Chapter 436 Waste of Space

If Nathaniel had not lost his sight, Adrian would never have dared to flirt with Cecilia. Ever since Cecilia married Nathaniel, he had been captivated by her beauty. As a married woman, she held even greater allure.

“Mr. Rainsworth, please show some respect,” Cecilia rebuked coldly.

Adrian, mistaking her for shyness, persisted relentlessly. “The current Nathaniel is nothing but a waste of space. He’s not worthy of you. Become my mistress, and I’ll treat you fairly.”

Cecilia was shocked by the Rainsworth family member’s audacity. Unwilling to engage, she simply walked away. But Adrian was relentless, following her, grabbing her wrists, and touching her inappropriately. Surrounded by others, Cecilia, wanting to avoid a scene, pushed him away firmly.

“Get off me!”

Adrian, instantly infuriated, retorted, “Why are you playing coy? You should consider yourself lucky I’ve taken a liking to you. Otherwise, you’d be stuck with that useless Nathaniel!”

The commotion drew the attention of onlookers—servants and distant relatives—who watched without intervening. Everyone knew Adrian, the only member of his generation with a son, held significant power within the Rainsworth family. Any offense risked serious consequences.

Cecilia, a woman, was no match for Adrian, who easily held her down. Her greatest fear—a public assault—had materialized. Spectators watched, engrossed, yet offered no help. Nicholas was away on business, and bringing Sven to the Rainsworth residence was inappropriate.

Adrian, noticing the lack of intervention, felt emboldened and reached for her clothing. Just as her skin was about to be exposed, several figures pushed through the crowd. One knocked Adrian to the ground with a swift kick.

Adrian, clutching his chest, cried out, “Who dares to kick me?”

A voice startled him: “Toss him into the river to sober up.”

It was Nathaniel, standing before several bodyguards. Though absent, he had secretly protected Cecilia and arrived swiftly upon learning of the incident. The bodyguards promptly carried Adrian away.

Adrian’s drunken haze cleared. “Put me down! What are you planning to do with me?” he demanded. “Nathaniel, how dare you!” His protest faded as he was carried off.

The onlookers dispersed, leaving Cecilia trembling on the ground. Nathaniel, unable to see her, called softly, “Ceci…”

Hearing his voice, Cecilia regained her composure. “I’m here,” she replied.

Nathaniel, guided by her voice, found and knelt before her. Cecilia immediately grasped his arm. He carried her away, leaving under the curious, fearful gazes of the crowd.

Leaning against his chest, Cecilia sobbed, her mind filled with Adrian’s lecherous face and the mocking stares of the onlookers. She clung tightly to Nathaniel.