Chapter 48: Free of Desires

Vivian replied, “You’re not a brat at all; you’re sly.”

Jonathan patted her shoulder. “Since we’re here, let’s make the best of it. I promise to apologize to Mom when we get there.”

Vivian was on the verge of tears, but none came. She felt outwitted by a child, and the crucial issue was that she couldn’t send him home alone. While she considered he might manage the flight, it wasn't feasible.

“Stay put. I’ll call Ceci. Otherwise, she and Martha will worry.”

“Don’t worry, I left a note for Grandma,” Jonathan replied, “telling her I’m with you.”

Vivian was speechless. This little trickster! She picked up her phone and called Cecilia.

Cecilia, holding a cup of warm water on the balcony, answered. “Vivian.”

Vivian glanced guiltily at Jonathan. “Ceci, I planned to surprise you, but…”

Cecilia asked, confused, “What’s wrong?”

“I’m back in Tudela, at the airport, and… Jonathan came with me.”

Cecilia’s heart skipped a beat. Vivian handed her phone to Jonathan.

“Mommy, don’t blame Ms. Kennedy. I secretly bought the ticket and followed her. I worried about you being alone in Tudela.”

Secretly bought a plane ticket? Cecilia always knew Jonathan was clever, but she never expected this.

“Jonathan! Have you forgotten what Mommy told you?”

He didn’t answer, only countered, “But Mommy, I missed you and worried about you.”

A lump formed in Cecilia’s throat, silencing her. Vivian, also taken aback, retrieved her phone. “Don’t worry, Ceci,” she reassured, “I’ve thought this through. Jonathan will stay with me for now. I won’t let Nathaniel find out.” This was the only solution.

They agreed to meet at a restaurant before ending the call. Vivian sighed, looking helplessly at Jonathan. “Let’s go,” she said.

They went toward the airport exit. The Kennedy family chauffeur waited outside with the car. After getting in, they headed downtown.

Jonathan constantly gazed out the window, asking questions. Vivian patiently explained, “That’s the Tudela downtown plaza, owned by the Rainsworth family. That commercial street used to belong to the Smiths, but Nathaniel bought it. I didn’t expect it to be so successful…”

Mid-explanation, she snapped back to reality. “I’m out of my mind, discussing this with a child. You wouldn’t understand anyway.”

She pointed to a large building. “That’s full of toy stores.”

Jonathan turned, giving her a serious look. “Ms. Kennedy, I’ll be four in September. I’m not a three-year-old.”

Vivian was taken aback, left speechless again. The car moved leisurely, soon arriving at the restaurant.

Meanwhile, at Rainsworth Group, Nathaniel, accompanied by Stella, entered a black Cadillac. Nathaniel absentmindedly reviewed a contract.

Stella said, “Nathaniel, why don’t you take a break?”

“No need,” he replied, his tone icy. Stella sat quietly.

Over the past four years, Nathaniel hadn’t shown dislike for Stella, but no fondness either. She couldn’t understand him. Could a man truly be free of desires? She was determined to win him over that day.

His phone vibrated. A message from Cecilia’s bodyguard: “Mr. Rainsworth, Ms. Smith has left and is at the Golden Moon Hotel.”