Chapter 426: Return What Is Rightfully Mine

Cassandra stood, intending to follow Nicholas, but he stopped her. "Cassandra," he said gently, "wait here for me to return." With Elena present, Cassandra couldn't refuse. However, a deep sense of injustice welled within her. She was practically his fiancée; she should have been the one escorted.

After Nicholas left, she clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Outside, the night was pitch black, the wind and snow falling heavily.

Cecilia, initially believing Nicholas would only see them to the door, accepted his offer. Clinging to Nathaniel's clothing, she moved forward, her vision blurring until the path ahead was barely discernible. She pinched her hand, regaining some clarity.

Nathaniel, aware Nicholas followed, took Cecilia's hand. His warmth snapped her from her daze. She tried to pull away, but he held firm. Then, addressing Nicholas, he said, "You needn't escort us further. This is fine. Focus on the company; it's more important than this."

Nicholas paused, instantly understanding Nathaniel's unspoken accusation: he'd discovered the drugged wine. No wonder Nathaniel hadn't reacted sooner. Unwilling to show weakness, Nicholas retorted, "Nathaniel, you're mistaken. What's wrong with my concern for what rightfully belongs to me?"

Tension crackled between them. Cecilia, still somewhat disoriented, didn't notice; she was simply too tired, her eyelids heavy. Soon, she leaned against Nathaniel.

Without hesitation, he lifted her into his arms. Leaning against his chest, she succumbed to sleep. In her dreams, a searing fire consumed her, causing unbearable discomfort.

Nicholas, seeing Cecilia asleep, addressed Nathaniel directly. "Nathaniel, return what belongs to its rightful owner. She doesn't love you."

Nathaniel chuckled. "Does it matter if she doesn't love me? I'm her legal husband. Blame yourself for impersonating me." Before leaving, he warned, "If you resort to such tactics again, don't blame me for retaliating."

Nicholas watched him carry Cecilia away, all warmth gone from his eyes. He was turning back when he saw Cassandra. His gaze shifted instantly. "Cassandra, have you been here?"

Cassandra was puzzled. "No, I just arrived. Is something wrong?"

Nicholas simply said, "It's nothing. Come, I'll take you home."

Unexpectedly, Cassandra embraced him. "Nicholas, we're almost engaged. May I sleep with you tonight?"

Nicholas gently disengaged her. "Cassandra, I want to save the best for our wedding night."

Cassandra, surprised by his traditional stance, was secretly elated. "All right," she said.

Meanwhile, Cecilia felt intense heat coursing through her body. She was usually sensitive to cold. "It's so hot," she muttered, clutching Nathaniel's clothes.

Nathaniel had already placed her in the car and was en route to the hospital. He teased, "Did you catch a cold?" He touched her forehead—warm, not scorching. His hand moved to her cheek, exceptionally warm.

She shook her head, leaning into his hand, finding relief. "I'm not sure. Let's go back soon; I'm tired."

"Okay," Nathaniel replied, his voice hoarse.

She was pregnant, and alcohol was forbidden. Nathaniel didn't know what Nicholas had added to the wine, blaming himself for not stopping Cecilia.