Chapter 162: Master of Deception

“I’ll give you a minute to come out,” Nathaniel’s commanding voice boomed through the phone.

Come out now?

Cecilia tightened her grip on the phone, glancing out the window. “Are you outside?”

“What do you think?” Nathaniel retorted, hanging up without another word.

Cecilia stared at her phone, then turned to Calvin. “I’m sorry,” she said apologetically. “Something unexpected came up, and I need to go home.”

Calvin wanted to ask what was happening, but seeing her anxiety, he simply nodded. “Alright, be careful.”

Cecilia grabbed her bags and left quickly. Calvin rose silently and went to the balcony, watching her silhouette disappear. A complex mix of emotions washed over him.

Outside the mansion, a matte black Cadillac waited by the gate, blending into the night. Cecilia approached hesitantly. The car window lowered, revealing Nathaniel, his expression steely, his aura chilling the air.

He glanced at Cecilia coldly. “Get in.”

Cecilia, unsure how he'd gained entry to the private residential area, opened the door and slid into the passenger seat. Nathaniel sped away.

Once clear of the compound, Cecilia noticed they were surrounded by black-clad bodyguards. Inexplicable fear gripped her.

Nathaniel broke the silence. “Seems like you had a lot of fun today, huh?”

“It was alright,” Cecilia replied, unsure of his meaning.

“Were you also happy lying to me?” Nathaniel asked, pressing the accelerator. The swiftly passing scenery heightened her fear.

“What do you mean, lied to you?” she asked, feigning calmness.

Nathaniel, unprepared for her feigned ignorance, slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a screeching halt. The sudden stop nearly threw Cecilia against the dashboard.

Before she could react, Nathaniel leaned close, gripping her arms tightly. The night was pitch-black, the car’s interior dimly lit. Cecilia could only see Nathaniel’s face, oblivious to the hint of red welling in the corners of his eyes.

“Stella was right,” Nathaniel said, each word punctuated with anger. “You really are a master of deception.”

His words struck Cecilia like a bolt of lightning. She glared, disbelieving. “What are you saying?”

“I saw you pick up Calvin from the airport today,” Nathaniel whispered angrily. “You’re not returning to Daltonia Villa tonight because you want to stay with him, right?” He continued, "You were gone all night. Were you planning to sleep with him...?"

Before he could finish, Cecilia raised her hand. Before her palm connected with his cheek, Nathaniel grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

He sneered. “Caught red-handed again, aren’t you? You really can’t control yourself, huh? Why don’t you just keep lying to me?”

Cecilia felt a deafening roar in her ears. Her vision blurred, a watery glow obscuring her sight. Her lips trembled. “Nathaniel, you’ve really gone too far.”

His accusations hurt. His heartlessness stung.

His anger intensified at her words. He raised his hand and slapped her. His touch was icy cold, her body trembling. “Oh, you haven’t seen the worst of me yet.”

Cecilia jerked away. “You jerk!”

Nathaniel ignored her cries and pressed on, forcing her face against the window. She had never experienced such humiliation. He was too strong to resist.

“Haven’t you always wanted this? Today, I’ll fulfill your wish.”