Chapter 412: Invitation to the Engagement Party

At Orion Corporation, Nicholas instructed someone to escort Cassandra away. His assistant, Jocelyn, approached with a displeased expression.

“Mr. Nicholas, are you really going to get engaged to her?” Jocelyn asked, her concern evident. She knew Cassandra, despite her impressive resume, was overly arrogant and opportunistic—unsuitable for Nicholas.

Nicholas sipped warm water, his gentle eyes revealing nothing. “I’m at that age; it’s time to marry.” He added, almost as an afterthought, “Some people my age already have preschoolers.”

“But marrying just for the sake of it…” Jocelyn began, but Nicholas interrupted, “Get back to work.”

Jocelyn, unable to continue, left, her eyes brimming with tears.

The engagement invitations were sent out swiftly, one arriving at Nathaniel's office. Mason informed him of Nicholas's engagement to Cassandra. Nathaniel leaned back, silent.

“Should we decline?” Mason suggested cautiously, sensing Nathaniel's disapproval.

“No, I’ll attend,” Nathaniel replied neutrally. He recalled Cecilia mistakenly calling him Nicholas a few days prior and was curious to see her reaction.

Returning home, he gave Cecilia the invitation. "This is for Nicholas and Cassandra's engagement party. He's my brother, and I've agreed to go."

Cecilia was surprised, the news feeling like a sudden blow. It wasn't sorrow, exactly, but a jarring shock.

“Why are you giving this to me?” she asked.

“We’re married; you should attend with me,” Nathaniel explained.

Cecilia started to refuse, but Martha interjected, “As his sister-in-law, it’s customary.”

Cecilia was startled. Since when did Martha side with Nathaniel?

“All right then, should we prepare a gift?” Cecilia asked, acquiescing.

Nathaniel was surprised by her ready agreement. “I’ll take care of it,” he said.

“You can’t see; Ceci should go with you,” Martha countered.

Cecilia found Martha's behavior odd but agreed. “All right, we’ll buy a gift tomorrow.”

“Okay.” A small smile touched Nathaniel's lips; he felt grateful to Martha. He couldn't fathom her sudden shift; just days ago, she'd openly scorned him and his doctor.

“Martha,” Cecilia offered, “let me take you to your room. The living room is drafty.” She wanted to speak to Martha privately.

Martha allowed Cecilia to lead her. Once inside, Cecilia closed the door.

“Why did you defend Nathaniel?” Cecilia asked.

Martha feigned surprise. “I wasn’t defending him, just reminding you of etiquette. Even if we aren't as wealthy as the Rainsworths, we should maintain our manners.”

“Is that all?” Cecilia asked, skeptical.

“Of course,” Martha replied, her face serious.

Cecilia decided not to push it. She took Martha's hand. “In a couple of days, a foreign specialist will examine you. I’ve heard his patients live to be a hundred.”

Since her return, Cecilia had been tirelessly arranging for geriatric specialists. She wouldn't lose Martha. This time, she’d secured a renowned team from abroad.