Chapter 133: Name Your Price

A lump of cotton seemed lodged in Nathaniel's throat. He'd never cared about money or projects; he detested being deceived. This public betrayal was unprecedented. Seeing his silence, Cecilia wasn't sure how to soothe him.

“I don’t know how else to help you let go of the past,” she said finally.

Nathaniel turned to her small figure. “The Smith and Rainsworth agreement has existed for eight years. Projects and finances have changed. How will you repay me?”

“Name your price. I’ll pay you back,” Cecilia replied promptly.

Nathaniel’s deep eyes shimmered. “All right. Once you’ve paid, I’ll let you go.” He intended to ensure the debt could never be fully repaid.

Cecilia sighed with relief. Her entanglement with Nathaniel now hinged on their children and the family agreement. She needed to repay him completely.

The car arrived at Daltonia Villa. Back at the villa, Cecilia experienced intense nausea, vomiting in the bathroom. Nathaniel questioned the bodyguard who'd been following her.

“Who permitted her to drink?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Rainsworth,” the bodyguard replied, head bowed.

“Gather hangover remedies and medication in ten minutes,” Nathaniel ordered coldly.

“Yes.” The bodyguard left.

Cecilia emerged, refreshed but pale. Nathaniel watched her from the living room. “Come here.”

Cecilia approached, noticing the remedies on the coffee table.

“Drink this before sleeping,” Nathaniel instructed.

“All right, thank you.” Cecilia drank the remedy and then the medicine.

Once her headache subsided, she asked seriously, “How much do I owe you?”

Nathaniel looked at her gently. After a sip of water, he said, “I can’t recall your father’s initial promise. Begin by returning the betrothal gifts—at least four to five billion. Inflation has increased their value.”

Four or five billion? Cecilia nodded. “As it should be.”

Her innocent demeanor made Nathaniel feel guilty about exploiting her inebriation.

“You paid one hundred million. I won’t let you lose. Repay eight billion, deducting that hundred million—seven point nine billion. The dowry is waived since you've returned the gifts. However, the project ruined by your brother and mother requires calculation. Is that acceptable?”

Seven point nine billion… Cecilia’s accumulated wealth was likely far less.

She resolved to compose more music, earn more money. She would continue to contribute to her charitable endeavors.

“Of course. I’ll reimburse you after the calculation,” she said.

Yet, Nathaniel felt no happiness facing her compliance. Her willingness to pay such a sum to leave him was striking.

He paused, then said, “Until the debt is paid, you remain at Daltonia Villa.”

“All right.”