Chapter 285: How Ruthless Nathaniel Truly Was

Everyone in Tudela knew Nathaniel had divorced Cecilia before the court session began. Zachary, Darren, and others eagerly awaited the outcome of the divorce lawsuit.

"Isn't it obvious? Nathaniel will win," a wealthy young man declared. They were all ardent Nathaniel fans, each vying for his attention.

Darren chuckled. "I bet on Cecilia."

"Darren always chooses high-stakes gambles," someone remarked, unsurprised. Their gaze turned to the pensive Zachary. "Zach, who do you choose?"

"Nathaniel, of course," someone interjected. "Mr. Sinclair can't stand that deaf girl."

Zachary's gaze instantly froze. "Don't you dare call her 'that deaf girl' again," he said icily. Nathaniel's absence emboldened him. His seriousness silenced the others.

Darren thoughtfully sipped his wine. "You're right. After all, she is still Nathaniel's wife." The others agreed.

Later, Darren sat beside Zachary. "Zach, what's wrong? Still upset about the earlier mix-up?" he asked, referring to the mistaken identification of the son.

Zachary forced a smile, raising his glass. "Nonsense! I just find it odd. Why is Cecilia divorcing Nathaniel?" He carried a deep-seated guilt, unsure how to repay Cecilia. He'd even resumed surgery, hoping to treat her hearing impairment, but hadn't found a solution before the divorce. How would she manage alone?

"Life's unpredictable," Darren offered meaningfully. "Perhaps Ms. Smith has finally come to her senses. It's exhausting to continuously love someone who doesn't reciprocate."

Zachary continued drinking.

At the Tudela courthouse, Vivian, in uniform, stood beside Cecilia. Seeing Ernest beside Nathaniel, she paled. This revealed Nathaniel's ruthlessness; he was harsh not only to Cecilia but also to her friends. Vivian expected Nathaniel's chief legal advisor, not her ex-boyfriend, Ernest.

Ernest, remarkably composed, regarded Vivian as a stranger. Cecilia recognized Ernest; he'd been a popular high school heartthrob. Even beside Nathaniel, his striking appearance held its own.

Cecilia noticed Vivian's pale face, red-rimmed eyes, and sheen of sweat. "Vivian," Cecilia said gently.

Vivian forced a smile. "Yeah." Cecilia took her hand. "Don't worry; I'm here with you." Cecilia understood Vivian's reaction; she would have felt the same facing Nathaniel in court. A woman deeply in love is both daring and timid—daring in her devotion, timid in her vulnerability.

Vivian's body trembled. "Yeah, I'm fine. We will definitely win." Cecilia patted her shoulder reassuringly.

The trial began. It was a closed court, inaccessible to the public, despite the throng of journalists outside.