Chapter 314: Better If She Did Not Exist At All

“Don’t worry, Mr. Jenkins,” Cecilia assured him. “I won’t let them walk all over me again.”

After her conversation with Norman, Cecilia immediately contacted the overseas company that facilitated the transaction, requesting a detailed bank statement. Upon receiving it, she forwarded it to Norman, confident he would handle the legal battle with the diligence that defined him as Smith Corporation’s chief legal advisor.

Despite her proactive approach, Cecilia was overwhelmed with emotion. Memories of her strained relationship with her mother, Paula, flooded back. Five years ago, Cecilia had severed ties with Paula, vowing never to be manipulated again. Now, Paula had returned, and Cecilia feared the worst.

“Ceci…”

Lost in thought, Cecilia was startled by Martha’s quiet entrance. Turning, she saw Martha in the doorway, concern etched on her aging face. Her silver hair and deep wrinkles highlighted the passage of time and the weariness in her spirit.

“Martha, what are you doing up?” Cecilia asked, immediately offering support.

“I slept too much. Now, I can’t sleep,” Martha said with a gentle smile.

“Shall we go for a walk?” Cecilia suggested.

“Sure.”

Moments earlier, Martha had overheard fragments of Cecilia’s phone conversation. Though muffled, she caught references to someone’s return and a warning. Respecting Cecilia’s privacy, Martha refrained from prying. She knew Cecilia had grown into a strong, independent woman, no longer the little girl who clung to her. After helping Martha into a warm coat, Cecilia briefly spoke with Nathaniel before leading Martha outside.

The roads were deserted, hushed under a thick blanket of freshly fallen snow. The path was covered in over a foot of untouched snow. As they walked, the only sound was the soft crunch of their footsteps.

“When you were a child, I remember how much you loved the snow,” Martha murmured, her voice nostalgic.

Cecilia smiled softly, linking her arm with Martha’s. “Yeah, because after it snowed, it meant the New Year was coming. And with the New Year came new clothes and delicious food.”

Martha concealed her dislike of the New Year. It reminded her of the year Cecilia was taken to her biological family and didn’t return—a silent pain she had learned to live with.

As they walked, Martha gazed into the distance, taking a deep breath. “When you were younger, all I wanted was to see someone take care of you before I go,” she whispered.

Cecilia stopped, pulling Martha into a tight embrace, her eyes filling with tears. “Don’t talk like that,” she pleaded, her voice trembling. “You’re not going anywhere, you can’t…”

But Cecilia couldn’t ignore Calvin’s words. The doctor had said Martha might not survive the New Year. The thought was unbearable, yet undeniable.

Martha gently patted Cecilia’s hand, avoiding the subject of her own mortality. “I understand, my dear. I still want to see Jon and Eli grow up. But before that, I hope to see someone who truly loves you come into your life,” Martha said softly.

She glanced back at their home. “Nathaniel isn’t the one destined for you. His current affection stems from his amnesia. He’s blind to his true self. Once he regains his memory, he’ll revert to his old ways.”

“I know,” Cecilia nodded resolutely. “I won’t let myself be soft.”

Martha squeezed her hand. “That boy, Calvin, he’s a good one. I can see that he cares for you deeply. If it’s possible…”

Cecilia shook her head. “Martha, I don’t want to be with anyone right now. Calvin is a great person, but I don’t love him. I can’t marry someone I don’t love. It wouldn’t be fair to him.”

A lump formed in Martha’s throat. Cecilia was strong and steadfast, incredibly straightforward. She rarely changed her mind, and she didn't seem to understand selfishness.

After a while, Martha grew tired, and Cecilia supported her home. Neither noticed the figure observing them from a distance. A beautifully dressed woman, elegant and poised, stood at the edge of the path. A young male assistant waited behind her.

“Madam Paula, would you like me to invite Ms. Smith?” the assistant asked respectfully.

Paula shook her head, her gaze fixed on Cecilia. “No need.”