Chapter 166: Threading on Thin Ice

Noticing something was amiss with Elliot, Elliot pouted. “Mommy, did you forget something?”

Cecilia snapped back to reality. “What?”

“You forgot to kiss me,” Elliot said, gesturing toward his face.

Cecilia immediately kissed his cheek. “Feeling better now?”

“Mm!”

The time spent with Elliot filled Cecilia with a warmth she’d never known. All the grievances of the past few days vanished. As their time together dwindled, afternoon approached. Cecilia offered Elliot reminders and advice. Unlike his behavior abroad, he was unusually understanding, avoiding a tantrum and not forbidding her departure.

When it was time for Cecilia to return to Tudela, Elliot protested, refusing to let her go. He only relented after much persuasion. Cecilia felt her younger son was no different from other children; only Jonathan's intelligence surpassed the norm.

During the ride back, Cecilia's heartache was evident. She stared at the rearview mirror, looking away only when the manor disappeared from view. Nathaniel sat beside her, initially intending to discuss her birthday, but remained silent.

“What would you like to eat later?” he finally asked.

“Anything is fine,” Cecilia replied, her appetite lacking.

“All right.” Nathaniel directed the driver to their usual private restaurant. Cecilia ate little throughout the meal. Nathaniel felt ill-equipped to celebrate a birthday. He arranged for a cake to be delivered on their way back.

Upon arriving at Daltonia Villa, Cecilia found the cake on the dining table; she was surprised. Nathaniel said nothing, heading straight to his study.

At that moment, Cecilia checked her phone and saw numerous missed calls from Calvin and Vivian. Her phone had been on silent. Worried about their concern, she first called Vivian.

“Finally! What happened yesterday? Why did you leave? Are you okay?” Vivian asked urgently.

“Something came up last night, so I left early. My phone was on silent,” Cecilia explained.

Vivian sighed in relief. “I’m glad you’re all right.”

“Mm.”

After speaking with Vivian, Cecilia called Calvin, recounting the day's events.

Calvin responded, “Tell me where Eli is. I’ll have someone get him.”

“Security is tight; it won’t be easy. Also, I’m not pregnant yet. Taking Eli now might make Nathaniel more cautious.”

“All right. Once you’ve succeeded, we’ll figure out a way to get Eli out.” Calvin added, “I’m not sure how long I can stay. I’m here under the guise of a domestic project. Once it’s finished, I’ll have to leave.”

“Okay.”

Cecilia hung up, stepping onto the balcony for a breath of fresh air before preparing for bed. Turning, she saw Nathaniel watching her with an unreadable expression. Quickly putting away her phone, she wondered if he’d overheard her conversation.

“Is there something you need?” she asked.

Nathaniel had only heard the word “Okay.” He entered the room. “Were you on the phone with Calvin?”

Cecilia didn’t deny it. “Yeah.”

“Do you know why Calvin returned this time?” Nathaniel asked abruptly.

Cecilia looked at him, confused. “Why?”

“He’s treading on thin ice. If I were to cancel all his projects, do you think he’d survive a return?”