Chapter 173: Steal His Woman

“Do you care about him that much? Are you afraid he’ll be angry about those marks?” Nathaniel’s voice was sharp.

Cecilia remained silent. He couldn’t understand her tears. Previously indifferent to her crying, now her distress left him feeling helpless.

“Stop crying,” he murmured, gently kissing her forehead, nose, and cheeks.

A flicker crossed Cecilia’s eyes. She tried to push him away but couldn't. A knock came at the door.

“Ms. Smith, I brought your new clothes,” the waitress called.

Nathaniel stopped, leaning close to Cecilia, his breath heavy. Cecilia wiped her tears, glaring at him. He subtly moved, giving her space to open the door. She cracked it open, collected her clothes, and composed herself.

“Mr. Rainsworth, would you mind stepping out? I need to change,” she said.

Fearing she might cry again, Nathaniel left the restroom. Outside, he lit a cigarette, struggling to suppress his unease. Why did her crying upset him so?

The waitress had brought a summer top. Even with her hair covering her neck, the marks were visible. Cecilia stared at her reflection for a long time before emerging. Nathaniel was still there; he extinguished his cigarette.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“Don’t you know? I’m having lunch with a friend.”

Were Cecilia not under his surveillance, Nathaniel wouldn't have let her go. Perhaps out of guilt, he didn't stop her.

Returning to the private room, Cecilia found Calvin’s jacket on her chair.

“You’re afraid of the cold, so I asked the waitress to bring this,” he said.

“Thank you.” She put it on.

Throughout lunch, Calvin avoided mentioning the marks. He served her attentively, but she seemed distracted.

“Ceci, if something’s troubling you, tell me,” he said gently. “Don’t keep it to yourself.”

“Okay,” she replied, but he knew it was empty reassurance. She wouldn’t ask him for help.

After lunch, he escorted her back to Rainsworth Group. Watching her leave, he then received a call from his friend, Yannick Hayes.

“So, how did it go? Did you confess?”

Calvin gazed out the window. “No.”

“What do you mean, no? That’s unlike you.” Calvin was usually swift and decisive.

“I think she doesn’t like me. I’m worried that confessing will ruin our friendship.”

Yannick laughed. “Who can resist your charm?”

“I have no choice. She’s in love with someone else.” The thought of the marks on her neck tightened his fists.

“Who is it?” Yannick, unaware of Calvin’s feelings for Cecilia, asked.

For this woman, Calvin had risked everything to return to the country.

“Nathaniel Rainsworth,” he replied.

Yannick cursed. “You want to steal his woman?” He thought of Stella. What’s so special about an entertainer who’s been the object of a thousand admirers’ dreams?

Clutching his phone, Calvin asked, “Is there a problem?”

Yannick was apprehensive. “Stella’s no ordinary woman. She’s not good for you. She’s simply not worth the trouble with Nathaniel.”