Chapter 424: Returning to Rainsworth Manor
The room fell silent. After a long pause, Elena finally spoke. “Yes. It’s her.”
Cassandra’s lips curled into a faint smirk. “Funny, isn’t it? She’s my stepsister, yet I haven’t seen her once since I returned.”
Elena, cunning as an old fox, had ensured she maintained control. She only allowed Cassandra’s marriage after a thorough background check. Only after confirming Paula wouldn't exploit her and understanding the influence of Cassandra's mother, the Queen, did she agree to the union. She certainly didn't want another daughter-in-law as useless as Cecilia.
“There will be plenty of opportunities to meet her in the future. Let’s eat,” Elena said, forcing a smile that barely concealed her reluctance to discuss Cecilia.
Cassandra had subtly tested her future mother-in-law, gauging Elena’s attitude toward her eldest daughter-in-law. She observed that, once married into the Rainsworth family, she would likely control the family’s finances.
After dinner, Cassandra accompanied Nicholas for a walk. Elena insisted Cassandra stay the night, and Cassandra agreed, eager to satisfy her curiosity about Nathaniel’s wife. As they settled in, she remarked to Nicholas, “It’s a shame. Cecilia really isn’t worthy of Nathaniel.”
Nicholas stopped, his expression impassive. “You seem to know Cecilia quite well, huh?”
His sarcasm didn’t deter Cassandra. “My stepmother mentioned her. As the daughter of the Smith family, Cecilia was born with a hearing impairment. She was inept, lacked business talent, and any special skills. She’s a loser.”
Nicholas hadn’t expected such harsh words. Inept at running a company? Lacking skills? What Cassandra didn’t realize was that Cecilia, her “loser,” had effortlessly composed melodies Cassandra had struggled to obtain. Furthermore, Cecilia had surpassed Cassandra in business acumen, successfully starting her own company, while Cassandra still relied on her father’s support.
Nicholas’s thin lips parted slightly. His voice, usually gentle, held an almost imperceptible chill. “Cassandra, please refrain from speaking ill of others behind their backs, especially our seniors. I don’t appreciate it.”
Cassandra, about to continue, hesitated at his words. Did he find her irritating? Senior? Why would he acknowledge Cecilia as his senior? Accustomed to being spoiled, she was unwilling to relent. “Everything I said is true, but if you don’t want to hear it, fine. I’ll keep my mouth shut.”
She turned and walked away, clearly annoyed. Nicholas didn’t pursue her.
Jocelyn, trailing behind, quickly approached, offering Nicholas his coat. “Mr. Nicholas, what’s wrong with Ms. Evans? She seems upset.”
Nicholas accepted the coat. “Jocelyn, I need you to fetch something for me. I’ll send you the address later.”
“All right.” Jocelyn obeyed without question.
After she left, Nicholas checked the pharmacist’s message: “Mr. Rainsworth, this medicine is highly effective. I hope you and your fiancée have a wonderful evening.”
Meanwhile, Cecilia had arranged for Martha and Elliot’s care and informed Vivian and Jonathan of her upcoming trip to Tudela. She and Nathaniel returned to Rainsworth Manor in Tudela. Recalling Nicholas’s words from their last meeting, Cecilia felt uneasy. Nathaniel, sensing her unease, grasped her hand firmly. Cecilia looked at him, but didn’t withdraw her hand.