Chapter 454: What Are You Guys Doing?

Paula’s face flushed crimson, and she stared at Cecilia in disbelief. She never expected her once-obedient daughter to strike her. Cecilia, too, was surprised by her own actions, her hand trembling slightly.

“Madam Paula, please control your language,” Nathaniel warned, his voice cold. “If this happens again, the consequences will be far more severe than a slap.”

Paula stood frozen, regaining her composure. She was about to confront Cecilia when several bodyguards intervened and restrained her. Pinned in the snow, her usually impeccable demeanor was shattered, leaving her disheveled.

“Let me go! Let me go! I was disciplining my daughter—what right do you have to—?” she screamed, struggling against the bodyguards.

The bodyguards maintained their hold, awaiting Nathaniel’s command. Cecilia found Paula’s outburst amusing. Normally, Paula would never acknowledge Cecilia as her daughter; yet, here she was repeatedly claiming it.

“Throw her out. I don’t want to see her,” Cecilia ordered, clenching her fists.

Nathaniel signaled, and the bodyguards escorted Paula away. The commotion attracted Martha, who came outside to investigate.

“What’s going on?” Martha asked, concerned.

“Don’t worry, you should go inside and rest. It’s cold,” Cecilia said, gently guiding Martha back inside.

As Paula was led away, she saw Cecilia and the elderly woman sharing a warm moment, their bond undeniable. A simmering resentment toward Martha ignited within Paula.

Cecilia helped Martha to her room, then suggested Elliot rest as well. Though in his own room, Elliot remained observant.

Cecilia couldn't dismiss the memory of Paula fiercely protecting Cassandra. Returning to her room, she retrieved a strand of Paula’s hair, taken during the engagement party.

She dialed a number. “Did you get a sample from Cassandra?”

“Just today,” the person replied. He was someone Cecilia had commissioned through Sven, someone adept at handling sensitive matters.

“Please come over,” Cecilia requested. She had previously arranged for someone to obtain Cassandra’s sample to investigate her connection to Paula. As she ended the call, Paula’s words echoed in her mind, leaving her uneasy.

A knock interrupted her thoughts. Nathaniel stood in the doorway. “Ceci,” he said softly.

Cecilia approached him. “Thank you for today.”

Nathaniel noted her guardedness. “You’re welcome,” he replied, his expression less than pleasant.

Cecilia, believing he was upset by Paula’s final words, explained, “Nothing happened between Nicholas and me.”

“I know,” Nathaniel said, his expression softening. “Let’s rest.”

“Okay,” Cecilia agreed, following him.

Alone in the living room, an awkward silence settled. Nathaniel suddenly stood before her. “If she comes again, call me,” he said firmly.

Cecilia hesitated, unsure whether to agree or refuse out of embarrassment. “I’m used to—”

Before she could finish, Nathaniel pulled her into his arms. “Some things and people shouldn’t be tolerated,” he said.

Cecilia’s face rested against his chest; she heard his heartbeat. Her breath caught, but she didn’t pull away. “I’m really okay,” she whispered.

Nathaniel, sensing her lack of resistance, felt a surge of happiness. He leaned in, intending to kiss her, but a voice from upstairs interrupted. It was Elliot.

“Mr. Rainsworth, Mommy, what are you guys doing?”