Chapter 434: Not His Baby

Zachary’s departure left Stella’s anguished screams echoing in the room. Finally, his men ceased their torment, leaving her in a pool of blood, her body wounded, her eyes hollow. A deep sense of injustice consumed her: Why did Cecilia receive all the good fortune? In her injured state, she could only lie motionless. Zachary’s men hadn’t dealt a fatal blow; their intent had been merely to torture.

She drifted in and out of consciousness, losing track of time. Just as she neared unconsciousness, the door burst open. Instinctively, she began begging, "I'm sorry, I made a mistake..." From the floor, she watched polished leather shoes approach. Rising to her knees, she dared not meet his eyes. "Zach, I won't do it again. I beg your forgiveness."

"Stella, it's me," a familiar voice said. Looking up, she gasped, "Nathaniel, aren't you—"

"My name is Nicholas," the man interrupted. "We've met before." Stella realized she'd mistaken him for Nathaniel. He possessed a completely different aura.

"Are you Nathaniel's twin brother?"

"Yes."

"What do you want?" Fear gripped her; she suspected retribution on Cecilia's behalf.

"I want to make a deal," Nicholas said smoothly, his gentle demeanor masking something sinister. "If you get Cecilia to leave Nathaniel, I'll save you."

Despite not understanding his motives, the promise of salvation was enough. "Deal! I'll ensure Cecilia leaves Nathaniel. Then, you'll save me."

Men escorted her away from the psychiatric hospital. As Nicholas departed, one of his men asked, "What should we tell Zachary?"

Glancing back, Nicholas replied casually, "Burn this place down. No need for explanations."

His men were stunned by the callous order, but dared not disobey. That night, news of a fire at the hospital broke, reporting three casualties. Zachary, irritated, felt Stella had gotten off too easily by dying prematurely.

At the Rainsworth residence, Cecilia arranged flowers for the engagement banquet when Elena approached, offering help.

"You've said the child isn't Nathaniel's. It must be Calvin's, then?"

Cecilia's brow furrowed. Before she could respond, Elena pressed, "Isn't Calvin concerned? You're pregnant and living with Nathaniel..."

Cecilia ignored the pointed questions. "If you don't believe the child isn't Nathaniel's, wait until the baby's born. We can have a paternity test."

Elena, uncertain of her own assumptions, paused. Snipping a red rose, she said icily, "If the baby isn't Nathaniel's, I won't allow him into the Rainsworth residence."