Chapter 393: Nathaniel Is Going Back Alone
On this New Year's Day, the Rainsworth family held a private feast, inviting only close relatives. Despite the limited guest list, the manor buzzed with activity.
Niel Rainsworth, the family patriarch, sat at the head of the table, carefully peeling apples for his great-grandson, Felix, showering the boy with affection. Felix, however, displayed haughty aloofness, pointing at a bead bracelet held by a middle-aged man and demanding, "Great-Grandpa, I want that one."
The middle-aged man, Niel's nephew, held the bracelet close, replying reluctantly, "Felix, this isn't a toy. If you really like it, I can send you a box of new ones tomorrow." He had spent eight years crafting the bracelet and had no intention of giving it to the spoiled child.
"No. I want this one... Please, Great-Grandpa..." the boy persisted.
Niel quickly patted his great-grandson's hand, assuring him, "All right, all right." He then glanced at his nephew, who, though clearly hesitant, handed the bracelet to the four-year-old. Felix barely touched it before tossing it to the ground, the beads scattering. "This is no fun. What a lousy thing," he declared dismissively.
The middle-aged man felt his heart sink, but dared not show his frustration to the sole heir of the Rainsworth family. With Niel the only male heir and his brothers having no daughters, Felix was indulged and treated like royalty. Felix's parents, Adrian and Miranda, watched with smug expressions.
At that moment, Nicholas entered, his demeanor cool yet gentle. "Grandpa." Seeing his resemblance to Nathaniel, Felix immediately straightened and behaved himself.
"Take a seat," Niel said, his expression darkening at Nicholas's presence. Over the past few months, Nicholas had deceived everyone. After his arrival, others followed suit. Growing impatient with Nathaniel's absence, Niel asked Elena, "Where's Nathaniel?"
"He's on his way," Elena replied.
The Rainsworth family eagerly awaited Nathaniel's arrival, curious about how someone as proud as he could agree to being impersonated and willingly transfer his shares. Those who had been on the receiving end of Nathaniel's sternness could scarcely believe the turn of events.
On the road, Nathaniel called Mason. Learning Nathaniel was returning alone to the Rainsworth residence, Mason expressed his anxiety. "Mr. Rainsworth, you're going alone? What if something happens to you?" He knew some family members were notoriously duplicitous, outwardly friendly yet inwardly estranged.
"Don't worry. I'm no threat to them now," Nathaniel reassured him.
Mason understood. With Elena at the residence, he felt confident she would keep her son out of trouble. Nevertheless, he remained uneasy. Nathaniel's blindness made him vulnerable, and he worried those Nathaniel had offended might seize the opportunity to insult him.
Determined to help, Mason left the office, considering who could assist in protecting Nathaniel. He could only think of Cecilia. As Nathaniel's wife, she was one of the few who could easily visit the Rainsworth residence.
Fortunately, he found her readily, dining with their children at the mall. He approached without hesitation.
"Mrs. Rainsworth," he called. Both children turned to look at him, and for a moment, Mason felt scrutinized by two miniature Nathaniels, as if he had interrupted a precious mother-son moment.
Cecilia looked up, puzzled. "Mr. Sanders? What's wrong?"
Mason's concern was clear. "You let Mr. Rainsworth go to the Rainsworth residence alone?"
Cecilia's brow furrowed. "Is there a problem?"
"Of course there's a problem," Mason said, ignoring the children. "Mr. Rainsworth has offended quite a few people in the past. If he goes back there alone, he could face significant humiliation."