Chapter 237: To Leave in Five Days

Cecilia and Calvin walked to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Cecilia wasn't afraid that the bodyguard following her would report to Nathaniel. Their relationship was platonic; she had nothing to fear.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel had received photos from the bodyguard he'd assigned to Cecilia. He clutched his phone, his blazing fury evident. She'd gone on a date. A deep moroseness overwhelmed him, though he couldn't pinpoint the reason. Then, Elena called.

Tears streamed down Elena's face. "Nathaniel, Lushtopia has an update. He might wake up!"

Nathaniel's grip tightened on his phone. "Got it," he said, ending the call.

At the restaurant, Cecilia gazed at the exquisite dishes, but her appetite was gone; her stomach churned. She wasn't sure if it was Nathaniel or the possibility of pregnancy. Verification at the local hospital or buying a test was too risky; it was safer to wait until she was abroad.

"I investigated Nicholas Rainsworth," Calvin began. "He's Nathaniel's twin brother, but information is scarce."

"Nothing on his whereabouts?" Cecilia asked.

Calvin shook his head. "We won't find anything soon. The Rainsworth family's secrecy surpasses even yours." He continued, "Why investigate him?"

Cecilia's grip on her fork tightened. "I think I might be mistaken," she said, then added, "It's no big deal. We're leaving anyway."

Cecilia quickly changed the subject, excitedly discussing her recent encounter with Elliot and his intelligence. Despite her chatter, Calvin sensed her unhappiness.

Returning to the matter at hand, Cecilia announced, "I plan to leave with Elliot in five days."

"Five days?"

"I have an agreement with Nathaniel: a month with him, then he lets us go," Cecilia explained. "Eleven days remain, but even a full month won't guarantee our release."

"You're deceiving him, making it seem like eleven days, but leaving early?" Calvin understood.

"Yes," Cecilia confirmed. "Plus, Stella's new series premieres in five days. Since we sabotaged it, she'll seek Nathaniel out, leaving him no time to find us."

Cecilia wanted to expose Stella's true nature and reveal whether Stella had ever saved Elena. Her motive wasn't guilt or obligation; she simply wouldn't let someone undeserving steal her credit. Nathaniel's kindness toward Stella wasn't solely gratitude; he even forgot she'd once risked her life for him.

Calvin, initially unsure of Cecilia's resolve, now believed she meant it. "Okay," he said.

Afterward, Calvin drove Cecilia home. Nathaniel was waiting at Daltonia Villa, seated on the couch, shirt unbuttoned, a glass of whiskey in hand. His eyes, faintly red, fell on Cecilia.

"You've finally deigned to return?" he asked.

Cecilia replied, "For something as trivial as that, I have nothing to say."

As she started up the stairs, Nathaniel pulled her into a tight embrace, his voice low. "Do you believe I'd take his life?"