Chapter 388: Make a Bet

Jonathan and Martha also arrived. Martha immediately rushed to Elliot's side. "My baby, where did he hit you?" she demanded, her voice trembling with anger, her chest heaving.

Jonathan quickly glanced at Elliot, who explained, "I was just joking with you guys."

"Joking?" Martha eyed Nathaniel suspiciously.

Maintaining his composure, Nathaniel played along. "Eli and I made a bet. He said you'd all believe him if he pretended I hit him."

Elliot and Jonathan were stunned silent, both thinking, We have to hand it to our scheming father. Elliot felt deep regret.

Martha, relieved, sighed. "Silly child, how could you make such a bet? We must always be honest, do you understand?"

"Understood. I'm sorry, Granny Martha," Elliot apologized, his voice filled with genuine remorse.

Cecilia, upset, added, "Eli, you can't make jokes like that. Grandma Martha and I were worried sick."

Elliot felt outmaneuvered by the father he despised. It was a bitter pill to swallow. He clung to Nathaniel's leg. "Mr. Rainsworth, didn't you promise me a lollipop if I won?"

Jonathan smirked. As expected, Eli is quite the schemer.

Martha shot Nathaniel a frosty look. "Eli has always been well-behaved. Don't lead him astray." Turning to Elliot, she said, "Eli, let's go upstairs and rest."

Elliot flashed Nathaniel a smug smile before nodding innocently at Martha. "All right." Jonathan was also led away.

Martha, preoccupied with Elliot, didn't notice his lie, but Cecilia saw through it, sensing he'd concocted the story to avoid being scolded.

Nathaniel spoke. "Ceci."

Cecilia, startled, turned. "How did you know I hadn't left yet?"

"I have a feeling," Nathaniel replied calmly.

Cecilia, momentarily taken aback, recovered quickly. "You didn't actually make a bet with Elliot, did you?"

"Yes, I gave him a light smack on his bottom—a small punishment," Nathaniel admitted.

Cecilia paled. "How could you hit him? Didn't I tell you he's sick?" She was fiercely protective of Elliot, never allowing anyone to touch him.

Nathaniel was surprised by her reaction. "Indulgence can be as harmful as harshness. You can't be excessively lenient with Elliot just because he's sick. In the real world, no one will coddle him. If you coddle him too much, others might bully him."

Cecilia's gaze softened. She recognized flaws in her approach to disciplining the children—stricter with Jonathan, lenient with Elliot. Self-doubt washed over her; she wondered if the children needed their father's guidance.

As Cecilia pondered, a sharp pain jolted her calf. "Quick, help me sit down," she said.

Nathaniel helped her. "What's wrong?"

"My leg is cramping. It hurts," Cecilia explained, wincing.

"Let's go to the hospital," Nathaniel said, preparing to lift her.

Cecilia shook her head. "No need, I'll be fine."

Nathaniel lifted her, gripping her leg. Cecilia tried to pull away, but the cramp prevented it. He held her firmly, his voice low and reassuring. "Don't move. I can't see anything, and I promise I won't have any improper thoughts. But if you move recklessly, it might accidentally touch somewhere I shouldn't."

Somewhere he shouldn't… Cecilia's eyes followed his hand, realizing a slight shift might touch a sensitive area.