Chapter 269: The Results Are Out

Surprisingly, the foreigners trailing them didn't catch up. Once outside, Cecilia took deep breaths, trying to calm herself. Nathaniel, noticing her facial injury, asked, "What happened?"

Cecilia, struggling with her hearing, roughly understood by lip-reading. "I'm fine," she replied, releasing his hand. She didn't want to continue the conversation and headed toward a more populated area.

But Nathaniel wasn't ready to let her go. He caught up and took her hand. "Did someone hit you?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes. He'd been watching her that day, following her to the hotel, never anticipating the corridor incident.

"Let me go," Cecilia demanded, wanting to avoid his seeing her vulnerable.

Nathaniel refused to release her. He gently but firmly held her chin, noticing the clear finger marks on her face. Glancing back at the hotel entrance, he saw two foreign men still watching.

Realizing what had transpired, Nathaniel scooped Cecilia into his arms, ignoring her protests, and swiftly placed her in his car. He noticed her hearing aid had fallen out but didn't mention it. He held her with one hand, quickly texting an address to someone before making a phone call.

"Surround the area and find out who dared to lay a hand on Cecilia. No one is allowed to leave!" he ordered, his voice icy.

After hanging up, he instructed the driver to head to the nearest hospital.

When Cecilia saw their destination, panic flashed in her eyes. "I'm not going to the hospital. Let me out!" she demanded. She wouldn't go; they'd discover her pregnancy.

However, Nathaniel gripped her wrist tightly. "Listen to me, and get checked," he said calmly.

"I said, I'm not going! Let me out!" Cecilia shouted, struggling.

Nathaniel was startled by her outburst. Even the driver glanced back in surprise—no one ever dared yell at Nathaniel like that.

Cecilia expected anger, but he remained silent, his lips pressed together, staring straight ahead. His silence fueled her frustration, and she struggled harder, scratching at his hand until he bled. He didn't loosen his grip.

Desperate, she bit down hard on his hand. Nathaniel winced but didn't pull away. "Are you an animal?" he asked, his voice strained.

Cecilia slightly loosened her bite, glaring at him, signaling for him to let go. Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. "If you enjoy biting, go ahead," he challenged, refusing to release her.

Realizing he wouldn't relent, Cecilia let go, leaving clear teeth marks. She turned to the window, silent. He'd rather she bite him than see her like this.

They arrived at the hospital, where Nathaniel handed Cecilia over to a doctor. She insisted she'd only been slapped, her hearing aid had fallen out, and she had ringing in her ears. She refused further examination.

After basic treatment and the replacement of her hearing aid, Cecilia could hear again. Nathaniel, meanwhile, was in the corridor, on the phone with a subordinate. The moment Cecilia emerged, he hung up.

"Thank you," Cecilia said distantly.

Nathaniel noted the reduced swelling. He extended his hand. "Let's go. I'll take you home."

But Cecilia avoided him. "No need. I can go myself."

Nathaniel's hand froze as he watched her walk away, hailing a taxi. His car trailed behind, his mind replaying the hotel scene. Despite being pursued, she hadn't abandoned him; she'd instinctively included him in her escape. He recalled a time in Daphine when he'd been framed, and Cecilia, after much difficulty, had found him, carrying him like he held the world. Just then, Mason called. Nathaniel answered; Mason's voice came through, "Mr. Rainworth, the results of the..."