Chapter 261: Finally Reunited
Nathaniel didn't go to the airport; he returned to Spring Forest Manor and arranged for someone to retrieve Elliot's toothbrush from the hospital.
Meanwhile, Vivian and Jonathan boarded the plane, unaware of being followed. Looking out at the expansive white landscape, Vivian felt a wave of relief. “Finally, we can live in peace,” she sighed. Jonathan remained silent, lost in thought. Vivian, sensing his reluctance, comforted him. “Don’t worry, I’ll bring Dante to visit you.”
Jonathan, snapping out of his reverie, replied, “Okay.” Vivian wanted to say more, but he picked up the in-flight newspaper, its headlines still dominated by Stella. Given Stella's public image as Nathaniel's girlfriend, the media frenzy showed no signs of abating. After a cursory glance, Jonathan lost interest, covering his face with the newspaper and briefly napping. Vivian observed his unusual maturity, noting his composure throughout their time in Tudela; he never once mentioned his father or wanting to go home.
They had seven or eight hours remaining before reaching Moontown, where Cecilia was staying. Vivian, too, decided to rest.
Eight hours later, due to the time difference, they arrived in Moontown at night. Cecilia had been waiting. Seeing them approach, she rushed over. “Jonathan, Vivian!” she exclaimed, hugging her son tightly. Jonathan's face flushed. “Mommy.”
“Let’s go home,” Cecilia said, leading them away.
At home, Martha and the nanny prepared dinner, assisted by Elliot. “Grandma Martha, you forgot the salt again,” Elliot reminded her gently.
Martha smacked her forehead. “Oh dear, my memory is failing.”
Elliot smiled. “When I grow up, I’ll cook for you, Grandma Martha.”
“My little Eli is such a good boy,” Martha said, touched.
The housekeeper approached. “Madam Martha, you need rest. Cecilia will scold me again if you don't.”
Martha sighed but agreed, taking Elliot to the living room to rest. While waiting, she watched the local news. The anchor reported, “Following the scandal involving singer Stella, Rainsworth Group’s stocks have plummeted. There’s been no statement from CEO Nathaniel.”
Martha clenched her fist. “Serves him right!”
The door opened, and Martha quickly switched off the television, rising to greet her visitors. Vivian, having seen little of Elliot due to his hospitalization, was struck by the resemblance between the two boys. Surprise shone in her eyes.
“God is amazing—two sweethearts! Let me hold you,” she exclaimed.
Though Elliot enjoyed being pampered, he disliked being held by others. He flashed a mischievous smile. “Dear Ms. Kennedy, my brother and I are grown. Boys and girls shouldn’t be too close.”
The formal address, "Dear Ms. Kennedy," warmed Vivian's heart. She resisted the urge to hug him, mindful of his condition.
“You’re such a good boy. Jon, you should learn from your brother—he’s so adorable,” she said.
Jonathan, seeing Vivian lost in thought, quietly left to join Martha.
After dinner, everyone retired. That night, Cecilia and Vivian shared a bed.
“Are you planning to stay here long?” Vivian asked.
“For now,” Cecilia replied after a pause. “Martha is aging and frail. I don’t want to move her.” Moreover, Martha didn't speak foreign languages, and had felt isolated abroad except for the housekeeper. Cecilia felt a deep debt of gratitude towards her.
“But what if Nathaniel comes looking for you?” Vivian asked.
Cecilia sighed. “I don’t know.”