Chapter 235: Return to the Past
Nathaniel’s brows furrowed as he studied Cecilia. “Isn’t this what you wanted?” he asked, genuinely perplexed by her reaction. He couldn't understand why she had returned to the country unless it was to reclaim her rightful inheritance.
Cecilia was taken aback. “After all these years, any resentment should have been vented,” Nathaniel added calmly, almost dismissively. “Let’s not dwell on the past. Sign the papers.”
Cecilia found his demeanor darkly amusing. They had reached this painful point, and yet he believed returning the Smith family assets would erase the past. Without a word, she walked to the shredder and fed the contract into it, watching the papers transform into shredded bits.
“I’m telling you this with utmost seriousness,” she said, her voice steady. “It’s not about letting bygones be bygones. I simply don’t want to be with you anymore.” She had to maintain a pretense, but pretending everything could be fixed was exhausting. She desperately needed to whisk Elliot away, to escape Tudela and this cycle of manipulation.
Mason, who had been standing silently, was stunned. He left the office, thoughtfully closing the door.
Nathaniel had expected gratitude and reconciliation, a softening of her heart. He hadn't anticipated this. His eyes, now icy, locked onto Cecilia’s. “Say it again!” he challenged.
Cecilia met his gaze. “No matter what, it’s all the same now. There are still eleven days left,” she said, her voice growing colder. “In eleven days, I hope you can keep your promise.” That promise was to let Elliot and her go.
All of Nathaniel’s patience vanished. “Great, just great!” he spat, anger and frustration lacing his voice. He moved closer, cornering her, and lifted her into his arms. “Since we only have eleven days left, can I enjoy our final moments as a couple?” he hissed, his tone cold.
Cecilia struggled, protesting, “We’re in the office!”
Nathaniel’s voice darkened. “Weren’t you the one who used to flirt with me at the office?” he taunted. “Let’s try something different today. I wonder if you’ve been here with Calvin before!”
Cecilia initially didn’t understand, but noticing the drawn curtains and dim light, the realization hit her. She trembled, desperately trying to push him away. Nathaniel lowered his head to kiss her, but just as their lips were about to meet, Cecilia felt nauseous and ran to the restroom, vomiting profusely.
Nathaniel remained outside, listening to her retching. Is she really that repulsed by me? he wondered, angrily extinguishing cigarette after cigarette.
Just as he was about to demand an explanation, a knock sounded. “Come in,” he barked.
Mason entered, noticing Nathaniel’s tense posture and simmering rage. “Mr. Rainsworth, these are the documents requiring your signature,” Mason said.
“Leave it,” Nathaniel replied curtly.
Mason hesitated, glancing toward the restroom. “Mr. Rainsworth, could it be that your approach isn’t quite right? Maybe you should tell Ms. Smith that you’re already rebuilding Smith Corporation’s headquarters?”
Tearing down and rebuilding the headquarters—only Nathaniel believed such gestures could mend their emotional rift. He had the resources, the power, the wealth, but he didn’t know how to express himself except through dominance and control. His frustration boiled over at the memory of Cecilia’s disdain and retching.
“Shut up! Get out!” he snapped.
“All right,” Mason replied, leaving.
After Mason left, the sound of running water stopped. Cecilia emerged, pale and red-eyed.