Chapter 432: Why Do You Have a Bodyguard?

Charlotte updated Cecilia on the company's progress. “Boss, if we maintain this momentum, we’ll be making astronomical profits soon. When will you be back? Eric contacted me; he wants to meet you to discuss collaborating on another musical piece.” Eric Palmer, a globally renowned and strikingly handsome pop idol, had requested her help. Charlotte always found it difficult to refuse him.

“Let’s wait until after St. Patrick’s Day,” Cecilia replied.

Charlotte felt a pang of regret. “All right, I’ll tell him then.”

“Okay.”

After ending the call, Cecilia put down her phone. Most of the foreign company’s operations were handled by employees; she only needed a general understanding. The room was quiet, so she turned on the television. Flipping through channels, she stopped at the entertainment news. Stella, absent for some time, was tearfully apologizing on screen.

“I wish to apologize to my fans. The video about my personal life has affected everyone and disappointed you. I don't dare hope for your forgiveness, but I aim to repay you with more work. Finally, I want to remind my fans that it's crucial to judge people fairly. Never trust unworthy men, or you’ll be controlled…”

Stella placed all the blame on her former partner. Everyone seemed to have forgotten her role as the third party in another’s relationship; she was now solely perceived as a victim. Online support for her steadily grew.

Cecilia watched silently, finding the world astonishing. The entertainment industry had no boundaries; celebrities always found forgiveness online.

Nathaniel finished cleaning and entered; Cecilia had already turned off the television. He didn't remember Stella; if he did, he would have recommitted her to a psychiatric hospital.

10:30 AM

Chapter 432: Why Do You Have a Bodyguard?

“What were you watching?”

“Nothing.”

Cecilia's harsh tone, stemming from thoughts of Stella as Nathaniel's first love, was evident. He sensed her unhappiness and sat beside her. “Shall we go for a walk?” he offered, believing she was still upset about the previous day's events.

“I didn’t send anyone to follow you. A subordinate acted independently and took those photos. I've dismissed him.”

As he spoke, the bodyguard outside sneezed. Cecilia, pregnant, finally understood the implication of his words.

“You’re just a regular worker? Why do you have a bodyguard?”

Nathaniel choked, maintaining composure as he lied, “Mom was worried about us being kidnapped, so she hired some people.” Wealthy families often worried about kidnappings and employed bodyguards, so Cecilia didn't suspect anything.

At that moment, Zachary arrived at the door, nearly bursting into laughter. Besides Simon, the audacious man who’d kidnapped Nathaniel previously, who else would dare? Nathaniel's pretense of poverty was masterful.

Zachary knocked and called, “Nathaniel.” Seeing Cecilia, he hesitated, then shyly said, “Cecilia.”

Surprised by his friendly greeting, Cecilia acknowledged him politely but didn't invite him in. Undeterred, Zachary invited himself in.

“Are you two alone? Let's go out, my treat!” Having learned Cecilia was with Nathaniel at Daltonia Villa, he’d come to see for himself.