Chapter 411: I Am Not Nicholas

Nathaniel’s expression remained unchanged, even as the silence lingered. Cecilia, attempting to ease the tension, asked, “Weren’t you supposed to be at work today?”

Nathaniel’s handsome features darkened. He hadn’t left the house; there was no work to be done. “There was no need to work today,” he replied curtly.

“All right then, get some rest,” Cecilia said, rising.

Nathaniel blocked her path. “Is that all you have to say?” he demanded.

Cecilia’s thoughts drifted to the previous night. Sighing, she said, “Enough. I have work to do now.”

As she turned to leave, Nathaniel pulled her into his embrace. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he murmured intensely, “Cecilia, remember—I’m not Nicholas, and I could never be.”

Startled, Cecilia looked up, her eyes wide. “Did you remember something?”

“No,” he replied, his hand gently caressing her face. “I don’t like you mistaking me for someone else.”

Cecilia averted her gaze. “I didn’t mean to… it was a slip of the tongue,” she murmured.

“Is that so? It better be,” Nathaniel responded sharply.

His phone rang, breaking the tension. While he answered, Cecilia slipped away and left the room, heading to the music room to compose. Nathaniel’s mood soured as he answered.

“What’s the matter?” he asked curtly.

“Mr. Rainsworth, suspicious activity near your residence. We apprehended someone who confessed to being sent by Madam Elena,” the bodyguard reported.

Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. “What was he supposed to do?”

“He was watching a child.”

Only Jon was there. Why Elena’s focus on him?

Nathaniel instructed, “Take him back to the Rainsworth residence.”

“Understood.”

At the residence, the wounded man was thrown before Elena, interrupting her flower arranging. A cold flicker crossed her eyes.

“Found out? Did you get the hair?” she demanded.

The man shook his head. “I didn’t get the chance.”

“Useless!” Elena snapped, throwing down her scissors.

The man trembled. “Mr. Nathaniel said not to send anyone again, or else… or else…”

“Or else what?” Elena’s expression froze.

“Or he’ll turn his back on his family,” the man whispered.

Elena’s face darkened. “Get out.”

Unease settled over her. Since last seeing Cecilia and the child, she’d been discreetly watching Cecilia’s residence. Jonathan had stayed with Cecilia for days, then moved in with Vivian. This fueled her curiosity.

She’d initially investigated whether Jonathan and Cecilia were related, but hadn't obtained hair or blood samples.

“Mrs. Rainsworth, no need to distress yourself,” her secretary suggested. “With Mr. Nicholas in charge, perhaps we could bring back Mr. Nathaniel and Ms. Smith. Truths will come to light.”

“I want Nathaniel back, but he’s unwilling,” Elena sighed. “And Cecilia… she’s not easily handled.”

Another thought struck her. “Cassandra took the melody last time! I wonder how her blind date with Nicholas went?”

“Mr. Nicholas said it’s fine, everything is up to your arrangement,” the secretary reassured her.

Elena sighed in relief. “If only Nathaniel were as obedient as Nicholas.”

“He’ll understand your hardships eventually,” the secretary offered.

“Hopefully,” Elena said, her tone softening. “We still need to solve the Jonathan situation.”

“Yes.”