Chapter 304: Could You Do Me a Favor?

Nathaniel furrowed his brows in deep thought. Stella approached slowly, saying, "I saw the news, Nathaniel. I know Ceci wants a divorce. She's always been selfish. Don't be upset."

He'd intended to dismiss her, but her mention of Cecilia prompted him to ask, "Do you know her well?"

"Yes, we went to school together, from elementary school through university. I visited her often as a child." Stella omitted her financial dependence on the Smith family.

She sat before him, studying his face, still scarred from the shattered car window. She longed to touch him, but he instinctively dodged her hand. Her hand tightened. "Nathaniel, may I stay and care for you? Unlike Cecilia, I'll never reject you!"

Stella genuinely liked Nathaniel, and his wealth equally attracted her. Even blind, she considered him incomparable. But he refused. "You can leave now."

Her expression hardened. He dismissed her. At the entrance, Elena's disdain was evident. "I knew she was useless."

Embarrassed, Stella avoided Elena and left. Despite her psychiatric hospitalization, her wealth from her acting career remained. She immediately contacted her assistant for a ride. Once in the car, she vowed revenge on Cecilia.

"Just you wait, Cecilia. I'll surprise you."

After renovating Martha's house in Sparaville, Cecilia, Martha, and the children moved in. Many neighbors had left, leaving the area quiet and desolate. Martha slept little, but remained busy. Despite her pain, she cooked for Cecilia and the children. She knew her death would leave Cecilia with even fewer supporters.

The children watched television when Martha and Cecilia brought in ravioli. A news report announced Orion Corporation's upcoming shareholders' meeting to re-elect management. Martha listened, noting Nathaniel's absence.

"Life is unpredictable," she sighed.

Cecilia was shocked. Nathaniel had founded Orion Corporation, yet he was ineligible for the meeting. Fearing the children would see the divorce news, she changed the channel.

In Tudela, Elena knew Orion was slipping away, powerless to stop it. She called Wren, who advised, "Since Nathaniel can't see, he should retire and let others take over."

Elena couldn't bear to see her son's work fall into others' hands. A phone call came; it was Nicholas.

"Mom, my surgery went well. I can come home today."

"Nicholas, could you do me a favor?"

On the other end, Nicholas, fresh from surgery and still in his hospital bed, his gentle gaze hardening, simply replied, "Sure."