Chapter 390: Still Failed To Prevent

Cecilia quickly wrapped herself in a blanket. "No, no," she whispered.

She disentangled herself from Nathaniel’s embrace, hurriedly dressed, and slipped out of the room with practiced stealth. Unbeknownst to her, two pairs of eyes watched from the shadows.

Elliot, in a hushed tone, said, “Why would he lie? Mommy was clearly with him.”

Jonathan, precocious for his age, pondered the situation. “Damn it! We still failed to prevent it!”

“What does that mean?” Elliot asked, confused.

Jonathan, despite his vague understanding, explained, “Just watch Granny Martha’s favorite show, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and other romance dramas. You’ll see what a man and a woman do together—they kiss!”

Jonathan often watched these shows with Martha while Elliot was hospitalized. Though not particularly fond of them, he dutifully sat through them. Martha’s emotional responses taught him much about romantic relationships.

“Darn it!” Elliot exclaimed, understanding dawning. “He actually kissed Mommy?”

Furious, Elliot didn't bother to lower his voice.

Cecilia, returning to her room, heard his outburst and turned to see them. Knowing they could no longer hide, Jonathan and Elliot emerged.

Elliot confronted Cecilia directly: “Mommy, why were you in Mr. Rainsworth’s room?” Jealousy overwhelmed him. It’s been ages since Mommy kissed my cheek! I can’t believe she kissed that scumbag!

Caught off guard by their innocent stares, Cecilia struggled to fabricate a convincing lie.

At that moment, Nathaniel emerged from his room, his expression irritated. “We were discussing serious matters. What, are you interested?”

Before the children could inquire further, a loud crash erupted from outside, as if something had fallen from a height.

The noise startled Martha, who stumbled out, asking, “Why are you all still awake? What’s going on outside?”

Feeling cornered, Cecilia improvised, “We woke up because of the noise outside.” “Let’s go out and check,” she suggested. “I suspect the heavy snowfall caused something to break.”

Stepping outside, they found a large tree trunk had snapped, blocking the road.

An idea struck Jonathan. “Grandma Martha, the heavy snowfall broke a tree branch, blocking the road. If someone drives by tomorrow, it could be a problem. Mr. Rainsworth, you’re quite strong, right? Could you help move the branch? Kindness always pays off.”

Elliot added sarcastically, “Yeah, Mr. Rainsworth, you’re the best. You wouldn’t want anyone to get into an accident, right?” (Let’s see you freeze out there!)

Nathaniel, already frustrated, responded bluntly, “Fine. But since I can’t see, you’ll need to help me.”

Jonathan and Elliot readily agreed.

Cecilia considered intervening but recalled Nathaniel’s comments about her being overprotective. Instead, she bundled the children in warm clothes, handed Nathaniel gloves, and watched with Martha as Jonathan and Elliot guided him in clearing the branches and snow.

Observing them, Martha reflected on Nathaniel’s recent changes. Turning to Cecilia, she said thoughtfully, “Ceci, if he continues like this, spending your life with him might not be so bad after all.”