Chapter 260: One Brother for the Other

Seeing Nathaniel approach, Elena stepped forward. "Nicholas wants a private chat with you."

Elena and the others left. Nathaniel moved closer to Nicholas. "Did you send that last text message?"

Nicholas's eyes softened, encouraging Nathaniel closer. Leaning in, Nathaniel strained to hear Nicholas's labored speech. "The person she loves is me. The one she wants to marry is also me."

Nathaniel's hand tightened, his knuckles paling, his eyes hardening. Cecilia had mistaken one brother for the other. The realization was jarring. He'd always believed Cecilia loved him deeply.

Nicholas, noticing the shift in Nathaniel's demeanor, added, with a hint of provocation, "Her husband was supposed to be me."

Nathaniel's throat tightened. If the man before him weren't his brother, he might have killed him. "Whatever happened between you two, I'm her husband now," he said, rising. "You've just woken up after a long time; you should rest."

"Or maybe never wake up again!" Nathaniel spat, leaving swiftly.

Outside Nicholas's room, Elena hurried to Nathaniel. "The doctor said it's a miracle Nicholas woke up. He believes it won't be long before he can walk again."

Nathaniel remained icily unresponsive. "I actually wish he would never walk again!"

Ignoring Elena's shocked expression, Nathaniel left.

Driving back to Daltonia Villa, Nathaniel's mind replayed Cecilia's and Nicholas's words: "I got the wrong person," and "The person she loves is me. The one she wants to marry is also me." His head throbbed from exhaustion. He was near collapse, but sleep eluded him.

He finally arrived at Daltonia Villa, grabbed a bottle of wine, and sat alone on the couch, listening to the wind and snow. He reflected on his engagement to Cecilia, his neglect, his coldness. She had said, "I feel like you've changed." But it wasn't him; it was Cecilia who was mistaken.

He drained glass after glass until the bottle was empty, his headache worsening. Leaning back, he muttered, "You lied to me." Alcohol-induced sleep proved elusive.

Meanwhile, Vivian knew Cecilia's destination. She'd bought two plane tickets, ready to leave the next day.

Jonathan voiced his concern. "Aunt Vivian, are we really leaving now? Won't others find it suspicious?" He feared their departure might attract Nathaniel's attention.

"Your mother is still waiting for us. As long as we don't leave, she won't be at ease."

Jonathan said nothing more. He understood his mother's worry, but his youth limited his ability to help. He vowed to rectify the situation when he was older.

Before dawn, Vivian and Jonathan left for the airport. Their bodyguard immediately called Nathaniel.

Dizzy, Nathaniel answered. "What's up?"

"Vivian took the child to the airport."

Nathaniel rose. "Follow them. Find out where they're headed."

"Understood."

Ending the call, Nathaniel grabbed his coat and rushed out, his mind slightly clearer after a brief nap. He suspected the children weren't Calvin's.