Chapter 152 Personal Business
Upon receiving Cecilia's text, Stella's lips curled into a delighted smile. She immediately texted Nathaniel: "Nathaniel, I'm unsure of your relationship with Cecilia, but she's not as straightforward as she appears. If you doubt me, meet me at the Cross Street cafe at ten tonight." She aimed to expose Cecilia's true nature to Nathaniel.
Cecilia remained oblivious. After waking and freshening up, she found Nathaniel on the living room couch, engrossed in his phone. Hearing her approach, he quickly deleted Stella's message and looked up. "Let's go out for breakfast," he suggested.
Cecilia was puzzled; breakfast was already prepared in the dining room. Nevertheless, she readily agreed. At the restaurant, a lavish breakfast awaited. Cecilia ate heartily, her favorite dishes selected without hesitation. Nathaniel watched closely. "Don't you have anything to tell me?" he asked.
"What?" Cecilia replied, a flicker of concern for Stella in her eyes. "Nothing," she finally said. Nathaniel didn't press further. Cecilia sensed his recent inactivity. Was he neglecting his office work? Breakfast ended swiftly, and their driver took them to the office.
Sharing an office proved impossible for Cecilia's musical composition. Restless, she approached Nathaniel's desk. "I want to go for a stroll," she announced. His hand, mid-document review, paused. "All right," he replied.
To her surprise, he readily agreed. Before leaving, she added, "I have something to do tonight, so I'll be back later." Nathaniel's gaze intensified as he looked at her calm face. His lips parted slightly. "What is it?" he asked.
"Personal business," Cecilia replied, feigning secrecy. Nathaniel's expression turned serious, a chill in his eyes. "Let me remind you," he warned, "Don't do anything to upset me."
Cecilia was almost certain Stella had told him about her request for money. Yet, Nathaniel's reaction puzzled her. He wasn't one to tolerate annoyances. If he knew, why the indirect approach?
After leaving the office, her confusion persisted. She discreetly texted Sven. Soon, a taxi arrived, driven by Sven himself. True to his reputation as Calvin's trusted aide, Sven was ever vigilant. He informed Cecilia of a trailing vehicle—undoubtedly Nathaniel's men.
"Should we lose them?" Sven asked.
"No need," Cecilia replied. Further evasion would only heighten Nathaniel's suspicions. Sven asked their destination. "Could you do me a favor and drive around? I feel cooped up," Cecilia requested.
Silence filled the car as Cecilia gazed out the window, a blend of familiarity and strangeness in the passing scenery. Gradually, her emotions calmed. Nathaniel's men continued to follow, noting the taxi's aimless meandering. Nathaniel instructed them to maintain surveillance.
As they neared the Smith residence, Cecilia said, "Sven, could we go there?" The Smith mansion, perched halfway up a hill, was a wooden structure reflecting Regas's love for antiques. Numerous flowers, particularly begonias—Cecilia's favorite—adorned the grounds. Unbeknownst to her, Stella had already acquired the property.