Chapter 258 That Is Eli

At Seabay Villa, Vivian breathed a sigh of relief after picking up Jonathan. She immediately turned to Zachary and said, “You need to compensate me.” A check was handed over.

“I’m not unreasonable,” Zachary said, looking at mother and son. He felt a sudden sense of loss. He hadn’t been upset when he first learned he had a son; in fact, he'd been filled with anticipation. Even though Jonathan was a bit of a rascal, Zachary loved him for it. The boy was quite smart.

Vivian accepted the check, relieved by the financial ease it provided. “Anyway, goodbye, and may we never meet again,” she said, pulling Jonathan into the car.

Unbeknownst to them, a black sedan followed, its occupant intently watching Jonathan. Inside, Nathaniel's shock was evident. Mason noticed it too. “Isn’t that Eli?” he asked.

Nathaniel's lips tightened. “Follow them,” he said. “I’m going to see Zachary.”

“Understood.”

Zachary hadn't expected Nathaniel's arrival, assuming he was still dealing with the scandal. “Nathaniel, don’t worry about it. It’s just a woman; there are plenty like Stella out there!” Zachary offered a bottle of wine.

Nathaniel didn't mention Stella. Instead, he asked, “The child Vivian took away…has he been with you these past few days?”

Zachary touched his nose, feeling awkward. “It was a misunderstanding,” he said, explaining how he'd met Jonathan and mistaken him for someone else.

Nathaniel had deduced, from the timeline and other evidence, that the child wasn't Elliot, who had always lived at Spring Forest Manor. The mystery deepened.

“You’re saying his name is Jonathan, and he’s Vivian’s son?”

“Yes.”

Nathaniel stood, preparing to leave. Zachary found this peculiar. “What’s going on?” he asked.

Before leaving, Nathaniel said, “Don’t be fooled by Stella. She never saved you.” He then quickly departed, leaving Zachary stunned.

Zachary had known about Stella for some time but hadn't mentioned it to Nathaniel. Judging by Nathaniel’s demeanor, did he no longer care about Stella? Zachary called, asking, “Where is Stella right now?”

The reply was, “She was taken to a psychiatric hospital by Nathaniel.”

A smirk touched Zachary’s lips. “That place is indeed suitable for her. Let her stay there for a while.”

Back at Vivian's rented apartment, Jonathan surveyed the cramped space and turned to Vivian. “Ms. Kennedy, if you ever need money, don’t hesitate to tell me.”

Vivian had never heard a boy speak to her like that. “Jon, do you know the last man who spoke to me like that had ulterior motives?” she paused, reaching to pinch his cheek. He dodged her. “But I know you’re not like those worthless men. Once you’ve grown up, you can buy me a big house, alright?”

Jonathan knew she didn't believe him. “Alright,” he replied.

He decided to give Vivian some money that night, as he would be staying for a few days. Vivian, meanwhile, considered how to send Jonathan to Cecilia. Unbeknownst to her, she was being watched.