Chapter 380: Divorce Again
Upon hearing that, Nathaniel asked no further questions. Afterward, Cecilia returned to her room. The New Year's Day celebration was only a day and a half away. The following day, neither Nathaniel nor Jonathan had to work or attend school.
Cecilia led Nathaniel into a small room. "I need to talk to you about something," she said. Unbeknownst to her, Jonathan was eavesdropping outside the door.
"What's the matter?" Nathaniel asked, his tall figure obscuring much of the light.
"I've given it much thought, and I think we should proceed with the divorce," Cecilia said. She knew taking advantage of his amnesia to seek a divorce wasn't right, but she felt she had no choice. She couldn't bear the thought of losing her child.
Nathaniel grimaced, remaining silent for a long time. Cecilia knew he wouldn't agree immediately, so she continued, "In truth, the person you've always loved isn't me, but a famous actress. You were each other's first love. If you divorce me now, she'll surely welcome you. That way, once your memory returns, you won't have any regrets."
Nathaniel listened silently. Most of his memories had, in fact, returned. He remembered why he initially fell for Stella: first, she saved Elena; second, he felt a need for a relationship. However, neither he nor Stella shared any genuine emotional connection; they hadn't even held hands.
Cecilia was unaware of this, and Nathaniel couldn't reveal he'd mostly recovered his memory. If he did, Cecilia would undoubtedly demand a divorce. He'd seen the video of their initial divorce proceedings, provided by Mason. To secure the divorce, Cecilia had shockingly admitted to infidelity, using it as leverage.
Seeing his silence, Cecilia pressed on. "If you still hesitate, what if I promise monthly child support of one million, two hundred thousand? How does that sound?"
Nathaniel's expression changed instantly. A monthly payment of that amount? Who did she think he was? However, the mention of money gave him an idea. "If a divorce will make you happy, I agree."
Cecilia hadn't expected such consideration. "Shall we go to City Hall to finalize our divorce after New Year's Day?" Her previous attempt had failed due to a staff issue, so she was determined to succeed this time.
"However, there's something I forgot to mention," Nathaniel said slowly.
"What is it?" Cecilia asked.
"All my assets are frozen, and Mason informed me I was burdened with significant debt. If we divorce, you'll shoulder half of it."
Cecilia was stunned, finding it hard to believe. "How much do you owe?" Nathaniel knew she wouldn't easily believe his impromptu fabrication. "It's a massive amount. If you want the exact figure, I can have Mason explain."
Cecilia was curious to see how he'd continue his deception. That morning, Mason was summoned. He arrived with several stacks of paperwork.
"Mrs. Rainsworth, you know I was dismissed from Rainsworth Group some time ago. I only recently learned of Mr. Rainsworth's financial difficulties. Nicholas' intentions aren't as simple as taking over Mr. Rainsworth's position. These documents are transfer agreements signed on Mr. Rainsworth's behalf. All of Mr. Rainsworth's assets have been transferred to his name, including Orion Corporation's shares." Mason handed the documents to Cecilia.
What he said was true. After Elena heard Nathaniel express his dislike for people exploiting his identity, she'd had Nicholas transfer Nathaniel's assets. Her aim was to quickly hand over the company to Nicholas. Nathaniel had been kept in the dark, only receiving the transfer contract afterward. Elena even pleaded with him to keep it secret.
Cecilia examined the agreement. It didn't appear fraudulent.
Nathaniel then asked Mason, "Could you tell Cecilia how much I still owe?"
Owe? Mason was astonished. Nathaniel's private wealth exceeded the value of Orion Corporation! How could he possibly owe anyone money?