Chapter 204 His Curiosity

Meanwhile, at Daltonia Villa, sunlight warmed Cecilia's face as she awoke to find Nathaniel already back in bed. Her gaze met his handsome features. Before she could collect her thoughts, he pulled her into his embrace.

"Good morning," he murmured, planting a kiss on her forehead.

Cecilia was momentarily startled. It seemed he'd forgotten their earlier conversation. She instinctively drew back. Nathaniel's deep, phoenix eyes flickered open, confusion evident. He abruptly grasped her chin and kissed her—this time, a domineering, rough kiss. Cecilia struggled to escape, but he held her fast. Just as he was about to deepen the kiss, the sharp ring of the telephone interrupted them.

He frowned. "What is it this time?" he muttered, grabbing Cecilia's phone. It was Vivian. With a hint of annoyance, he handed it to her. "It's your friend."

Without a word, Cecilia took the phone and went to the balcony. "What is it, Vivian?"

Unaware of Nathaniel's presence, Vivian immediately recounted the day's events. "Don't you think Zachary is out of his mind?"

Cecilia, after listening, found it equally strange. After some thought, she asked, "Vivian, could the child he mentioned be Jon?" Jonathan was the only child Vivian was close to.

"That little one?" Vivian exclaimed. "That's right! I forgot to tell you. The last time I picked Jon up from kindergarten, I saw Zachary trying to take him. Good thing I got there in time…" A wave of fear washed over Vivian. Cecilia felt a similar disbelief.

Why was Zachary fixated on Jonathan? Could it be because of the accidental bump at Neil's birthday banquet? Zachary held grudges, but Cecilia hadn't imagined he'd target a child.

"Vivian, do you think Jon is hiding something from us?" Cecilia confided. She trusted Jonathan implicitly; he rarely lied, unless afraid of hurting her.

"What could a four-year-old possibly hide?" Vivian's mind blanked. "Don't overthink it," she said. "I don't want Zachary's money, and as for the child, forget about it."

"Right," Cecilia replied, pausing. "And what about your dad?"

"He can't force me to the Sinclairs, can he?" Vivian mused. "I wonder what Old Mr. Sinclair sees in me; I've never even met him."

Roland, unlike Paula, still cared for Vivian, Cecilia knew. She wouldn't be forced. Cecilia's concern shifted to Zachary's actions.

Throughout the conversation, Cecilia observed Nathaniel through the floor-to-ceiling window. He lazily watched her, noticing the length of the call and preparing to approach.

After instructing Vivian to keep a close eye on Jonathan, Cecilia ended the call. Nathaniel, in a black robe, approached.

"What were you two talking about? That conversation went on quite a while, and ended the moment I arrived," he said, reaching for her phone.

Cecilia quickly tucked it behind her. "Everyone has secrets, don't they?"

This only fueled Nathaniel's curiosity. Cecilia, noticing his gaze, added, "I told her you left me yesterday to meet Stella. Is that enough for you?"