Chapter 220: Keep Pressuring Him

When Liam arrived at the basement, flustered, Nathaniel was gone. He found his daughter huddled in a corner, trembling and apologizing profusely.

“Lynn, what’s wrong?”

The bodyguard standing nearby said coldly, “Mr. Liam, Mr. Rainsworth has made it clear that she’s unsuitable for the Rainsworth family. He doesn’t want to see her in Tudela anymore.”

Liam nodded, eyes brimming with tears. “Absolutely; I’ll send her abroad immediately.”

Lily’s emotions steadied slightly. Clutching Liam, she whispered, “Dad, I don’t want to leave. It’s all because of Cecilia.”

Liam patted her shoulder, his gaze hardening. “I know. I know everything.”

Outside the mansion, Nathaniel sat in his car, chain-smoking. Mason reported on recent work. Aside from Calvin’s projects, everything progressed as expected.

“Shareholders are already grumbling about the competition’s losses,” Mason said carefully.

Nathaniel’s recent preoccupation with dating had kept him from the office, causing senior executives to become restless and increasingly assertive.

“How much longer do you think Calvin can hold on?” Nathaniel asked gravely.

Mason shook his head. “I used to have a better grasp, but I can’t estimate anymore. The company behind Calvin is formidable.”

An ordinary international company would have fled within six months under Nathaniel’s pressure. Yet, Calvin had persevered for five years.

Nathaniel knew this, but remained unfazed. “Then keep pressuring him. I’m curious to see if he’s truly invincible.” He was aware of the covert attacks Calvin had endured abroad. If someone supported Calvin, they also held a hidden weapon. Nathaniel needed to accelerate Calvin's downfall.

“Understood.”

Mason, having finished his report, didn’t leave. “Mr. Rainsworth, did Ms. Smith get angry again?” He doubted Nathaniel would have time for him, let alone keep him company, without Cecilia’s anger as a catalyst.

Nathaniel gave him a sharp look. “If you have nothing else, leave.”

Mason, recalling a recent successful interaction with his girlfriend, attempted to offer advice. “Mr. Rainsworth, women are actually quite simple. Just pamper them, say sweet things, buy them gifts…”

Mason’s lesson was cut short as he was abruptly ejected from the car. The bodyguards were astonished; they’d never seen the usually serious, bespectacled Mason so disheveled.

That night, under a heavy downpour, Cecilia lay in bed, drifting toward sleep, when a strong hand pulled her into an embrace. The scent of tobacco and alcohol was unmistakable.

He’d picked up bad habits during her five-year absence.

“You heartless creature… you’ve fallen asleep.” Nathaniel, dissatisfied that she’d fallen asleep, pulled her closer. He hadn’t slept in the car. He’d planned to make her admit her mistakes this month, to show her who truly cared. But she was upset again, less than halfway through.

Cecilia’s eyes remained closed, unwilling to engage. She planned to implement her plan tomorrow, once calmer. She feared unintentionally offending him again while still agitated. Nathaniel, however, continued to caress her while holding her.

“Would you dream of me like this?”