Chapter 387: He Hit Me

After washing their hands, Elliot, feigning friendliness, guided a visibly upset Nathaniel to the dining table.

“Mr. Rainsworth, now that you can’t see, do you often stumble?” Elliot asked, his tone laced with mock innocence.

“No,” Nathaniel replied curtly.

“So, you’re not really blind then?” Elliot continued, maintaining his pretense of harmless curiosity.

Nathaniel, patiently, responded, “I’ve memorized the path, so I don’t fall.”

“I see,” Elliot said.

“All right, let’s eat now and chat later,” Cecilia interjected. "Eli always has so many questions."

As they sat, Elliot’s eyes immediately fell upon the shredded carrots. He knew he could eat them without issue, unlike Jonathan. If I got Mommy’s genes, then Jon definitely got our scumbag daddy’s.

With a deliberate movement, Elliot transferred some shredded carrots to Nathaniel’s plate. “Mr. Rainsworth, you should eat more carrots. My teacher says they’re good for your eyes,” he remarked, a subtle edge to his seemingly innocent comment.

Jonathan, sensing an opportunity, quickly added, “Eli, you silly boy, Mr. Rainsworth is already blind.”

Nathaniel was speechless.

“What? Carrots don’t help the blind?” Elliot asked, feigning wide-eyed confusion.

The children’s repeated use of "blind" echoed how people used to call Cecilia "deaf" in Nathaniel's presence.

Cecilia intervened gently but firmly. “Eli, you can’t talk like that. It’s impolite.” After all, Nathaniel was their biological father.

Noticing Cecilia's displeasure, Elliot focused on his meal, though his mind was already scheming. He’d continue provoking Nathaniel once his mother left the room.

Though blind, Nathaniel was keenly aware of the boys' mischief, especially Elliot's deliberate provocations. He didn't take it to heart—a child's antics wouldn't faze him—but he wouldn't tolerate bullying without response.

After dinner, Nathaniel asked Elliot, “Eli, could you escort me to my room?”

Elliot’s eyes lit up. This was his perfect opportunity.

“Sure,” he replied, winking at Jonathan before leading Nathaniel.

Once inside, Elliot searched for a stool, planning to trip Nathaniel. Before he could act, the door closed. He found himself hoisted into the air, dangling helplessly in Nathaniel’s grip.

“Mr. Rainsworth, what are you doing?” Elliot asked, feigning innocence.

Nathaniel calmly asked, “Do you know how I deal with naughty children?”

Nathaniel wouldn't harm Elliot, knowing about his health issues, but he could still make his point through intimidation. Elliot's thoughts raced. How dare you threaten me? Fine, I’ll tattle to Mommy later.

“Mr. Rainsworth, I’m a good boy,” Elliot insisted.

Nathaniel’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Is that so? Good kids don’t tell lies.”

A light slap on the buttocks followed, a clear message. Because of his illness, Elliot had been cosseted his entire life and had never been spanked. The slap instantly enraged him. “Mommy! Mommy!”

Nathaniel let him call out and calmly set him down. Cecilia rushed in, concern etched on her face. “What’s wrong, darling?”

Elliot pointed accusingly. “Mr. Rainsworth hit me!”

“What?” Cecilia gasped, inspecting him. “Where did he hit you?”

Elliot hesitated. I can’t possibly tell Mommy he swatted me on the butt, can I? Besides, he was so gentle it didn’t even hurt. It’d be embarrassing if Mommy checked and saw I was perfectly fine.