Chapter 148: Your Mother Came Today
Elena harbored no suspicions toward Jonathan. Squatting to his level, she asked, “Do you remember where your home is? I’ll take you home, okay?”
Jonathan was surprised by her unexpectedly amiable demeanor. Though Cecelia had never mentioned Elena, he’d already done his research. Elena, the Griffiths heiress, was known as an iron lady. After marrying Wren, she’d raised their son alone, her husband showing no concern for family matters. In public, she never smiled.
While Jonathan remained dazed, Elena continued, “If you remember your daddy’s or mommy’s phone number, I can call them.”
Snapping to attention, Jonathan bowed. “Thank you, Madam. Could you drop me at the main road’s bus stop? I know how to take the bus home.”
Her liking for him grew with his politeness and intelligence. She sighed. If Nathaniel had listened to me, my grandson would be this age by now. “All right, hop in. I’ll drive you to the bus station.”
Knowing Elena was his grandmother, Jonathan wasn’t worried she might be unkind. He eagerly entered the car, curious about her. Once inside, Elena couldn’t resist chatting with him.
Jonathan began, “This mansion is huge. Do you live here?”
Elena grinned. “This is my son’s home. I don’t live here.”
“So, you must have come to see your grandson, right?” Jonathan asked.
Elena’s expression changed at the word “grandson.” “I don’t have a grandson yet. If I did, I’d let him live in a mansion larger than a palace.” She wasn’t joking. If only she had known this child was her grandson... She would provide him the best life.
When Cecelia first married into the Rainsworth family, Elena immediately commissioned various children’s facilities: a playground, racetrack, ski resort, and more, designed for learning and play. As Nathaniel built his career and Wren spent years abroad with his mistress, Elena suffered from empty nest syndrome. She yearned for a grandchild, hoping he would one day lead the family business. There was another reason, too: it concerned her mother-in-law.
Jonathan hadn’t expected such openness. He’d assumed the Rainsworths, like Nathaniel, disapproved of him and his brother.
Nearing the main road, he said, “You can drop me here now, Madam. Thank you.” He exited the car.
Elena watched him reach the bus station before instructing the driver to return home. During the drive, the driver had observed Jonathan closely. On the way back, he exclaimed, “Kids these days are getting smarter and smarter. That child’s eyes remind me of Mr. Rainsworth.”
Elena agreed. She wouldn’t have been so kind to another child. Jonathan had won her heart, though she couldn’t explain why.
Meanwhile, Nathaniel returned shortly after leaving. Stella had called him because of an obsessive fan who claimed to be her boyfriend, intruding on her home and attempting to abduct her. By the time Nathaniel arrived, security had removed the man. He assigned Stella a bodyguard, instructing her to contact either the police or the bodyguard if trouble arose.
After resolving Stella’s situation, Nathaniel attended to Cecelia. Concerned she hadn’t eaten due to her allergy, he ordered food. Her upstairs door was open, white curtains fluttering gently. Seated at her table, she wrote music, a serene scene.
Nathaniel entered, noticing the rash on her skin. “Have you eaten?”
Only when his reflection appeared on her paper did Cecelia realize he was there. “You’re back.”
“I’m not hungry,” she replied, engrossed in her work.
“You should eat something, even if you’re not hungry.” Nathaniel headed downstairs.
Reluctantly, Cecelia followed him to the dining area, where exquisite dishes sat, delivered per his request. She saw no seafood among them. Nathaniel ate unconcerned, without explanation.
After finishing, Cecelia said, “Your mother came looking for me today.”