Chapter 233: Do It Tonight
Stella's bold statement to Nathaniel stemmed from two motivations. First, she wanted to test his jealousy. Second, she genuinely considered exploring other options. After all, Tudela abounded with wealthy and influential men who might be interested in her. With her beauty and current standing, marrying into a wealthy family wouldn't be difficult. She couldn't remain fixated on Nathaniel.
"Understood," Nathaniel replied with unsettling calmness, before entering his car. The vehicle sped away, leaving Stella alone, a profound sense of injustice washing over her.
Yvette, her best friend, hurried up, her heels clicking on the pavement. "Stella, what happened? Did Mr. Rainsworth reject you?" she asked anxiously.
Stella's face fell, but she lied, "He didn't say much, probably just upset."
Yvette attempted to console her, "It seems Mr. Rainsworth still has feelings for you. If it weren't for that deaf girl's return, he would have surely married you."
Stella knew this was a lie she'd often told herself. Despite Cecilia's absence for four or five years, Nathaniel had never considered marrying her. Deep down, she knew it.
"I never really thought he would marry me," Stella admitted, her voice heavy with loss. "After all, I'm just an orphan, unworthy of him."
Yvette nodded sympathetically. She, too, had always believed Nathaniel's affection for Stella was unique. Perhaps his reluctance stemmed from their significant social disparity.
"Don't think like that, Stella. You're exceptional in our circle. You've succeeded independently. If Nathaniel doesn't marry you, many others would. What's the big deal if he's not in the picture?"
Stella nodded, though her heart ached. A Lincoln limousine pulled up. The window descended, revealing a handsome man.
"I won't keep you any longer; my boyfriend is here," Yvette said cheerfully, heading towards the car.
Stella watched silently as Yvette departed. Then, she asked her assistant, "Who's Yvette's boyfriend?"
"He's the third son of the Murdock family. His father owns a clothing empire," the assistant replied.
Stella considered this, her thoughts uncertain.
Back at Rainsworth Manor, Nathaniel returned home. Cecilia didn't mention his encounter with Stella; she had something more pressing.
"Nathaniel, didn't you promise to take me to meet Eli today?" she asked calmly.
"Let's go," Nathaniel replied, remembering his promise. He'd come to find her immediately after the awards ceremony.
"Can I go alone?" Cecilia asked, her eyes fixed on him.
Nathaniel scrutinized her, sensing something amiss. Her behavior mirrored her actions five years ago, before she'd requested a divorce.
"No," Nathaniel said firmly, refusing her request outright. He couldn't let her go alone; too much was at stake. He knew her primary reason for remaining with him was Elliot.
After a pause, Cecilia pressed, "After we go together, can I be alone with him? I don't want to be constantly watched."
Nathaniel remained silent, his expression unreadable, considering her request. They eventually left together.
At Spring Forest Manor, Elliot was on a call with his brother, Jonathan, discussing their schemes.
"Jon, did you really get over seven billion from him?" Elliot asked.
"Yeah, I just haven't figured out how to access the overseas account yet," Jonathan replied.
Moving the money now would expose them. Their father hadn't called the police or continued the investigation; he was setting a trap.
Elliot had an idea. "You could use my address," he suggested.
Surprise flickered across Jonathan's face, quickly replaced by a grin. "Why didn't I think of letting scumbag Daddy investigate himself?"
"We'll do it tonight," Jonathan agreed.