Chapter 407: A Part of the Past

Magnus was taken aback. Why was Zachary, his former nemesis, suddenly defending Cecilia? He quickly recovered, however, replying, “Yes, I understand. She’s my sister. I will treat her with respect.”

Zachary stood up. “What did you mean earlier when you said Nicholas would help you if Cecilia met him?”

Fearful, Magnus recounted Nicholas's words from their meeting a few days prior. Zachary listened, then asked, perplexed, “Does Nicholas know Cecilia? Otherwise, why would he say that?” Magnus admitted he wasn't sure.

He recalled a time when the Smith and Rainsworth families had interacted. He remembered Cecilia secretly writing love letters to Nathaniel, letters he'd later destroyed. Zachary felt he’d stumbled upon a significant revelation.

He was about to ask more when Darren approached. “Zach, what are you doing here?”

Zachary immediately warned Magnus, “Don’t speak of this to anyone, or I’ll rip your tongue out! Get lost!” Magnus fled.

Darren, impeccably suited, joined Zachary. “Why have you been avoiding the Elite Club and frequenting the Royale Club?” (Both clubs were owned by Darren in Tudela.)

“I just happened to be here,” Zachary replied, quickly changing the subject. “Darren, why are you working this late instead of being with your wife?” He was concerned Darren might inquire about Magnus. Despite their years of acquaintance, Zachary never fully understood Darren’s contemplative nature and preferred he remain unaware of the recent events.

Chapter 407: A Part of the Past (Continued)

“I’m heading back now. She’s been quite moody lately due to her pregnancy,” Darren said casually, glancing at Magnus’ retreating figure before entering his car. Once inside, he called home, his voice gentle. “Now that you’re pregnant, try to behave. You wouldn’t want me to send you back to the Elite Club, would you?”

After Darren’s departure, Zachary informed Nathaniel of the day’s events. Nathaniel, already home, leaned back, his eyes cold and resolute.

Later, Cecilia, clutching her belly, went for an evening stroll to aid digestion. Nathaniel, hearing her humming, followed.

“Why are you here?” Cecilia asked, surprised.

Nathaniel approached, gently draping his coat over her shoulders. “It’s chilly. Don’t catch a cold.”

“It’s fine,” she waved him off, explaining her sour mood stemmed from Magnus’s situation.

“Then I’ll walk with you.” He took her icy hand. Frowning, he asked, “Why are your hands so cold?”

She started to pull away, but he said, “Hold on to me. I can’t see.” She complied; it was their first hand-in-hand walk.

“Is everything okay at home today?” he asked tentatively.

Cecilia, assuming Nathaniel’s amnesia, revealed Magnus’s story about Paula and another man, omitting Nicholas entirely, considering him a past misunderstanding.