Chapter 284: First Love

A wave of sadness and disappointment washed over Cecilia. After years of marriage and belonging to the Rainsworth family, she had never asked them for anything. She had given everything to Nathaniel. Yet, they feared her acquiring their wealth.

"Should I laugh or cry at this absurdity?" she mused. Glancing at Elena, she remarked, "It all depends on the court's decision." She didn't want their money, but she wanted to reassure Elena.

Elena, predictably, grew anxious. Watching Cecilia leave the restaurant, she immediately called Nathaniel.

Nathaniel and Cecilia had been married for eight years. During that time, the Rainsworth Group had grown beyond expectations, transforming from a domestic business into a globally ranked top-hundred conglomerate. Over those eight years, Cecilia's share of the Rainsworth Group's value would exceed hundreds of billions.

"Where are you, Nathaniel?" Elena demanded.

"My office," he replied. He'd seen the news report and was investigating the leak.

"I just spoke to Cecilia," Elena said, her voice trembling. "The reports are true. She's after the Rainsworth Group! That woman is ambitious!"

Nathaniel didn't believe her. He curtly responded, "It's under control. Don't worry. I'll handle it." He wouldn't divorce Cecilia.

He ended the call, his gaze falling on a man nearby. Impeccably dressed in an Italian suit, the man, Ernest, possessed striking features and a cool demeanor.

"Mr. Ernest, you didn't write that article, did you?" Nathaniel asked.

Ernest responded arrogantly, "No."

Nathaniel casually inquired, "You've been here a week or two. Haven't you seen your ex-girlfriend yet?" He didn't want to take Cecilia to court; she shouldn't even be there. He missed her intensely.

Ernest, perceptive, understood. "Vivian is stubborn. Once she decides, she won't change her mind." Even Ernest couldn't persuade Vivian to influence Cecilia.

Nathaniel realized being too clever wasn't always advantageous. No wonder Vivian had left him.

After Ernest left, Nathaniel scrolled through his messages with Cecilia. He longed to hear her voice, yet feared rejection. Finally, he called. Even though it wasn't a video call, he nervously ran a hand through his hair.

The phone connected. "What's up?" Cecilia asked.

Her familiar voice filled him with joy. "Did you see the news?" he asked.

"I saw it, but it wasn't me," Cecilia replied.

Nathaniel rose and went to the window. "I know."

"Anything else?" Cecilia asked, expecting a confrontation about Elena.

Nathaniel remained silent, gazing at the falling snow and murmuring, "It's snowing." It had been snowing constantly.

"Yeah," Cecilia replied.

"Will you meet me?" he asked tentatively.

"I don't think that's a good idea. If there's nothing else, I'm ending the call," Cecilia said, hanging up.

Vivian looked up from her work. "Nathaniel?" she asked.

"Yeah."

"Why did he call?"

Cecilia shook her head. "Just to say it's snowing."

"That's strange," Vivian remarked, returning to her work.

The divorce would attract immense attention. Cecilia needed to be cautious in the coming days. Unbeknownst to her, tomorrow would not only be the divorce proceedings, but also a reunion with her first love – in court.