Chapter 257: Bring Her Over For Dinner

Elena's voice, seething with anger, filled the phone. "I never expected Stella to behave so disgracefully. She's even worse than Cecilia. At least Cecilia was with our family for three years without incident."

For three years, Cecilia, besides caring for the Rainsworth family, spent most of her time alone at home, knowing hardly any men.

Nathaniel listened to his mother's complaints. After a long pause, he said, "Mom, I just discovered the person who saved you wasn't Stella."

Elena was startled. "Who was it then?"

"Cecilia."

Nathaniel relayed his findings from his investigation.

At Rainsworth Manor, Elena's expression was complex. "Why didn't Cecilia mention something so important?"

"Perhaps she didn't think it significant, not realizing Stella had taken credit for her actions."

Elena fell silent, guilt flooding her as she looked at the photo of the socialite couple on the table.

"Bring her home for dinner tomorrow," she suggested.

"She's gone," Nathaniel replied, the curtness masking his effort to speak.

"Gone? Where?" Elena asked, puzzled.

"I don't know. If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up." Nathaniel wanted to end the conversation.

After the call, he massaged his temples, his gaze drifting to the ceaseless snowfall outside. He'd initially planned to tell Elena about his younger brother, Nicholas, but decided to postpone the conversation.

Nathaniel spent the following day, sleepless and absent from the office, searching for Cecilia without success.

Chapter 257: Bring Her Over For Dinner (continued)

Calvin's tracker reported his return to Erihal. Nathaniel listened, his agitation growing. He'd appeared calm, but only he knew the turmoil within. Cecilia has run off again, right under my nose! he thought.

He continuously pondered the meaning of her letter, finding no answers.

A week later, at Seabay Villa, Zachary received the negative paternity test results, a profound disappointment washing over him. He looked at Jonathan, engrossed in his computer. Despite the test, an uncanny familiarity lingered between them. Jonathan, aware of the results, spoke.

"Mr. Zachary, I'm sorry for disturbing you these past few days." He sipped the milk Zachary poured.

Zachary gazed at him. "Why do I feel like you're increasingly resembling someone?"

Jonathan's eyes narrowed as he turned back to his computer. "Resemblances are common."

Zachary ceased his speculation. "Now, tell me why you were messing with me from the start?"

Jonathan continued typing. "I don't know what you're talking about."

This stubborn denial reminded Zachary of Nathaniel's silence. Nathaniel, in his business dealings, had been just as shameless. It struck Zachary then – Jonathan resembled Nathaniel's younger self. They had grown up together; Zachary vaguely recalled Nathaniel's arrogant childhood demeanor.

He decided against telling Nathaniel, fearing misunderstanding, and instead called Vivian to collect Jonathan.

Vivian expected Nathaniel to have given up tracking her after a week. She was surprised when, upon arriving at Seabay Villa, Nathaniel was immediately informed.