Chapter 112: First Time Seeing Nathaniel Coax Someone

Unable to bear listening to Nathaniel any longer, Cecilia abruptly set down her spoon. “I’m full,” she declared, rising to leave.

Only then did Nathaniel realize she was upset. He stood up and followed her, grasping her wrist. “Why are you angry?”

Cecilia withdrew her hand. “I’m not angry. You’re absolutely right, Mr. Rainsworth. It’s my best friend who wasn’t lacking in expertise. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been sent to the police station by your subordinate and detained for a day.”

Nathaniel lowered himself, explaining, “I didn’t know that the lawyer Stella mentioned was your friend.” Cecilia listened silently.

For the first time, Nathaniel was at a loss. He could only coax, “Tell me what I can do to make amends for her detention? I’ll have someone apologize to her.”

Before Cecilia could respond, a cough sounded from the doorway. Mason stood there, his face shocked. The temperature around Nathaniel instantly dropped.

“Why haven’t you left yet?” Nathaniel demanded.

“I came to see what else needs to be arranged, Mr. Rainsworth,” Mason replied, standing awkwardly. Since Cecilia’s departure, the burden of managing Nathaniel’s demanding lifestyle had fallen on Mason. He’d discovered his employer was exceedingly fussy—upset by even minor deviations from his routine. Nathaniel had even fired a meal delivery person for improperly heated milk. Many part-timers had found the job unbearable, despite the high pay. Mason realized Cecilia’s incredible patience in tolerating Nathaniel’s eccentricities. He’d never heard her express dissatisfaction. Overhearing their conversation was his first time seeing Nathaniel attempt to coax someone.

“You don’t need to come anymore in the future,” Nathaniel stated.

Mason was taken aback. “I’ll strive to do even better, Mr. Rainsworth.” He’d worked diligently for decades; was he truly to be dismissed over such a trivial matter?

“What I meant was for you to focus on your main job. You no longer need to come to Daltonia Villa every day,” Nathaniel clarified. Mason sighed in relief. “Understood.”

As Mason was leaving, Nathaniel called him back. “How’s the child doing?”

“He’s been very well-behaved since last night. The housekeeper said he’s particularly sensible, able to bathe and dress himself,” Mason replied, pausing. “He also asked when you would be visiting him.”

Nathaniel’s expression turned complicated. “You should head back to the office first.” He coughed violently.

“Mr. Rainsworth, shall I call your personal doctor?” Mason asked, noticing Nathaniel’s poor complexion and persistent cough.

“No, it’s okay. I’m fine,” Nathaniel replied, his gaze falling on Cecilia’s retreating back.

Mason ventured, “Mr. Rainsworth, I think you should let Ms. Smith know if you have feelings for her. Otherwise, she might be oblivious.”

“Don’t meddle in my personal affairs,” Nathaniel snapped. Mason, realizing he’d overstepped, lowered his gaze.