Chapter 451 He Might Be Dead
Cassandra finally understood why her father had married Paula and why this stepmother cared for her more than her biological mother ever had. Initially, she believed Paula was merely trying to win her affection, but now, everything made sense. She also understood why Queenie, despite being over fifty, had only one daughter.
Cassandra glanced at the shredded paper in the trash bin, then abruptly stood. In a frenzy, she gathered the fragments, flushed them down the bathroom toilet, and muttered, "I am the daughter of Queenie Jamieson, a successful businesswoman, not some child of a useless entertainer."
To Cassandra, dancing was simply a form of emotional expression. Even a world-renowned dancer held less significance than a successful female CEO. Besides, with Queenie's resources, creating a famous dancer would be trivial. Compared to Paula's current role as a homemaker, only Queenie was truly fit to be her mother.
After a moment's reflection, Cassandra called Paula back into the room. Her face softened as she said, "Mom, I understand everything now. From now on, I will treat you with the respect and care you deserve."
Paula embraced her tightly. "With your assurance, I am content," she said warmly.
"However," Cassandra continued, "we must keep this a secret. It's crucial no one else finds out."
Paula looked at her in confusion. "Why?"
"Queenie has no other children—I'm her only daughter. She told me she would leave the entire business to me after her death. But if she discovered the truth, she might not leave the company to me," Cassandra explained, her tone measured and convincing.
Paula nodded in agreement. After all, when Cassandra was born and handed over to Ralph, he told Queenie the child was found and that he didn't know her biological parents. Only then did Queenie agree to keep her.
"All right," Paula finally said.
The following day, Cecilia went for her prenatal checkup, accompanied by Nathaniel.
"Don't you have work?" Cecilia asked, puzzled.
"I've taken leave," Nathaniel replied.
"You've been taking leave often lately. Doesn't your boss mind?" Cecilia's suspicion about his job grew.
"We're in the charity sector; the boss doesn't earn much. Besides, it's unusual to find someone like me, visually impaired yet excelling at my job," Nathaniel responded earnestly.
Cecilia had seen Nathaniel work. He was more focused and efficient than anyone else, completing tasks incredibly quickly. Despite his blindness, his memory was exceptional. He remembered everything about any place he'd been. At home, he functioned like anyone else.
"All right then," Cecilia said, speechless.
At the hospital, they visited Elliot first, then Cecilia had her checkup. While she was being examined, Nathaniel and Elliot spent time together.
Elliot, propping his head up with his small hand, studied Nathaniel intently. "Mr. Rainsworth, do you know where my daddy has gone? I haven't seen him in a while, and I miss him terribly," he said softly.
Nathaniel knew Elliot meant Calvin. The last time he'd encountered Calvin, Nathaniel had nearly killed him. Calvin couldn't have recovered quickly, and he wasn't brave enough to return.
"I'm not sure. He might be dead," Nathaniel replied impassively.
Elliot was taken aback by the blunt response. Did he really lose his memory? Only the Nathaniel who hadn't lost his memory would be this sharp-tongued. How could he curse himself to death?