Chapter 199 Got Everything Covered

“Don’t worry. I’ve got everything covered,” Calvin replied confidently.

Yannick, sensing Calvin’s feigned ignorance, gave up. “Let me share some news. Nathaniel’s girlfriend was hurt. For a man as successful as him, you’d think he’d have better taste in women. Why pick someone so unworthy?”

“I’m not interested,” Calvin said impassively.

Only then did Yannick realize his mistake. Nathaniel hadn’t merely chosen Stella; she was the woman Calvin loved.

He quickly changed the subject. “So, when are you leaving?”

Calvin gazed out the window, thoughtful. “Not for a while.”

Yannick’s concern mounted. The Reeses were watching him closely, like predators. Calvin’s prolonged stay risked jeopardizing the Reese family inheritance.

In the hospital, Stella lay weakly on the bed, her neck bandaged, her face pale.

“Nathaniel, I was so scared,” she whispered, her eyes glistening. “I thought I was going to die.”

Nathaniel offered no comfort. He turned to his bodyguard. “Anything?”

“Yes,” the bodyguard replied. “Ms. Ross’s fan was at her room. The men in black were identified as Calvin’s subordinates.”

He hadn’t connected Stella’s fan to Cecilia’s attack.

Stella’s brow furrowed. “Calvin’s subordinates… Could it be Ceci—”

She stopped abruptly. “No, Ceci wouldn’t do that. I’ve never harmed her; why would she want me dead?”

Learning the men who’d taken Sean were Calvin’s sent a shiver down her spine, bringing a wave of relief at her quick thinking. Nathaniel, of course, wouldn't confront Cecilia; she had nothing to do with Calvin.

“Get some rest,” Nathaniel said firmly, turning to leave.

Stella called out, “Nathaniel, I heard you haven’t been to the office lately. Could you stay?”

She knew he’d been with Cecilia.

“My presence won’t help,” he replied steadily. “I’ll ensure you have the best care.”

“But…” she began, then softened her tone. “There’s something I need to say. I’ve never had any dealings with Calvin. He has no reason to want me dead.”

Nathaniel left. Outside, he called Mason, asking if Cecilia had returned to Daltonia Villa. Hearing she had, he instructed the driver to return.

Stella’s words echoed during the drive. Cecilia had been by his side; Stella’s situation had nothing to do with her.

But Calvin’s presence—the thought of another man coveting his wife—haunted him.

Arriving at Daltonia Villa, Nathaniel’s heart sank at the sight of the darkened mansion. He rushed to the entrance.

The door creaked open, revealing only pitch-black darkness.

Cecilia’s words echoed, sending a jolt of fear through him: “Think carefully—if you walk away now, I won’t keep my promise.”

His heart pounded. He flicked on the lights and hurried to Cecilia’s room. It was empty. Cecilia was gone.

His blood ran cold. She’s gone again? How long this time?