Chapter 372: Take It Easy

Jonathan was taken aback. He hadn't figured out how to answer Nathaniel's question. Nathaniel's lips parted slightly. "I won't hurt her," he said, "but words alone may not be enough. You're welcome to keep an eye on me."

Jonathan, surprised but unhesitating, replied, "All right, it's a deal. I'll keep a close eye on you."

After their conversation, Jonathan closed his eyes, intending to sleep. However, accustomed to sleeping alone since early childhood, the presence of a grown man beside him was profoundly uncomfortable. He tossed and turned, unable to sleep, yet unwilling to leave. What if Nathaniel used his absence to find Cecilia?

The night was arduous, but by dawn, he was up and escorted to preschool by Sven.

Meanwhile, Magnus fled back to Tudela overnight, his heart heavy with lingering fear. He was perplexed. Nathaniel had instructed him to find Cecilia; how did they end up living together? Recalling Nathaniel's lethal gaze from the previous day intensified his fear. He dared not ask Orion Corporation for money again and returned home disheartened.

At the mansion, Paula informed Cassandra they had received news about Cecilia. "I heard she's about to return," she said. "We'll see her soon."

Cassandra embraced her. "Mom, you're the best."

"Of course," Paula replied.

Seeing Magnus's disheveled state, Paula expressed concern. "Where have you been this time? You didn't come back all night?"

Magnus, naturally, lied. "I went out for a drink."

Cassandra, irritated, said, "Magnus, don't use the Evans family name to deceive people. If Father finds out, you won't like the consequences."

Magnus, already frightened by Nathaniel and now intimidated by Cassandra, was enraged. "Cassandra, who do you think you are? Don't forget, without me, your father would be nothing!"

Paula slapped him. "Is that how you speak to your sister? Go to your room."

Magnus stared at his mother in disbelief before reluctantly leaving. He couldn't understand his mother's favoritism toward Cassandra, Ralph's ex-wife's daughter. This bias had been evident since their arrival at the Evans residence.

After Magnus was slapped, Cassandra scoffed, "Mom, I only let him stay because of you. If he's ungrateful, he can leave."

The words "my house" subtly upset Paula, but she didn't show it. "Cassandra, don't be angry."

Cassandra, proud, returned to her room. Her arrogance further fueled Magnus's frustration. "Mom, why are you so nice to Cassandra? She's not even your real daughter."

"What do you know? Go to your room," Paula said, wanting to end the conversation.

Magnus reluctantly obeyed.

That afternoon, Charlotte arrived in Tudela and immediately messaged Cecilia, stating her readiness to meet clients. Cecilia scheduled a meeting for the next day.

"Sure," Charlotte replied.

Martha, concerned about Cecilia's continued work while pregnant, urged her to take it easy.

Cecilia, sitting beside Martha, shook her head. "Don't worry, I'm not tired. Lottie's going to a meeting; I'll just listen." She needed to rest, considering her pregnancy, especially after the previous night's events.

"Okay," Martha said, still worried. Calvin had contacted her frequently before, but since his last departure, she'd heard nothing.