go back now?" she asked.

"Are you in such a hurry because Calvin contacted you?" Nathaniel inquired calmly.

Cecilia sensed a hidden meaning. "What are you trying to say?" she asked. His frequent mention of Calvin seemed odd.

At that moment, her phone rang—it was Calvin. Panic seized her, but Nathaniel remained composed.

"I'll give you five minutes. Return immediately after your call," he said.

Cecilia hurried outside, only answering Calvin's call once she was certain she was unobserved.

"Hello," she said.

"Eli has been taken by Nathaniel's men, Ceci," Calvin replied.

His words struck Cecilia like lightning. She finally understood Nathaniel's earlier remarks.

"What do you mean? How could that happen? When did Nathaniel find out about Eli? Does he know Eli's identity? Oh yes, Jon! How is Jon doing?" she cried, distraught. The suddenness of it all overwhelmed her; she hadn't expected Nathaniel to discover Elliot so quickly.

"Don't worry. I'll return once I've handled things here. Stay calm. Nathaniel likely doesn't know Eli's true identity. Even if he discovers the child is his, he wouldn't harm his own flesh and blood. Don't be afraid," Calvin reassured her.

But Cecilia couldn't calm herself. Rain lashed her face. Even after ending the call, she trembled. Only after a long time in the rain did she regain her composure and return to the mansion.

Nathaniel stood at a distance, tall and lean, a glass of wine in his hand.

"Didn't I say five minutes?" he asked, noticing her drenched and distraught state. He knew Calvin had informed her about her child.

He finished his wine, grabbed a towel, and approached her.

"You didn't even seek shelter? How did you survive abroad all these years?" he asked, his eyes dark and unreadable as he dried her hair. Even he was surprised by his actions.

Cecilia's face was pale, her hands clenched. "Where did you take my—"

Nathaniel's lips barely moved. "A very safe place."

Cecilia broke down completely. "Give him back to me!"

Nathaniel paused. "Before I do, I have a question. Is Elliot Reese really your child with Calvin?"

Cecilia was astonished. Before she could respond, Nathaniel continued, "Never mind. You don't have to answer."

He leaned close, his handsome face cold. "You remember who I am now, don't you, Ms. Smith?"

She remained silent. He tossed the towel aside, seized her wrist, and pulled her upstairs.

"What are you doing?" she panicked.

He opened the door to her old bedroom, revealing a striking black and white photograph and an urn.