Chapter 227: Have a Look Yourself

"It's been quite some time; you've changed so much," Miranda said with a smile, extending her hand toward Cecilia.

Cecilia, however, did not reciprocate. Instead, she offered a polite smile and replied, "You haven't really changed much."

Miranda's expression momentarily stiffened, her hand lingering in the air before she withdrew it with a slight awkwardness. "Do you mind stepping out for a chat?" she suggested, quickly regaining her composure.

Miranda had married into the Rainsworth family before Cecilia. When Cecilia was engaged to Nathaniel, Miranda often visited, engaging in seemingly caring conversations, playing the part of an affectionate older sister. It was only after Cecilia's marriage and her father's death, and the subsequent waning of her family's influence, that Miranda's true nature revealed itself. Some people are remarkably gifted at deception.

As they walked along the winding path, Miranda's voice softened, almost conspiratorial. "Did you know? Five years ago, when I heard of your supposed death, I couldn't sleep a wink. I was newly pregnant with Felix, and the stress nearly caused a miscarriage."

Cecilia's lips curled into a faint, amused smile. "Is that because you were scared? Afraid I might come looking for you in the night?"

Miranda had never missed an opportunity to cause trouble for Cecilia. Cecilia vividly remembered Nathaniel's disappearance while working overseas. The Rainsworth family was on edge, and Cecilia, determined to protect the family, tirelessly visited every relative and senior executive, striving to maintain stability. While everyone believed Nathaniel had drowned, Cecilia went to Daprein alone and, fortuitously, met one of Nathaniel's business partners. She not only helped Nathaniel secure a crucial deal but also caught Neil's attention, leading to her entry into the Rainsworth family. Yet, Miranda ruined everything, spreading vicious rumors—that Cecilia had gone to Daprein to seduce a wealthy tycoon—which ultimately led to Cecilia's harsh punishment: forced to kneel in the ancestral hall for a day and night. This was just one of many incidents.

Miranda's smile didn't reach her eyes as she spoke. The two continued walking, arriving at a secluded courtyard. The location was near Nathaniel's residence, oddly familiar to Cecilia. She had been there as a child, but hadn't been back since marrying into the family. She had once asked a housekeeper about it, but the housekeeper knew little.

Outside the courtyard, Miranda's tone grew more cryptic. "Ceci, didn't you once tell me that Nathaniel sought you out in the middle of a rainy night?"

This was something Cecilia had confided in Miranda before fully understanding the Rainsworth family dynamics. "Yes, what about it?" Cecilia asked, her brow furrowing slightly.

Miranda's eyebrows lifted. "I've always had a question," she said mysteriously. "Back then, you described Nathaniel as kind and gentle, didn't you?"

Unease stirred within Cecilia. Miranda's tone made her heart race.

With a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, Miranda said, "I believe there's something you should see." She gestured toward the quiet courtyard. "Why don't you go in and have a look?"

Cecilia hesitated. "Why should I listen to you?" she asked, suspicion coloring her words. Years of deception had taught her not to trust Miranda.

"Believe it or not, that's up to you," Miranda replied coolly. "But let me warn you, if you don't check it out, you'll definitely regret it."

Pausing as if struck by an afterthought, Miranda added, "This is just a hunch. I hope you won't tell anyone it came from me. It's merely speculation." She then walked away, leaving Cecilia alone.

Miranda, despite her bravado, still feared Nathaniel. She knew he was far from the gentlemanly figure he presented to the world. It was worth noting that Adrian's father, Nathaniel's uncle, had been brought down by Nathaniel and remained hospitalized, dependent on life support.

As Miranda left, Cecilia remained, the emptiness of the surroundings stark against the distant sounds of the banquet.