Chapter 147: Accidental Encounter

Cecilia stared at the check, a wave of mockery washing over her. “Your son insisted I repay the money before leaving. Now you’re offering me money to leave. I don’t know what to do.”

“What do you mean?” Elena asked.

“You should ask Nathaniel,” Cecilia replied.

After a moment’s hesitation, Elena abandoned further questioning, opting for an emotional appeal. “You’ve been married to Nathaniel for over three years without giving him a child. Do you have any idea how people perceive him? Consider others; don’t be so selfish.”

Selfish… Cecilia inwardly scoffed. Who’s being selfish? When I didn't have a child, why didn't she ask her own son?

“I’ve told you, discuss this with Nathaniel, not me. I’m not the one who doesn’t want to leave,” Cecilia said.

Elena, unprepared for this response, approached Cecilia. “Is that how you speak to your elders?” she challenged, raising her hand to strike.

Cecilia swiftly seized Elena’s wrist. “Madam Elena, please have some self-respect,” she said, releasing Elena’s hand.

Elena stumbled back, disbelieving. This wasn't the docile daughter-in-law she knew. Outside, she called her secretary. “Find out what Nathaniel’s been up to lately.”

Even as Nathaniel’s mother, Elena was clueless about his thoughts. He claimed not to love Cecilia, yet allowed her to stay at Daltonia Villa. Furthermore, he seemed increasingly distracted. Their relatives would undoubtedly exploit this situation.

After the call, Elena remained uneasy. She contacted Mason and Nathaniel’s office secretary, but gained no useful information.

Inside the villa, Cecilia heard the car depart, a knot of unease tightening in her chest. Nathaniel no longer cared about children, but the Rainsworth family valued descendants greatly. Elena and Paula had forced countless medications upon her, fueled by their intense desire for a grandson. Cecilia only hoped Nathaniel wouldn't mention Elliot to his mother.

Outside Daltonia Villa, a small figure, masked and hatted, watched from afar. Jonathan had told his driver he was with a friend, whose chauffeur would take him home. He’d arrived alone by taxi, wanting to see his mother, check on her allergy, and see if his “sembag daddy” was present.

As darkness fell, unable to find Cecilia, he began walking home. Lacking taxis, he walked a kilometer or two. Elena’s car slowly passed him. Lost in thought, her gaze fell on Jonathan.

What is a child doing here? she wondered, stopping the car. Seeing Jonathan, her icy expression softened.

“Jon, what are you doing here?” she asked. There were no other houses nearby.

Jonathan, surprised, tried to avoid her, but it was too late. “Hello, Grandma Elena,” he said. “I was with a friend, but we got separated.” His deep-set eyes held an inexplicable familiarity, melting Elena’s reserve.

“I see,” she murmured, the glimmer of hope in her heart fading. A moment before, she’d believed her son had secretly given her a grandchild. What a pity…