Chapter 234: Transferring the Assets Back to Her

At Spring Forest Manor, Cecilia and Elliot strolled through a secluded area, carefully avoiding the surveillance cameras Elliot had warned her about. Finding a quiet spot, Cecilia crouched to speak to him.

“Eli, there’s something I need to tell you,” she began softly.

“Okay.”

“I’m planning to take you home in a few days. You need to get ready, okay?” she explained, gently ruffling his hair.

Elliot nodded. “Got it.”

Cecilia smiled, ruffling his hair again. “However, this has to be a secret between us. Don’t tell anyone, not even the housekeepers or Mr. Rainsworth. Let’s make a pact,” she said, extending her pinky finger.

Elliot hooked his pinky around hers. “We’ll make a pinky promise. A pact that can’t be broken for a hundred years!”

Cecilia smiled warmly, but a twinge of unease lingered. Elliot was young; she needed to prepare him, lest something unforeseen occurred on their departure day.

Elliot, perceptive beyond his years, leaned closer, whispering, “Mommy, I know Uncle Nathaniel brought me here for money. I’m not naive.”

Cecilia was momentarily stunned, then smiled in disbelief. She hadn’t expected his insight. The situation’s complexities were difficult to explain, so she let the misunderstanding stand.

“Right, so when you’re alone, Eli, you must take good care of yourself, okay?” she said, her voice tinged with pride and concern.

“Don’t worry, Mommy,” Elliot replied, patting his chest reassuringly.

Cecilia produced a miniature communication device and attached it to his clothing. “Sweetie, before I leave, I’ll use this to contact you. Can you keep it secret?”

“Sure, I promise to complete the mission,” Elliot said, smiling.

Before leaving, Cecilia embraced him tightly, reluctant to let go.

From the manor’s second floor, Nathaniel observed them from afar. His deep-set eyes held a complex mix of emotions.

Mason entered his room and knocked. “Mr. Rainsworth, the legal department has handled the transfer agreements for all Smith family businesses, as you requested,” he reported.

Nathaniel nodded. “Understood.”

“Should I inform Ms. Smith?” Mason asked. Before receiving an answer, Nathaniel turned, noticing Cecilia and Elliot had vanished.

Without responding, Nathaniel rushed downstairs and out. Seeing Cecilia and Elliot at the door, a mix of fear and relief washed over him. They hadn’t run away. His tense heart relaxed.

Elliot, impeccably behaved, called out, “Mr. Rainsworth.”

“Hey.”

Cecilia entrusted Elliot to the housekeeper's care. He hugged his mother tightly before leaving. “Mommy, I’ll miss you. Until next time.”

On the drive back, Cecilia, Nathaniel, and Mason sat in silence. Cecilia noticed they weren’t heading toward Rainsworth Manor. “Where are we going?” she asked.

“To the company,” Nathaniel replied curtly.

Over an hour later, they arrived at Rainsworth Group headquarters. In the CEO’s office, Mason handed Cecilia documents. Confused, she read them. “Transfer Agreement” immediately caught her eye. The documents detailed the Smith family’s former companies and ongoing projects; Nathaniel was transferring all assets back to her.

“After you’ve read it, and if there are no issues, sign it,” Nathaniel said gravely, his tone brooking no argument.

Many believed Nathaniel had married Cecilia for power and money, for a strong alliance to protect his CEO position. They considered Magnus, the Smith family’s only son, useless; marrying Cecilia would have given Nathaniel control of the Smith family's assets. Events seemed to confirm these suspicions.

Yet Cecilia knew the truth. Nathaniel hadn't gained control through marriage; he’d done so through his own merit, drive, and determination.

She handed him the document, her expression unreadable.

“What do you mean by this?” Nathaniel asked, puzzled.