Chapter 419 Bite Me

Listening to Elliot’s voice, Cecilia noted its unusual lack of playfulness, replaced by a cautious tone. She quickly reassured him, “I was so busy today, I completely forgot to call. I’m so sorry, sweetie. Can I see you tomorrow?”

Upon hearing her words, Elliot sighed with relief. “It’s all right, Mommy. Focus on your work. I’m fine here in the hospital; no need for you to come.”

In the past, Elliot would have insisted on her immediate company. His consideration, mirroring Jonathan’s, struck Cecilia with a pang. She resolved to visit him the next day.

After a while, Cecilia reluctantly ended the call. Lying on the couch, she tried to relax, but her thoughts remained fixed on her children.

Suddenly, a tall figure blocked the light, casting a shadow. Cecilia opened her eyes to find Nathaniel standing nearby; she couldn't tell how long he’d been there.

“Is something wrong?” she asked, puzzled.

“Before dinner, did you really just go for a walk?” Nathaniel asked seriously.

Cecilia hesitated. “Yes. What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing,” he replied, his expression contradicting his words.

He remained silent, then left the room. Immediately, he called his bodyguard, instructing him to review the house’s security footage. As he suspected, all nearby cameras had mysteriously malfunctioned that day.

“Check footage from farther away,” Nathaniel ordered.

“Understood,” came the response.

Soon, Nathaniel received a report detailing vehicle information. Most cars belonged to locals, easily identified. One, however, belonged to the Rainsworth Group.

Nathaniel ordered a further investigation. When the footage was retrieved, he had Mason play it. The video showed Nicholas sitting in the car.

Mason, unaware of the context, watched in confusion. He only knew the footage involved Nicholas.

After viewing the footage, Nathaniel remained silent, hanging up the phone, his mind racing.

Meanwhile, Cecilia, bathed and ready for bed, opened her bedroom door to find Nathaniel waiting.

“What were you doing in my room?”

“Getting ready for bed, of course,” Nathaniel replied nonchalantly, beginning to undress.

Cecilia’s face flushed. “Leave,” she demanded, “and put your clothes back on!”

Nathaniel ignored her. After undressing, he calmly lay down. “I’m not used to sleeping in clothes. Hope you don’t mind,” he said, unperturbed.

Cecilia, unprepared for his audacity, tried to pull the blanket away. “Get out! Get out!” she exclaimed.

Nathaniel swiftly pulled her into his embrace. He held her close, his voice firm. “From now on, we’ll sleep together.”

“No! Let go, or I’ll…” Cecilia paused, “I’ll bite you.”

Nathaniel’s voice lowered, growing hoarse. “Go ahead.”

Cecilia, encountering such audacity, bit his shoulder. It wasn’t a hard bite, but it should have been painful. Nathaniel grunted, but held her tighter.

“Ceci, do you really despise me that much?” he asked, his voice vulnerable.

Cecilia was taken aback. “Haven’t we discussed this?” she replied, her voice wavering. “I’m only staying with you out of obligation, not because I want to be your wife.”

“I never agreed to that,” Nathaniel responded calmly.

“Why can’t you keep your word?” Cecilia exclaimed, her frustration rising.

Martha’s voice echoed from the doorway. “Ceci, is everything all right in there?”

Cecilia started to respond, but Nathaniel spoke first. “It’s fine, Martha. You should get some rest.”

Hearing Nathaniel’s voice, Martha wasn’t surprised. “All right, you two should get some sleep as well,” she said before leaving.