Chapter 219: Too Late For Anything

“What do you take me for?” Nathaniel asked. He left the bedroom without waiting for Cecilia's reply.

Cecilia remained motionless, her body trembling slightly as she considered his words. Her naiveté was evident, even a month of playing the role of Nathaniel's wife wouldn't secure Elliot and her freedom. She had no choice but to sever ties with Nathaniel and take Elliot away, but she couldn't burden Calvin further.

Taking a deep breath, Cecilia contemplated her escape with Elliot. Then, the sound of a door slamming downstairs announced Nathaniel's departure.

Alone, Cecilia sat deep in thought. She realized escape hinged on Nathaniel allowing her a private meeting with Elliot and passage from Spring Forest Manor. But how would she leave Tudela afterward?

An idea struck her. Using Sven's phone, she dialed a familiar number.

“Hello.” A middle-aged man answered.

“Mr. Jenkins, it’s Ceci,” Cecilia said.

Norman’s surprise was palpable. “Miss, you’re alive!”

“Yes.”

“Where have you been?” he asked, confused.

“It’s a long story, Mr. Jenkins. Could you do me a favor?”

Norman, Regas's most trusted lawyer, possessed extensive connections in Tudela.

“Of course. What is it?”

“I need two identities for going abroad, and this must be kept secret.” Buying them herself risked Nathaniel's detection.

Norman readily agreed.

“When do you need them?”

“As soon as possible.”

“Understood.”

Obtaining false identities would take at least a week. During that time, she needed a plan for Elliot's escape.

After erasing the call history, Cecilia sat, her heart pounding. She knew the consequences of defying Nathaniel. The Smith family's deceitful marriage had been a three-year target for his wrath. He'd systematically dismantled Smith Corporation, acquiring it at rock bottom. To escape, she needed sufficient distance to evade him; otherwise, the repercussions were unthinkable.

Nathaniel remained at Daltonia Villa. In the basement, Lily knelt on the cold, damp floor, tears streaming down her face. Her usual arrogance was gone, replaced by panic.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Rainsworth. My actions stemmed from jealousy of Cecilia. We grew up together, and I didn't think she was good enough for you,” she confessed.

Nathaniel, his voice dripping with sarcasm, asked, “And who would be worthy, then?”

Lily choked back a sob.

“Is it you?” he pressed.

Her cheeks flushed crimson as she shook her head, explaining, “I assumed you were indifferent to her, as in the past, and that’s why I acted as I did.”

Nathaniel’s gaze darkened. What did she mean by "indifferent as in the past"?

Lily, witnessing his silence, bowed her head repeatedly in fear. “I’m sorry, Mr. Rainsworth! I truly am!”

Had she known Nathaniel's feelings for Cecilia, she wouldn't have dared to bully her. Now, it was too late for anything.