Chapter 123: Is This What Care Looks Like?

The assistant carefully picked up the phone. "Stella, how did it go?"

"She wants me to apologize to Vivian and publicly admit to plagiarism."

The assistant frowned. "How could she suggest something like that? If you admit to plagiarism, everything you've worked for will be gone."

Stella decided to ignore Cecille, refusing to believe anyone would waste time, money, and resources pursuing an international lawsuit against her. Her top priority was handling things with Cecilia and her upcoming marriage to Nathaniel—not just for a single song.

"Tonight's the company's anniversary event; I need to be fully prepared," she said. "As for the plagiarism issue online, let's suppress it with money for now."

Stella knew her money wouldn't last forever, but as long as it got her through the wedding, it was worth it.

At the company, Cecilia soon received a call from Vivian. "Are you coming by today?" Vivian asked. It was the weekend, and she had planned to invite Cecilia and Jonathan for a camping trip.

Cecilia declined. "Nathaniel's keeping a close eye on me. He's already found out about Elliot. If he discovers Jon's true identity, it'll be a disaster."

"Let's meet again in a few days," she suggested.

Vivian agreed. "All right then, do what you need to do to fall pregnant with his child, so we can go back to Erihal sooner."

"Of course." Unconsciously, Cecilia rubbed her belly. Since returning, Nathaniel seemed even more vigilant. It felt like getting pregnant this time would be more difficult.

A knock came at the door. Through the clear glass, she saw Mason standing at the entrance, so she quickly ended the call.

"Mr. Sanders, is there something you need?" Cecilia asked as Mason entered.

"Ms. Smith, Mr. Rainsworth would like to see you in his office."

Cecilia hadn't expected Nathaniel to come to the office today. Although reluctant, she had no choice—Elliot was still in his hands.

"All right."

After she agreed, Mason didn't leave; he escorted her to the CEO's office.

Over the years, Mr. Rainsworth has been looking for you. From what I've seen, he really does care about you."

Cecilia paused. Mason stopped walking, watching her as she offered a faint smile. "Do you really think this is what care looks like?"

Mason was taken aback, confusion evident on his refined face behind his gold-rimmed glasses.

Cecilia continued. "Mr. Sanders, do you remember how things used to be? How you treated me back then? I called Nathaniel all the time, but you usually answered. You'd always tell me he was busy, that he had more important things to do. You even hung up on me several times, didn't you? And tell me, have you ever once called me 'Mrs. Rainsworth'?"

Mason, clearly surprised, composed himself and replied seriously, "That was due to my own reasons. It has nothing to do with whether or not Mr. Rainsworth cares about you."

"Really?" Cecilia retorted. "The way the employer acts influences how the employee behaves. I'm not insulting you; I'm stating the truth. Back when I was with the Rainsworths, it wasn't just you—even the cats and dogs they raised treated different people differently."

Mason's expression shifted. He couldn't argue with Cecilia's words. It was true—if Nathaniel hadn't been indifferent to Cecilia, how could their subordinates have dared to treat her with disrespect? Similarly, he hadn't realized his attitude toward Cecilia had softened considerably. He sensed it—Nathaniel's feelings for Cecilia weren't as simple as they seemed.