Chapter 186: I Will Not Forgive Him

Gazing at the retreating figures, one large and one small, Elena's face registered a profound sense of loss. The secretary then received a message containing the information Elena had requested—an update on Nathaniel's activities. "Someone close to Mason mentioned that Mr. Rainsworth has been in Tudela with a child for over half a month," she informed Elena.

Returning home, Jonathan contemplated the need for constant vigilance, wherever he might be. Elliot had already been discovered by Nathaniel; Jonathan couldn't risk the same fate. In his room, he swiftly accessed Elliot's communication line, having secretly breached Spring Forest Manor's firewall the previous day. Nathaniel had only confiscated Elliot's digital watch, unaware of the miniature communication device hidden beneath.

That night, Elliot, lying in his hospital bed, activated the device. "Jon," he whispered.

"Are you alright?" Jonathan asked.

"I'm fine. Nathaniel has provided excellent care; they give me anything I want."

Elliot gazed out into the darkness. "If it weren't for my illness, Cecilia wouldn't have had to return, and we could have continued our peaceful family life."

Jonathan felt relieved. He would have brought Elliot back, regardless of the cost, had he been unwell. Yet, Jonathan felt his own limitations; he couldn't protect his mother or guarantee his brother's safety.

"Jon, I have something to ask."

"What is it?"

"Is Nathaniel really that bad?"

Elliot's first doubt about Nathaniel's character arose from Nathaniel's reaction to his pranks; Nathaniel never retaliated or showed anger.

"Why would you ask that? Abandoning his wife and child is bad enough," Jonathan replied, finding his brother overly kind-hearted.

Elliot disagreed. "Jon, I think he's in love with Mommy."

Jonathan was stunned. Elliot continued, "I met Mommy on her birthday. Nathaniel brought her. He didn't seem to dislike her; it was more like he was...holding something back."

Elliot's illness had heightened his sensitivity and perceptiveness. He assessed people based on subtle cues.

"Is that so?" Jonathan was incredulous. Despite his mother's silence, Jonathan had witnessed her sleepless nights, her tears, and the occasional whispered utterance of Nathaniel's name. He'd also researched Cecilia and Nathaniel's history, finding no evidence of Nathaniel's affection. He knew about Elliot's pranks on Nathaniel as well.

Jonathan fell into deep thought. If Nathaniel truly loved Cecilia, he would have let her stay with him. But Jonathan doubted it.

"It's late; you should rest. This call is risky."

"Okay."

Reluctantly, Elliot watched the device's light fade. He had little desire to sleep. Gazing at the stars, he murmured, "Should we forgive Nathaniel if he isn't bad? Should we forgive him if he truly loves Mommy?"

A sharp pain shot through him. Sweat beaded on his forehead. Gritting his teeth, he responded coldly, "No. I will never forgive him." His pain fueled his resentment. He resented Nathaniel for abandoning his mother, for their years of ignorance and the cold indifference they had faced.