Chapter 306: Reluctant Reunion

Ernest turned to see Mason emerge from a luxury car, followed by bodyguards and housekeepers carrying various items. Without another word, Ernest departed.

Meanwhile, Martha, unsteady from the commotion, appeared from the house. "Who are they?" she asked hurriedly, seeing Mason's entourage.

Cecilia quickly reassured her, concerned about Martha's health. "Martha, go back inside and rest. I'll handle this."

Martha nodded, her back hunched, slowly returning to her room. With the front door secured, Cecilia approached Mason, noting Nathaniel's absence. The dilapidated house caused Mason to break into a cold sweat on his boss's behalf. Mr. Rainsworth has been pampered since birth. How did he get used to living here?

"Mr. Sanders, what's going on?" Cecilia inquired.

"Madam Elena instructed me to bring all of Mr. Rainsworth's clothes and personal items here," Mason explained.

Cecilia's expression hardened. Ernest had been right—Elena was determined to have her care for Nathaniel, even threatening legal action. "Where's Nathaniel?" she demanded.

"Mr. Rainsworth will be here shortly," Mason replied, directing his attention to the staff, who began moving items toward the house.

"Wait a moment!" Cecilia interrupted, blocking their path. "Nathaniel can't stay here!"

Mason looked troubled. "Madam Elena made it clear—if you don't allow him to stay, she expects you to return to Daltonia Villa to care for him. And if you refuse, as Mr. Ernest has made clear, you could face legal consequences."

Cecilia felt trapped. Mason, sensing her distress, pleaded, "Ms. Smith—no, Mrs. Rainsworth—please, take care of Mr. Rainsworth. He's been isolating himself, deeply hurt, and regretful. He bought back Smith Corporation's building and even rebuilt it; it's almost finished…"

Being addressed as "Mrs. Rainsworth" struck a nerve. It was the first time anyone in Nathaniel's circle had done so. A bitter laugh escaped her. "Mason, you're all so cruel. All these years of marriage, and I'm only recognized as a Rainsworth now that he's in trouble? Only after he lost his sight? And now you tell me he loves me, just when I've stopped loving him? How would you feel?"

Mason was speechless. As snowflakes fell, Cecilia, despite her warm clothing, seemed fragile. Her resolute yet weary stance forced Mason to reconsider.

"Nathaniel can come if he wants, but this is my house, not his," Cecilia declared firmly. "He's not allowed to bring a single item." She remembered her own limited belongings upon marrying into the Rainsworth family—Nathaniel had enforced the same rule then. Now, she was applying it to him.

"But…" Mason began, but Cecilia cut him off. "If Mr. Rainsworth finds this place beneath him, he's welcome to leave."

Mason reluctantly agreed, instructing the staff to take only Nathaniel's clothes, shoes, and essentials. Cecilia stepped forward, taking the items from him. "Hand them over to me. From now on, no one but him is allowed in my home."

Mason agreed. He had planned to bring in a renovation team. "When will he arrive?" Cecilia asked.

"Ten in the evening. We have over four hours," Mason replied.