Chapter 208: My Eli Is the Smartest

Cecilia arrived intending to thoroughly explore the manor's surroundings. If Nathaniel refused to release Elliot, she was prepared to take him herself.

Elliot had been waiting at the door. "Mommy," he said.

Cecilia rushed to embrace him, the wind whipping around them. "Why are you standing here? Aren't you cold?"

"No, I'm not." He turned to Nathaniel, who was walking behind Cecilia. "Mr. Rainsworth," Elliot said, "my legs have gone numb waiting. Could you carry me inside?"

Cecilia began, "Mommy will carry you—"

Elliot shook his head, his gaze fixed on Nathaniel. "Mr. Rainsworth, my mom's not that strong. Could you carry me, please?"

Cecilia felt awkward, but before she could intervene, Nathaniel stepped forward and lifted Elliot by his overalls. "Let's go."

Elliot, suspended in mid-air, remembered past lessons. He deliberately kept his distance from Nathaniel. A mischievous grin spread across his face. Then, with a vigorous push of his feet, small shoe prints appeared on Nathaniel's dark suit.

Nathaniel's expression darkened.

Elliot apologized while stretching his leg. "I'm sorry, Mr. Rainsworth. I have a cramp. I didn't mean to kick you."

Nathaniel knew this little rascal was deliberately teasing him. "No worries," he said, "I'll check your leg later."

After placing Elliot on the couch, Nathaniel reached for his leg.

Startled, Elliot moved away. "Mr. Rainsworth, my leg is fine now."

Nathaniel watched him.

Cecilia, sensing the tension, intervened. "I'm sorry, Eli didn't mean it. Would you like to change your clothes first?"

Nathaniel, unwilling to argue, agreed. "Yes."

As soon as he left, Cecilia asked, "Are your bones aching again?" (Leukemia caused bone pain.)

Elliot shook his head. "No, just a muscle cramp." He embraced Cecilia. "Mommy, it's been so long! I missed you so much."

"Mommy missed you too," Cecilia said, her heart aching. "I'm sorry it took so long."

Alone, Elliot produced a crumpled piece of paper. "Mommy," he said, "I drew this when I missed you."

Cecilia opened it to find a cartoon of Spring Forest Manor, including herself. It was rudimentary, yet depicted every corner of the manor.

Leaning against her, Elliot explained, "Mommy, when I was bored, the nanny took me for walks. I sketched all the places I liked. I wanted you to see them."

"Sweetheart, you've done me a huge favor," Cecilia said. This map increased her confidence about sneaking Elliot out.

Elliot pointed at the drawing. "Mommy, look, this is a cat, and there's one here too…" ("Cat" referred to surveillance cameras.)

Cecilia was surprised. "Eli, how did you know to draw those?"

Elliot batted his innocent eyes. "The teacher taught us, and I mastered it. I'm smart, aren't I?"

Cecilia dismissed her doubts. Elliot was only four. How could he possibly know how to draw a map? It was probably a fluke.

"Indeed, my Eli is the smartest."