Chapter 338: Kneeling Before Cecilia

After hearing that, Stella’s defiance vanished. Before Vivian, she knelt before Cecilia.

“I’m sorry, Ceci,” she whispered.

Cecilia was stunned. Vivian immediately suspected ulterior motives.

“Stella, what tricks are you playing?” she demanded.

Ignoring Vivian, Stella bowed deeply to Cecilia. “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have pretended to be you, or targeted you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

Cecilia was bewildered by this unexpected apology. She knew Stella wouldn't kneel unless cornered. And there knelt Stella, eyes red-rimmed. It wasn't genuine guilt, but jealousy and anger. Why should I apologize to Cecilia? One day, she’ll kneel before me! she thought.

Cecilia approached Stella. “Regardless of your reasons, I won’t forgive you. You may leave.” She didn't want Jonathan to witness this.

Stella hastily rose and left, reluctantly.

“She left just like that?” Vivian was baffled. “Did she really change?”

Cecilia shook her head. “Of course not. Her apology wasn't genuine. I don't know why she did it.”

After Stella left, Cecilia clenched her fist. Approaching a black Bentley, she asked, “Is that enough?”

The car window lowered, revealing Jocelyn’s icy face. “You fulfilled Mr. Rainsworth’s request, albeit reluctantly.”

“I will,” Stella replied.

Jocelyn gestured to the driver, who departed.

Stella confronted Jocelyn. "Mason?"

Jocelyn smirked coldly. “This proves you aren't close to Mr. Rainsworth. Otherwise, you'd know about me.”

Stella was speechless. The Bentley sped away. Jocelyn, observing Stella's indignation in the rearview mirror, fell into thought. Why did Mr. Nicholas defend Cecilia? He never interferes for strangers.

After Stella's departure, Cecilia prepared to meet Paula and Magnus. Vivian immediately offered to accompany her.

“Mommy, I’m coming too,” Jonathan added.

“I can go alone,” Cecilia replied. She had arranged the meeting place the previous night.

“But what if they bully you?” Vivian worried.

“Sven will accompany me,” Cecilia reassured her, remembering Calvin’s claim that Sven could easily handle ten men unarmed.

Relieved, Vivian said, “Okay. Be careful.” She then pulled Jonathan aside. “Jon, you have school tomorrow. Stay home; it’s too cold.”

“Fine,” Jonathan agreed, though he planned to sneak out later. He remained uneasy despite Sven’s presence.

Cecilia left, Sven driving her to Paula and Magnus’s mansion. Standing before the opulent building, Cecilia was astonished. Paula and Magnus clearly weren't struggling financially.