Chapter 45: Where Does That Confidence Come From?

Stella overheard the last sentence, finding it peculiar. Mason, not usually one to interfere, hadn't told her about Cecilia's return after a few teasing remarks. Stella wisely refrained from pressing him, though resentment simmered within. She sought out Nathaniel.

"Nathaniel, Easter is approaching. Mrs. Elena has invited us to dinner tonight."

The woman was Nathaniel's mother, and Stella knew she would again urge them to marry and start a family.

Without looking up, Nathaniel replied, "Got it."

Stella sat on the sofa in his office. "I don't have much to do today, so I'll wait for you here."

Nathaniel eyed her. "You seem to have a lot of free time?"

Taken aback, before Stella could respond, he said curtly, "I'm not used to having outsiders around when I'm working."

Speechless, Stella rose. "I'll wait outside then." Nathaniel didn't reply. Reluctantly, she left. Whether in their past relationship or now, Nathaniel maintained an icy demeanor that seemed to distance people. Only someone like Cecilia could unconditionally accept him.

Outside, clearing her mind, Stella found Zachary's office deserted. She asked his secretary, "Has Zach been around lately?"

"Old Mr. Sinclair has been busy arranging Mr. Sinclair's wedding, so he hasn't been able to come," the secretary replied.

Wedding? Stella's heart sank. Zachary had previously refused George numerous times for her sake. News of his arranged marriage unsettled her.

"Do you know who the other party is?" Stella asked.

The secretary paused. "When the Sinclair family was selecting a daughter-in-law, it was like an open audition. Still, a woman from an average family would never attract the patriarch's attention."

An open audition? Does that mean it hasn't happened yet? The turmoil in Stella's heart eased.

She went to the private lounge and called Zachary. Over many years, he had never been angry with her. Surely, there was a reason for his aloofness over the past four years. She needed clarification.

In a discreet business vehicle near Ninth Ville, Zachary gazed out the window. "Does she live here?" he asked his bodyguard.

"Yes," the bodyguard replied respectfully.

Zachary was about to ask more when his phone rang. It was Stella. Over the years, he hadn't acted against her because of Nathaniel's deep affection for her. Why is she calling me now? He wondered if she knew about Cecilia's return and answered. "What's up?"

Stella was surprised. She'd called before, only to be abruptly hung up on. "Zach, I heard your grandpa is planning your wedding?"

Zachary raised an eyebrow. "You seem quite interested in my personal affairs?"

"We're friends, so naturally, I care about you. I'm afraid you might encounter the wrong people. Zach, if there's a woman you're interested in, you can tell me. That way, I can help you keep an eye on things."

Zachary scoffed. "Keep an eye? Where does that confidence come from? Don't forget, in my grandfather's eyes, you're just an actress. Not only will he be dissatisfied with the woman you've chosen, but I doubt she'll fit into my circles either. You should know that better than anyone."

After Zachary hung up, Stella's face paled, visibly upset.