Chapter 29: He Had Changed

He spent his days and nights working, pausing only for sleep and meals. Even Cecilia's belongings, left at Calvin's house, were retrieved by Zachary on her behalf. Zachary noticed a change in Nathaniel; since his return, Nathaniel had become even more withdrawn, lost in his own world. Unable to contain his curiosity, Zachary asked Mason, "What's going on with Nathaniel lately?"

Mason shook his head. "I have no idea. Mr. Sinclair, do you think Mr. Rainsworth might actually have feelings for Cecilia?"

Zachary's sharp eyes flickered. "Who knows?" he replied, entering his car and instructing the driver to leave. Leaning back, he pinched the bridge of his nose. If Nathaniel truly cared for Cecilia, why his eagerness to push through the Smith Corporation acquisition? He should understand its importance to her, knowing her father, Regas, had built it from the ground up, a cherished legacy. If he cared for her, why would he send people overseas to trouble her remaining family members? Zachary was unaware Cecilia had severed ties with Paula and Magnus; he only knew they were her last relatives. Nathaniel had never treated his women poorly before. What had Stella possessed that others lacked? Zachary found Nathaniel's treatment of Cecilia excessively harsh and cruel, as if she were an enemy.

These thoughts swirled as they arrived at a luxurious neighborhood. Zachary stepped from the car, glancing around. "This place isn't cheap, is it?"

"At least one hundred grand per square meter," the driver replied.

The cost was trivial to Zachary, yet he understood its inaccessibility to most.

When Zachary arrived at the house, a housekeeper opened the door. "Ms. Smith's belongings are in the master bedroom. Mr. Reese said you should take them and leave immediately." Her demeanor showed no kindness; she perceived him as less innocent than his refined appearance suggested.

Zachary asked, "Where is Mr. Reese?"

The housekeeper snorted. "I'm not his attendant. How would I know? He's very busy and has no time for people of questionable character..." she muttered, resuming her tasks. Zachary's assistant, about to reprimand her, was stopped by Zachary—a surprising act of restraint.

Zachary went straight to the master bedroom. Cecilia's belongings were already packed. Without speaking, he began packing them into suitcases. His hands froze as his fingers brushed against an intricately designed emerald dragon pendant—a unique Sinclair family heirloom. He distinctly remembered giving it to his rescuer four years ago. How had it ended up here?

Lost in thought, he finally instructed his assistant to pack the remainder and leave. On the way back, a call came from his investigator. "Mr. Zachary, the person who saved you was Ms. Cecilia Smith, daughter of the Smith family!" Attached were photos painstakingly retrieved from hospital records. Despite their poor quality, Zachary recognized the bloodied figure instantly.

Cecilia! It was her! His grip on the phone tightened, his hand turning pale. Scenes of his bullying flashed through his mind. He recalled their second meeting, after she became Nathaniel's fiancée. Her excited eyes, her "It's you?" He'd thought her fawning; it wasn't. Later, fueled by Stella's instigations, he'd viewed Cecilia as scheming. He'd targeted and mocked her relentlessly. Yet, she never mentioned saving his life.

"Why? Why didn't you tell me?"