Chapter 440: Showing Off

Wren knew Cecilia was a good girl, though it was unfortunate she had married into their family. He wasn't one to meddle; at home, Nathaniel and Elena managed everything. "Take good care of each other from now on," he said sincerely, his words genuine despite his lack of flowery speech. Cecilia nodded.

After Wren left, Cecilia's mother, Paula, and younger brother, Magnus, arrived early. Paula, radiantly smiling and arm-in-arm with her second husband, Ralph, made sure to mention her daughter's engagement to anyone who would listen. Cecilia recalled her own engagement to Nathaniel; Paula had offered congratulations then, but sneered, "Marrying into the Rainsworth family is us reaching above our station. I don't know if Cecilia can handle it. If not, won't it just end in divorce?" Ironically, her words proved prophetic; they were on the verge of divorce. Nathaniel had disappeared, and Cecilia waited for Vivian and Jonathan's arrival.

Vivian arrived shortly, but Jonathan was absent. "Vivian, where's Jon?" Cecilia asked, concerned. Vivian gestured. "My dad took him to show off. It'll probably take a while." She knew her father's propensity for lengthy boasting. "Oh, by the way, where's your husband?" Vivian asked, noticing Nathaniel's absence. She hadn't even received an invitation originally; the Kennedys were insignificant compared to the Rainsworths. However, her impending engagement to Zachary afforded her new connections. Someone quickly approached, eager to connect: "Are you Ms. Kennedy? Can we talk?"

Vivian was drawn into conversation, apologizing to Cecilia. Cecilia reassured her, and Vivian joined a group of wealthy women. In high society, connections were paramount; these women had researched Vivian's status as the Sinclair family's future daughter-in-law, a position comparable to Cassandra's. Securing a connection with her offered future business benefits. Cecilia remembered being treated similarly, only to be abandoned once her strained relationship with Nathaniel became apparent.

"If you had listened to me, you wouldn't be hiding in the corner alone now," a familiar voice—Paula's—said. "Look at our Cassandra," Paula continued, pride evident. "She's an internationally renowned dancer, soon to be Mrs. Rainsworth. Her future is limitless. And you? Your life has already hit a dead end." Paula's smugness was palpable. Cecilia, remembering her investigations, suspected Cassandra wasn't Paula's biological daughter. Testing the waters, she asked, "Cassandra isn't even your biological daughter. What good is her success to you?"

Paula's usual volatile reaction was absent; her calm indifference only strengthened Cecilia's suspicions. Cecilia raised a hand. "There's something on your head. Hold still." Pretending to brush away dust, she discreetly plucked a few strands of Paula's hair. Paula winced. "What was that?" "Whatever it was that stuck, it's gone now," Cecilia replied, pocketing the hair.