Chapter 422 The Blind Date

The secretary shook her head. "I'm not entirely sure. Our agent, though they took photos, couldn't get close because they were being followed."

Elena had become exceedingly cautious since Nathaniel's discovery of the individual investigating Cecilia and Jonathan. Consequently, her agents were now too hesitant to approach their residence. Examining the photos, Elena realized much remained unknown. "Continue the investigation," she instructed. "I want all of Cecilia's secrets uncovered."

"Got it."

Meanwhile, Cecilia and Vivian spent several hours playing with Elliot, but had to cut their outing short; he couldn't handle a full day out. They'd agreed to bring him home a few days before New Year's.

Driving away from the hospital, Vivian reassured Cecilia, "Once the baby's born, we can use the umbilical cord blood for Elliot's surgery. Afterward, he'll be just like Jon."

Cecilia nodded, gently rubbing her belly. "I wonder if it's a boy or a girl this time."

"A girl would be wonderful," Vivian mused. "You'd have the perfect pair. I'm sure Elliot and Jon would be thrilled with a little sister."

Cecilia hoped for a daughter as well, but cherished the thought of loving either a son or daughter equally.

"By the way, Vivian," Cecilia asked unexpectedly, "what's your plan? Your father—how will you handle him?" She sensed her friend might still be attached to Ernest.

Leaning against the chair, Vivian gazed out the window. "I'm not sure. Seeing you with Nathaniel, and spending time with Elliot and Jon...maybe I should just get married."

"Vivian, don't marry just for the sake of it," Cecilia cautioned.

Vivian sighed. "Isn't that how things work? Ceci, do you regret getting married?"

Cecilia reflected. "I regret marrying Nathaniel, but I have no regrets about Elliot and Jon. Please don't take your marriage lightly."

"Oh well," Vivian sighed, shaking her head. "Even marrying for love can lead to regrets. Marrying someone we don't love will probably end the same way. At least I won't be heartbroken."

Cecilia understood Vivian's decision and knew it wasn't her place to dissuade her. Everyone has their own path.

After returning home and sharing a meal, Vivian prepared to leave. Saying goodbye, she hugged Cecilia warmly. "I hope we both find happiness."

"I'm sure we will," Cecilia replied, patting her shoulder.

Vivian left reluctantly. Once in the car, she called Roland. "Dad, I've made up my mind. Set up that blind date."

Vivian struggled to understand her father's response. Ending the call, she rolled down the car window, letting the cold wind wash over her, but it did little to clear her mind. A saying she'd read online echoed in her thoughts: Reality inevitably turns us into the kind of people we despise most.

Vivian didn't cry; she felt numb.

Meanwhile, heavy snow continued to fall relentlessly in Sparaville. Cecilia stood on the balcony, watching Vivian leave, feeling desolate.

Nathaniel had entered quietly, sensing the cold wind and Cecilia's faint breaths. Though he couldn't see her clearly, his other senses were acute.

As Cecilia turned to face him, she simply said, "I wanted to watch the snowfall."