Chapter 232: Where His Heart Truly Lies
Cecilia returned home, frustrated and empty-handed after her encounter with Miranda. She knew better than to ask Elena for answers; she was unlikely to reveal anything useful.
Back in her room, Cecilia unlocked her phone and saw a message from Calvin: Call me back when you have a moment. Without hesitation, she dialed his number. The call connected immediately, and Calvin’s familiar voice greeted her. “How have you been lately?”
“I’ve obtained a map of where they’re keeping Eli,” Cecilia replied. “I plan to rescue him secretly.”
“Once you’ve decided on a time, let me know. I’m not comfortable with you being alone.”
Cecilia understood his concern. He worried that if she attempted to take Eli from Spring Forest Manor alone, they would be caught. “Don’t worry,” she assured him. “I’ll definitely contact you before I leave.”
Unvoiced was her concern about a possible confrontation between Calvin and Nathaniel. She feared that Nathaniel would hold a grudge against Calvin if things escalated.
“That’s good,” Calvin said after a pause. Then, as if considering something, he added, “The task you entrusted me with is complete.”
Cecilia remained silent as Calvin continued, “Sean understands Stella better than anyone now. You can have him reveal the truth to Nathaniel at any time, or make Stella pay the price.”
Sean had been difficult to manage, repeatedly trying to escape to find Stella. The previous day, he’d slipped away, but Stella, finding him at the hospital, treated him like a lunatic and had him dismissed. That final humiliation confirmed his suspicions—Stella had been using him. If Stella wished for his downfall, Sean was determined to ensure her ruin.
Cecilia was lost in thought when another phone rang. “Wait a moment,” she told Calvin before answering. It was a photo message from Stella.
The photograph showed Stella holding a Best Female Singer trophy, a sarcastic smile on her face. Nathaniel stood nearby, his expression unreadable. The “urgent matter” Nathaniel mentioned earlier had been a meeting with Stella.
After the photo, Stella sent another message: I’ve made up my mind. I won’t compete with you for Nathaniel anymore. Because we both know where his heart truly lies.
Just as Cecilia was about to turn off her phone, another message appeared: Oh, there’s something I should tell you. I’m planning to start trying for a baby.
The phrase “trying for a baby” felt like a red flag. Cecilia’s grip tightened on her phone as she recalled Nathaniel’s recent desire to have a child. He wanted a child with Stella.
It took a moment to regain her composure before she resumed her conversation with Calvin. “Stella recently landed a major role in a new series. The kickoff ceremony should be happening soon.”
A faint smile touched Calvin’s lips. “I understand.” He finally felt Cecilia had regained control.
Five years ago, Cecilia had discovered Stella’s true nature, but out of consideration for Nathaniel’s dignity, she’d kept silent. Now, she was ready to reveal the truth.
As Cecilia was about to end the call, a thought struck her. “Could you help me look up someone?” she asked.
At the award ceremony, Nathaniel’s presence was both strategic and necessary. Stella’s previous plagiarism scandal had tarnished Central Media, a company under his banner. His attendance was to discuss potential collaborations, and the discussions had been successful.
As he was about to leave, Stella approached him, her expression carefully neutral. “Nathaniel, I need to talk to you. Can we step aside for a moment?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Nathaniel offered no courtesy. “Speak now,” he said bluntly.
Stella hesitated, then squeezed his hand. “I know after all these years, we haven’t been together, and it might be impossible for us to be together again,” she began, her voice filled with resignation. “I think I might accept someone else’s proposal in the future.”