Chapter 142: A Man of His Word

With these thoughts in mind, Nancy, encouraged by the crowd, took a seat beside Nathaniel. Under the dim light, she couldn't discern his expression. As the initial awkwardness and shyness faded, she began to peel some fruit for him.

Nathaniel watched intently, then bluntly asked, “If I don't give you money, would you still be sitting here?”

Nancy paused before responding. “Getting to sit beside you is already an honor. I don't need money.”

The question made him think of Cecilia. After so many years of marriage, he only realized after their divorce that she had never used a single penny from the Rainsworth family.

“Alright,” Nathaniel declared, his pace measured. “Starting now, you'll be working here without pay.”

Though Elite Club wasn't technically his, his word was law. Surprise filled Nancy's eyes. “You're not joking, Mr. Rainsworth?”

If she didn't need money, why work here? With her education, a ten-thousand-a-month job wouldn't be difficult to secure. But why settle for that when she could potentially earn ten thousand a day? Besides, she was young and beautiful; she might even find a rich husband.

“What do you think?” Nathaniel asked.

His friends were flabbergasted. “What's wrong with you, Nathaniel?”

He ignored them, looking at Nancy. “Any objections?”

His intense aura intimidated her. She shook her head. “No.”

Thinking Nathaniel was testing her, she dismissed his words. However, his friends knew him well enough to understand that he was a man of his word, and that Nancy's efforts would be futile. They remained silent.

Nancy was still unaware that she would receive no compensation at Elite Club, nor would anyone dare offer her money. She pressed on, bringing up his ex-wife. “Is your former wife very unpleasant, Mr. Rainsworth?”

Silence fell. Nathaniel gazed at her, his expression unreadable. “How did you know?”

“I can sense it,” Nancy answered, a playful smile in her eyes. “I can tell you were unhappy.”

Nathaniel leaned back, raising an eyebrow slightly. “You're right,” he said. “She's terrible.”

Cecilia arrived at the doorway, overhearing their conversation. The door was ajar; she simply stood there, watching. Nathaniel remained unaware of her presence. Cecilia’s gaze lowered. She was, somehow, always the subject of Nathaniel and his friends’ post-meal conversations.

“Ms. Smith! Since you're here, why not join us?” A magnetic voice sounded beside her. Darren, somehow, had appeared, a glass of red wine in his hand. His thin lips mirrored the wine's crimson hue.

His words silenced the room. Nathaniel’s dark eyes gleamed; he took a sip of wine, masking the unusual look in his eyes.

Cecilia glanced at him indifferently before turning to Darren. “I’ll pass. I don’t want to intrude.”

The young men shifted uncomfortably, unsure of her appearance. Seeing her depart, they relaxed.

“Nathaniel, she disappeared for five years, and you're divorced. How dare she check on you now?” one asked.

Standing at the door, seemingly indifferent, was Nathaniel's ex-wife. She hadn't noticed before, but now she observed the woman's exquisite features and perfect figure. Her eyes, like a tranquil spring, were unforgettable.

Nathaniel stood, ignoring his friend. “I have something to take care of. I need to leave.”