Chapter 315: A Lesson He Once Taught Her

Cecilia was unaware that her biological mother, Paula, had visited Sparaville that day, only to see her living in a dilapidated house and leave without contact. Paula's return wasn't motivated by concern or love, but by the eight billion dollars in Norman's possession. A few days earlier, while abroad, Paula had received a call from Stella informing her that Cecilia was alive, back in Tudela, and working with Orion Corporation. Shocked and intrigued, Paula returned home, expecting to find a thriving Cecilia. Instead, she found her daughter embroiled in a bitter divorce from Nathaniel, living in a rundown house, and heavily reliant on a nanny. Disappointed and dismissive, Paula ordered the driver back to Tudela. On the way, she called her son, Magnus: "I saw Cecilia today," she said coldly. "There's no way that eight billion belongs to her. You must secure that money."

Magnus, equally determined, replied, "Don't worry, Mom." After a pause, he asked, "Mom, did Cecilia say anything? Does she know about what happened between my sister and Dad?" The "sister" was not Cecilia. "Of course not," Paula replied disdainfully. "I wouldn't let Cassandra know she has such a useless little sister."

Cecilia, however, was far from the pitiful state Paula imagined. Over the years, her numerous musical compositions had generated a substantial income. Growing up poor with Martha, she'd experienced the hardships of poverty firsthand, particularly the struggle to afford a hearing aid. She understood the strain such challenges placed on families, and annually set aside a portion of her earnings to help children with similar illnesses. She chose to live in the humble Sparaville home simply because it was Martha's home, her childhood home—something Paula would never understand.

That evening, after ensuring Martha was resting comfortably, Cecilia prepared dinner for herself and Nathaniel. She deliberately chose dishes he disliked, including carrots. Unable to serve himself, Nathaniel ate what she gave him. "Eat more carrots, they're good for your health," she said, watching him. He forced himself to eat them, his tone obedient. His unusual compliance, coupled with a bruise on his forehead, made Cecilia feel guilty. "After you finish eating, wash the dishes," she instructed.

"Can I buy a dishwasher?" Nathaniel suddenly asked. Mason often helped with housework, but not always. Before Cecilia could refuse, he added, "And maybe a robotic vacuum cleaner. If possible, we could hire part-timers." Cecilia considered this. "Dishwashers and robotic vacuum cleaners are fine, but I draw the line at part-timers. I don't like strangers in my home."

She recalled her marriage to Nathaniel in Daltonia Villa. During a busy period, she'd asked about hiring help. His response had been cold: "I don't like strangers in my home. You're already an exception. If you can't handle Daltonia Villa, go back to the Smith residence." Cecilia realized it wasn't about strangers; it was about making her life difficult. If he disliked help, how had he managed before?

"Okay," she said. She then produced a card and placed it beside Nathaniel's hand. "The password is 247967," she said, watching his reaction. He looked surprised. "I could have bought those things myself," he murmured. Cecilia ignored him. "There's one million two hundred thousand on this card. From now on, I'll transfer the same amount to your account every month. After making purchases, report the expenses to me." She added, "After all, money doesn't grow on trees."