Chapter 377: You and I Are Not Family

"Is this what your job entails?" Cecilia asked.

"Yes, it's all arranged by the boss," Nathaniel replied, his expression unchanged. Cecilia reflected on how, in the past, Nathaniel only reviewed proposals; now, he created them. Life's surprises were endless.

"Do you want to talk to Elena and have her arrange some work for you, or perhaps—"

Before Cecilia could finish, Nathaniel interrupted. "Cecilia, from now on, we have no connection with the Rainsworth family. You are the only family I have."

Cecilia choked up, but remained unswayed. "I returned to Sparaville because Martha's health is deteriorating, and she might not survive the New Year. Even if Martha passes away, I'll still leave. We're bound to part ways eventually. You and I are not family."

Nathaniel's heart sank. He'd thought their recent time together had changed her mind about divorce, but she hadn't wavered.

"I'm off to work. You should head back soon."

Cecilia left without breakfast. Today, she was meeting the mysterious individual Charlotte mentioned.

Outside the hotel, a man and woman stood by a black sedan. The man was in a black coat, his demeanor cold and stern. The woman, in contrast, wore a charming padded jacket and Doc Martens, confidently carrying two large bags of quiche.

Charlotte devoured steamed buns, offering one to Sven. "Want one?"

Sven watched her cheeks puff out. "No, thank you."

"What a shame. If you won't eat some, how will two girls like me and the Boss finish all this?"

Before Sven could reply, she stuffed two more quiches into her mouth. Within a minute, she'd finished a whole bag.

"I can't let this food go to waste. I suppose I'll help the Boss eat a few more."

Charlotte spotted Cecilia and waved. "Boss!"

Cecilia strode over, taking the remaining quiches. "Thank you."

Charlotte opened the car door. "No need to thank me. Come on, get in. We're off to meet the client."

Sven drove. Charlotte knew the client was wealthy; their meeting was in a luxurious private room at the Elite Club—a floor inaccessible to Cecilia.

"We'll wait for you in the car. All right."

In the Elite Club's deluxe private room, a hand opened the window, observing the street below.

"Mr. Nicholas, they've arrived."

Nicholas's secretary, Jocelyn, addressed him. He was playing chess. "The person who entered isn't Ms. Smith."

Nicholas, holding a black piece, asked, "Does she still not want to see me?"

Days ago, he'd sent Magnus to find Cecilia. He knew the outcome, yet couldn't accept it. While abroad, he'd constantly investigated her. Knowing she was the composer Cecille, he'd made this effort to meet her.

After closing the window, Jocelyn said, "I heard the company's been interested in Ms. Smith's compositions recently. However, she always sends her assistant."

Charlotte was already being led into the room. At a glance, she saw a man playing chess, his countenance stern yet elegantly refined.