Chapter 328: So Cold

When Calvin returned, he sought not only Cecilia but also the reclamation of industries he'd been forced to cede to Nathaniel. He knew the current head of Rainsworth Group was an imposter, leaving him unconcerned. Mason, however, was unprepared for Calvin's audacity. With Nathaniel's memory loss, Mason naturally omitted Calvin's harsh words. Calvin, however, was resolute in confronting Nathaniel with the truth.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel, working at his Braille computer, anxiously awaited Cecilia's return. It was eight o'clock, and she was late. A message alert sounded. "Mr. Rainsworth, it's Calvin. Cecilia's been with me all day; she'll be home late."

Nathaniel's expression darkened; he ceased working and left the room. Outside, a fierce wind howled through the snow. He pulled out his phone for the visually impaired and called Cecilia, a number secretly saved.

Cecilia, driving home after a long day with Elliot, navigated treacherous snowy roads. Her phone rang. "Hello," she answered, without checking the caller ID.

"Where are you?" Nathaniel's voice was icy.

"I'm on the road," Cecilia replied, unaware of the chill in his tone. Her car skidded; she lost control, crashing into a tree. Airbags deployed; Cecilia was shaken but unhurt, though her car was disabled. She activated her hazard lights.

She struggled to retrieve her phone, then exited the car to seek help. Nathaniel heard the crash. He called back, but received no answer. Cecilia was stranded in the blizzard.

She shivered, exposed and alone. Since returning to Sparaville, she'd felt safe enough to forgo Sven's constant protection. Now, she was utterly vulnerable.

Cecilia began the long walk home, hoping to wait for morning and call a tow truck. The freezing temperature slowed her agonizingly. The cold worsened her ear ailment, muffling the wind to a whisper. She felt her hearing failing.

Ten minutes later, she was lost in the snow, dizzy and disoriented. She collapsed, protecting her abdomen, unable to continue. "It's so cold…" she murmured.

Nathaniel found her, but she couldn't hear him. Only when he enveloped her did she recognize him. "Nathaniel… I'm so cold…" she whispered weakly. Before she could ask how he'd found her, the cold overwhelmed her.

He picked her up. "You knew it was cold, yet you came back so late?" he chided gently.

Cecilia, hearing him faintly, clung to him, her hand seeking warmth inside his coat. "So cold…" she repeated.