Chapter 343: A Helpless Child

Jonathan felt as if all the blood in his body had frozen. For the first time, someone had dared to touch his bottom.

“You jerk! I’m going to kill you!” he raged, repeatedly vowing Nathaniel's demise throughout their journey home. Cecilia had just learned of Jonathan's absence from Vivian when, to her astonishment, she saw Nathaniel carrying him in, as if he were a chick. Jonathan continued his furious pronouncements, "I'm going to kill you!"

Initially startled, Cecilia quickly recovered her composure and took Jonathan from Nathaniel. Remembering Nathaniel's previous handling of Elliot, she held Jonathan close, asking, "Nathaniel, what did you do to my son?"

Calming in Cecilia's arms, Jonathan complained, "When I went to pick up the parcel, this mean man kidnapped me! He even said he wanted to be my stepfather."

Stepfather… Cecilia's heart skipped a beat. Nathaniel didn't deny it. "Ceci, I know he's yours and Calvin's, so I brought him home. We will live together in the future."

Turning to Jonathan, Nathaniel declared, "Elliot Reese, if you're unwilling, once you're capable, you can kill me. Right now, your mother is my wife. Legally, I am your stepfather."

Elliot Reese… Only then did Cecilia realize Nathaniel's mistake. She quickly covered Jonathan's mouth, then told Nathaniel, "Calvin can care for Eli. There's no need for him to live with us."

Nathaniel recounted his encounter with Jonathan on the street, finding him alone. "This is how a father cares for his child?" he challenged Cecilia, his words stinging. Her dark eyes, filled with a mixture of emotions, reflected her turmoil. What was Nathaniel thinking? He'd abandoned his wife and child, yet now offered parenting advice.

Cecilia hadn't expected Jonathan to be alone on the busy streets. Though well-behaved, he was still only four. Unable to argue, she took him to their room.

Once there, Jonathan apologized. "Mommy, I'm sorry. It was my fault. Ms. Kennedy only asked me to go downstairs for a parcel; I chose to find you." He wouldn't let Vivian take the blame.

Cecilia, seeing his sensibility, held him tighter. "Jon, I should apologize. I failed to take good care of you." Vivian, already busy with work and helping care for Jonathan, had been reassured of his safety and return, Nathaniel’s involvement mentioned in passing.

Leaning on Cecilia's shoulder, Jonathan finally asked, "Mom, he's my dad, isn't he?"

Cecilia's pupils constricted; her heart seemed to stop. "Jonathan… how did you find out?" She knew she couldn't hide it any longer. More lies would only complicate matters.

"I've known he's my father for a while," Jonathan said, taking a deep breath. "The newspaper clippings in your drawer—they're all of him."

"I'm sorry," Cecilia confessed. "I planned to tell you and Eli when you were older. I was too selfish. I hoped he would leave you both alone. I'm sorry…"

At that moment, Cecilia felt like a helpless child.