Chapter 384: Standing Up For Him

Nathaniel had left around noon, claiming he had some last-minute work.

Cecilia watched Elena, seated on the couch, radiating superiority. Listening to Elena’s tone, Cecilia retorted sarcastically, “You were the one who effectively sidelined Nathaniel. What right do you have to criticize how I've cared for him? As long as I haven't let him starve or freeze, I've fulfilled my obligations as his wife.”

Elena was speechless, momentarily lost for words. A moment later, she rose, looking around. “Where’s Nathaniel? I’ll take him home now.”

Nicholas had essentially taken control of the company, with all shares transferred. Elena wasn't worried about others usurping Nathaniel’s empire. It was time to bring Nathaniel home.

“I’m not going back,” a voice echoed from the doorway.

Nathaniel had returned unnoticed. He stood in the doorway, clad in a black overcoat, his obsidian eyes devoid of emotion. Elena was shocked; she never imagined her son would be blind.

As he approached, Elena hastily stood, intending to help. He brushed her off. Her outstretched hands found only air; her heart ached.

“Nathaniel, are you still upset? Everything I did was for our family. Your father never interferes. If I hadn’t stepped in, the foundation you built would have fallen into someone else’s hands. It’s better entrusted to Nicholas. Once you recover, he’ll return it to you.”

Elena knew his body and memory might recover, but his eyesight was gone. The doctor had confirmed damage to his visual nerves from the car accident; he would be blind.

Nathaniel remained unmoved. “Go tell Nicholas to wait. I won’t let him off easily!” He recalled his childhood, realizing Nicholas wasn't as innocent as he seemed.

“Smack!” Elena slapped him. Disbelief filled Cecilia’s eyes. This was the first time Elena had struck Nathaniel. Her hand trembled as she lowered it. “Nicholas is your younger brother. He’s far more obedient than you. He never refuses me. If he hadn’t fallen ill, he should have led Rainsworth Group! He said he had no intention of replacing you. Everything he did was for our family. How could you be so selfish and narrow-minded?”

Cecilia listened quietly, her thoughts drifting to her past with Magnus. Paula always sided with Magnus, regardless of the situation. Cecilia, subconsciously wanting to prevent Nathaniel from suffering as she had, stepped in front of him.

“Enough! Nathaniel is the one being replaced. He was Orion Corporation’s CEO; after losing his sight, you discarded him to live an ordinary life in the countryside. You abandoned him, and now he’s the villain in your story? You say Nicholas is good because he’s obedient? What if he becomes disobedient? Is a child's worth solely based on obedience, Mrs. Elena? You’re the selfish one!”

Elena was speechless. She’d always felt she’d done much for Nathaniel, but she’d never considered his perspective.

Nathaniel was stunned by Cecilia’s defense. The gloom in his heart vanished.