Chapter 44: Cannot Let Her Escape

Sven found Cecilia huddled in the corner of the bathroom, clad in a thin, sopping nightgown. Fresh, crimson scratches adorned her hands and legs. He quickly turned off the water, grabbed a bathrobe, and draped it over her, shielding her partially revealed figure.

“Are you all right?” he asked. His voice, though not soft, seemed faint to Cecilia.

She took a moment to compose herself. Looking up, her lips pale, she whispered, “I’m fine.”

“I’ll take you to the hospital.”

Sven bent to lift her, but she recoiled. “No,” she said, biting her lip. “All the hospitals in Tudela are connected to the Sinclair family. Zachary already knows I’m back. If he finds out I used drugs, he’ll tell Nathaniel! If Nathaniel learns I spiked his drink, it’ll be impossible for me to get close to him in the future…”

Over four years ago, she had faked her death. Calvin’s cunning had been essential to concealing it from Zachary. Now, without Calvin, a hospital visit would surely alert Zachary. Therefore, Cecilia chose to handle things herself.

Sven, having noticed the spilled wine in the living room upon entering, understood much of what had happened. His brows furrowed slightly. “But your body…”

“Could you get me some ice?” she asked.

“Sure.”

Sven retrieved ice from the kitchen refrigerator. The icy bath water brought Cecilia some relief. He then fetched the medical kit.

“Thank you,” she murmured gratefully.

Sven remained silent, waiting at the door while contacting Calvin to assure him everything was alright. He had been sent by Calvin, after Cecilia’s missed calls, to check on her.

An hour later, the effects of the medicine subsided. After applying medication and changing clothes, Cecilia emerged from the bathroom. Sven was still waiting.

“I’m sorry for the trouble,” she whispered, “You should rest.”

“Okay,” he replied.

After he left, Cecilia, realizing the lateness of the hour, messaged Martha to confirm her safety.

Meanwhile, back at Daltonia Villa, Nathaniel lay sleepless. On the balcony, cigarette in hand, images of Cecilia swirled in his mind. He felt inexplicably dry, lost in thought, and only snapped back to reality when the cigarette burned his fingers.

Sleepless, Nathaniel arrived early at the company. While Mason reported on work, Nathaniel, distracted, suddenly asked, “Has Cecilia arrived?”

Mason, startled, shook his head. “I heard she’s ill and took the day off.”

Nathaniel's voice hardened. “Keep an eye on her. We absolutely cannot let her escape.”

“Indeed.”