Chapter 280: I Must Be Mad
After finishing her sentence, Cecilia hung up the phone. Nathaniel, on the other end, was furious, nearly shattering his phone. Mason stood cautiously to the side, silent.
A massive boulder seemed to press on Nathaniel's chest, leaving him breathless. "How much time do we have?" he finally asked.
"Half a month," Mason replied. He hadn't anticipated Cecilia's resolve. He'd expected her to forgive Nathaniel and become Mrs. Rainsworth. The Rainsworth family's wealth and influence made such a marriage advantageous for Cecilia.
"Who is Cecilia's lawyer?" Nathaniel asked coldly.
"Vivian, her friend," Mason answered.
Nathaniel's eyes narrowed. "I recall you investigated Vivian. Her ex-boyfriend was a lawyer, wasn't he?"
Mason chuckled. "Yes, a top-tier lawyer named Ernest. I'll arrange it immediately."
Mason quickly left. The Rainsworth Group excelled at legal battles, but this situation, involving Cecilia, was intensely personal.
Nathaniel drove to Vivian's condominium. His luxury car drew attention, but he ignored the curious stares. He called Cecilia. "Come out, let's talk."
Ten minutes later, Cecilia emerged, bundled in a heavy jacket. She saw Nathaniel, his gaze fixed on her. Discreetly activating a recorder, she asked, "What do you want to talk about?"
"Get in the car," Nathaniel ordered, opening the door.
Cecilia refused, stepping back. "Let's talk here."
"Get in the car!" Nathaniel's voice, initially harsh, softened. "Aren't you cold?"
Reluctantly, Cecilia entered the car. Nathaniel started the engine. He drove slowly through the snow-covered streets, remaining silent. Cecilia felt uneasy. "Can we stop and talk?" she suggested.
Nathaniel didn't respond; instead, he accelerated. Cecilia gripped the door, alarmed by his reckless driving. "Nathaniel, stop the car!" she pleaded, fear edging her voice.
He ignored her, driving faster. The scenery blurred. "Are you trying to get us killed? Stop the car!" she shouted, her voice shaking.
Nathaniel remained relentless. Tears welled in Cecilia's eyes, fear turning to anger. "Nathaniel! Stop the car! I'm scared!" she cried.
He slammed on the brakes, the car screeching to a halt. Cecilia was thrown forward, but her seatbelt prevented injury. Nathaniel quickly pulled her into his arms.
"You know fear too?" he murmured harshly. "Did I or did I not tell you that once you've had your fun, it's time to come home?"
Cecilia looked up, tears in her eyes. She raised her hand to hit him, but he grabbed her wrist. "You're insane!" she spat, her voice trembling.
Nathaniel's grip tightened. "Drop the lawsuit," he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
Cecilia winced but refused. "I won't drop the lawsuit. Your reckless driving proves you're a madman," she retorted, hoping to gather more evidence.
To her surprise, Nathaniel kissed her deeply. His voice was rough as he spoke between kisses. "Yes, I must be mad. Why else would I want someone like you, who had a child out of wedlock while married?"