Chapter 282: Scared

Jonathan was determined to hack into Nathaniel's computer, but hadn't anticipated his father still being awake. Nathaniel, unable to sleep, was working when he detected the intrusion. He watched his cursor move autonomously, clicking through documents, his eyes narrowing before he began rapidly typing.

Meanwhile, Jonathan sat sweating profusely before his own computer. Elliot leaned in. "Jon, what's happening?"

"Oh no! I've been caught!"

Jonathan's screen went black. His attempt to infiltrate Nathaniel's system had resulted in his own being compromised. He was no match for his father; Nathaniel quickly located Jonathan's IP address.

"So, you're looking for trouble, huh?"

Nathaniel noted the overseas IP address and messaged Mason to investigate.

Jonathan groaned, "Damn it!!"

"I didn't expect our father to have a few tricks up his sleeve," Elliot admitted, though his own computer skills were limited. He knew, however, they were in serious trouble.

"Before he gets here, we must erase all evidence," Jonathan said, shutting down his computer.

"Do we have to run?" Elliot asked, remembering Nathaniel's harsh punishments – extended confinement in the Spring Forest Manor, driving him to utter boredom.

"Don't worry, he only has our general location. He doesn't know it's us," Jonathan reassured him.

"You're right. After all, we're just kids! We're only good at playing computer games," Elliot said, climbing back into bed. Jonathan, equally tired, followed suit. Elliot hummed softly to lull himself to sleep.

The days leading up to the divorce hearing felt interminable. Cecilia visited her father's grave, brushing away the snow and gazing at his portrait on the headstone. "Hey Dad, it's been a while." She took a deep breath, her eyes on the distant, snow-capped mountains. "You told me to always speak my mind, that you'd always listen. I'm filing for divorce. I never thought it would come to this. So much has happened since you've been gone…"

Cecilia spoke freely, unaware of the black sedan discreetly observing her from a distance. The occupant coughed repeatedly, his complexion pale, his slender hands marked with needle pricks.

"Mr. Nicholas, it's time to leave," the driver said.

Nicholas grunted, looked away, and closed his eyes.

After some time, Cecilia left the gravesite and received a call from Sven. He'd flown in after returning with Nathaniel a few days prior.

"Ms. Smith, I've just landed. Mr. Reese asked me to continue looking after you. Where are you now?"

Cecilia gave him her location. Sven arrived shortly thereafter, openly, as Nathaniel already knew him. "There are two people at our two o'clock and six o'clock."

Cecilia knew, without looking, they were Nathaniel's men.

"Are you scared?" Sven asked, surprised by her directness.

"If you're nervous about Nathaniel, you don't have to watch over me. I'll talk to Calvin," Cecilia offered. That was his answer.