Chapter 453: A Confrontation in the Snow

Paula stood impatiently in the accumulating snow. Cecilia's arrival initially startled her; Paula's gaze shifted to Elliot with evident confusion. "Who is this child?" she wondered.

Paula didn't recognize Elliot, but he had already identified her. A single glance confirmed his grandmother. Anger flashed in his eyes; his fists clenched subtly. This old hag nearly caused Mommy to die. I must teach her a lesson.

Paula noted the child's resentment, puzzling over its source. Unfazed, she approached the trio. Cecilia instinctively shielded Elliot. "Elliot, you and Mr. Rainsworth should go inside. I have some things to take care of," she said firmly.

Nathaniel, having heard the approaching footsteps, joined Elliot inside. "Mr. Rainsworth, let's head inside," Elliot suggested, understanding the need for discretion. Nathaniel nodded gravely.

Inside, Nathaniel inquired, "Who was the visitor?"

Elliot hesitated. "I don't know her," he replied cautiously.

Nathaniel's brow furrowed, sensing something amiss. He summoned the bodyguard for information.

Outside, Paula observed Cecilia, burdened with a blind husband, a child, and an ailing relative. Disdain filled her eyes. "Back then, you didn't heed my advice, and now look at your life," she sneered.

Cecilia refused to engage in recriminations. "Did you come here for something?" she asked coldly.

Paula cut to the chase. "I'm here to warn you to stay away from Nicholas. He's engaged to Cassandra."

This was the first time Cecilia saw Paula acting on behalf of another. The recent engagement party resurfaced in her mind, sparking curiosity about Cassandra's true parentage.

"I'm married to Nathaniel; I'm part of the Rainsworth family. How do you expect me to distance myself?" Cecilia retorted.

Paula, momentarily speechless, found Cecilia's defiance unsettling. Accustomed to control, she felt both annoyed and embarrassed. Without warning, she raised her hand to strike Cecilia.

But Cecilia was faster, catching Paula's wrist. "Do you still think you can hit me whenever you please? I've long since returned the life you gave me, and I'm no longer your daughter," Cecilia declared, releasing Paula's wrist forcefully.

Paula, unsteady in her high heels, stumbled backward. Regaining her balance, she scoffed, "You claim you're not my daughter, but my blood still runs through your veins! As long as you live, you should listen to me!"

Taking a deep breath, Paula glanced past Cecilia towards the house. "If you choose not to listen, do you really think you, with that blind husband, a useless child, and sick old woman, could ever hope to best me?"

Before Cecilia could reply, Nathaniel's deep voice cut through the tension, "Whether she can beat you or not, you're welcome to try."

Nathaniel's icy expression, visible even in the dim light, sent shivers down Paula's spine. Despite his blindness, her fear was palpable.

She stammered, "Mr. Rainsworth, I don't mean to offend you, but could you please keep your wife in check? It's scandalous for a brother-in-law and sister-in-law to be—"

Cecilia interrupted with a resounding slap. Silence descended.