Chapter 20: Rotten to the Core

Summer in the South often brought torrential rain. In the days following her hospital discharge, Calvin frequently visited Cecilia. The lingering effects of her medication had worsened her physical health, but her mental state had improved considerably. Even without an appetite, she forced herself to eat. She never mentioned Nathaniel during their visits. Perhaps the pain of mentioning him was too great, or perhaps she simply didn't want to burden her friends. Alone, however, she often stared blankly at Nathaniel's WhatsApp profile picture, unsure how to broach the subject of divorce.

One day, returning from grocery shopping, a figure blocked her path. Stella, in a striking long dress and high heels, sunglasses and mask concealing her face, exuded an imposing presence. "Ceci, does Mrs. Smith know you're not dead?" Stella smirked.

Finding a quiet café, they sat by the window as large raindrops hammered the glass. Stella removed her mask, revealing her delicate features. "Don't worry," she said, "I heard from Zach that Magnus took Mr. Larke's money and fled with Mrs. Smith. They won't bother you anymore." Cecilia had already heard this from Calvin. Fearing retribution for failing to marry Cecilia to the Larke family, Paula and Magnus had fled the country that same day. Who could have predicted the once-wealthy Smiths would become practically destitute over three hundred million? Cecilia listened silently, revealing no emotion.

"What do you want to say?"

Stella's gaze fell to Cecilia's still-unburdened belly. She hesitated, then said, "Tell me, what will it take for you to leave Nathaniel? Name your price. I'll give it to you."

Cecilia smiled calmly. "I've been married to Nathaniel for three years. Our shared assets must be worth at least billions. Can you afford that?"

Stella, whose reputation was carefully polished but whose core was rotten, clenched her teeth. The woman before her, once the favored daughter of the wealthy Smith family, had always considered money inconsequential. Now, however, Cecilia was merely an abandoned woman. This thought somewhat soothed Stella, and she smiled.

"You don't know who sent me, do you? Nathaniel's mother specifically asked me to tell you that as long as you leave, money is no object. Consider it… charity for a beggar."

A beggar… Cecilia recalled Elena's flattery when urging her to marry Nathaniel, claiming only a Smith daughter was worthy and promising to treat Cecilia like her own. The humiliation was unbearable. She stood. "Then bring the money first, and we'll talk." She knew Elena wouldn't give her a cent.

As Cecilia left, she heard Stella's warning: "You'll regret this."

Later that night, a phone call roused Cecilia from a half-sleep.