Chapter 381: How Much Debt

Afraid Mason hadn't understood, Nathaniel clarified, "I don't want Ceci to think I lied to avoid a divorce."

Mason understood instantly. "Mrs. Rainsworth is requesting a divorce again, I presume. Mr. Rainsworth will stop at nothing to prevent that." He pulled out his tablet. "Nicholas only transferred Mr. Rainsworth's shares and assets, excluding debts. Without Nicholas's responsibility, a conservative estimate puts the debt at least a hundred billion, given Mr. Rainsworth's previous acquisitions." Mason then showed Cecilia the project costs.

Overwhelmed, Cecilia felt lightheaded. She pursed her lips, calculating the songs needed to repay such a sum. Then, she questioned, "Why should I pay the debt? I didn't incur it."

Nathaniel reassured her, "Don't worry, Ceci. I'll work hard to repay it."

Cecilia considered his charity work, fearing it would take lifetimes. "Regardless," she said, "resolve this—contact Elena or Nicholas." She added, "Elena, unlike Paula, would likely help."

Nathaniel readily agreed, "All right."

Jonathan, eavesdropping, couldn't believe his father was broke. He vividly remembered stealing from his father's account; the sheer number of digits was unforgettable. He retreated to his room to investigate. He doubted Nathaniel's insolvency, but the account was indeed empty.

"Could scumbag daddy have lost both his memory and intelligence?" he worried, fearing a similar fate and his mother's vulnerability.

That evening, while Cecilia discussed the New Year's Day meal with the chef, Jonathan confronted Nathaniel. He needed a private conversation.

"Mr. Rainsworth, regarding marital debt, if the wife is unaware, she isn't obligated to repay it," Jonathan stated.

Nathaniel, anticipating this, replied, "Your legal understanding isn't bad, but do you know the length of legal battles, or how relentless debt collectors can be?"

Jonathan, a miniature Nathaniel in appearance though he couldn't see it, frowned. "My mommy isn't weak or helpless. Besides, Mr. Ree—Daddy and I will protect her."

Nathaniel ignored the slip. He opened his laptop, reciting a long string of Uprian alphabets—Jonathan's hacker alias.

Jonathan stood, shocked. "How...how did you know...?"

Nathaniel responded casually, "I also know you stole seven billion, nine hundred million from my account."

Jonathan felt exposed. "You've regained your memory?"

Nathaniel shook his head. "Mason told me. No need to recover my memories for this. What do you think Ceci will do if she finds out? Who do you think the police will arrest if I call them?"

Jonathan, stung by the threat, clenched his fists. "No one will believe a child stole from a businessman."

Nathaniel smirked. "You're right. They'll arrest your guardian. I wonder if your father will go to jail for you."

Jonathan glared, itching to punch him, then unexpectedly asked, "If your son made a mistake, would you go to jail for him?"