Chapter 224: Can I Really Trust Family Like This?

Upon returning to Rainsworth Manor, Elena advised Cecilia to think carefully, urging her not to rush into rejecting Nathaniel's proposal. “After all,” Elena had said, “we both know this all too well. With the decline of the Smith family, where would a divorced woman like you get a stable income?”

Cecilia stood on the balcony outside Nathaniel’s room, contemplating Elena's words. Can’t a woman support herself after a divorce? she thought. One day, I’ll show Elena that I don’t need to rely on anyone else!

Having considered everything, Cecilia set down her glass and video-called Vivian. “What’s wrong, Ceci?” Vivian asked, munching on fruit.

“Vivian, I’d like to talk to Jonathan.”

“All right; wait a moment.” Vivian aimed the camera at Jonathan. He was neatly dressed and sitting upright at his desk.

“Mommy.”

“Jon,” Cecilia replied with a knowing smile. She was considering how to broach the subject of Elena’s acquaintance with Jonathan when he surprised her.

“I saw you today, Mommy.”

Cecilia was startled. “Then why didn’t you call out to me?”

Jonathan’s young face held an unusually mature expression. “Since you didn’t come looking for me, I figured you must have been busy with something, so I didn’t want to disturb you.” After this considerate explanation, Jonathan deliberately mentioned Elena.

“Mommy, did you see an elderly lady today? Ever since she saw me at preschool, she’s been visiting me very often.”

An elderly lady? The image of Elena sprang to mind. Cecilia found herself unintentionally amused by her son; her doubts vanished.

“That’s because you’re so adorable, Jon.” Jonathan’s eyes crinkled in a smile. “Mommy, tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I’ve already wished Grandma Martha a happy Thanksgiving on your behalf.”

“Awesome! Thanks, sweetie!” Cecilia longed to hug Jonathan.

Because she was at Rainsworth Manor, Cecilia couldn’t chat long, yet she hesitated to end the call. Nathaniel had disappeared; no one knew his whereabouts. Left alone, Cecilia felt bored. She also hadn’t seen Lily since returning home. Didn’t Lily go tattling to Old Mr. Rainsworth?

In the eastern part of Rainsworth Manor, an old house stood. Niel sat at the head of a table, sipping coffee. Liam stood beside him; Nathaniel sat to his right. Opposite them were Felix and his parents, Nathaniel’s cousin Adrian Rainsworth, and his cousin-in-law, Miranda Leighton.

Adrian stated bluntly, “Grandpa, I rushed back from abroad after discussing business with Miranda. I heard that Nathaniel hired a stranger as general manager. I believe family businesses should be managed by family. If Nathaniel is too busy, Miranda and I can help.”

This was incredibly audacious. Rainsworth Group was largely Nathaniel’s creation. Previously, motivated by self-interest, Adrian and Miranda had pressured Niel into letting them manage a loss-free company.

Nathaniel listened silently, a cold smirk playing on his lips. Curious to see how far they would push their luck, he remained silent.

Niel, shrewd and cunning, observed, “As you say. Since you want to help Nathaniel, you should ask Nathaniel.”

Adrian choked, embarrassed and flustered. Miranda knew Niel wouldn’t easily help. She glanced at Felix, signaling for assistance.

Felix understood instantly, his large eyes pleadingly fixed on Niel. “Grandpa, please help Mom and Dad. Uncle Nathaniel always listens to you most.”

Niel’s heart softened at the child’s plea; he was about to speak to Nathaniel. Unexpectedly, Nathaniel’s expression turned frigid.

“The general manager I hired was a high-ranking executive at a multinational corporation; his competence is unquestionable. If my memory serves me correctly, my cousin and his wife’s company is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Can I really trust family like this?”