Chapter 486 She Will Watch Over Us

“What did you hear?” Elena asked, her interest piqued. She paid close attention to anything concerning her son.

Cassandra hesitated. “It’s nothing; probably just a rumor. I’m sure Nicholas isn’t that type of person.”

Her evasiveness only intensified Elena’s curiosity. “Stop beating around the bush. Tell me everything.”

Cassandra finally revealed, “I’ve heard that Cecilia once had feelings for Nicholas and even a romantic relationship with him.”

The revelation shocked Elena. She had never liked Cecilia, and the news that Cecilia had pursued her younger son filled her with anger.

“That woman is a born troublemaker,” Elena said icily.

Cassandra gently took Elena’s hand. “Madam Elena, please don’t be upset. Honestly, I didn’t believe Nicholas ever had a relationship with her, but I’m worried that…”

“Worried about what?”

“Worried that Cecilia might not let things go easily,” Cassandra said, her eyes filled with concern. “I didn’t want to mention this, but now that you know, I must tell you. Some time ago, I saw Cecilia and Nicholas meeting secretly. I don’t know what they discussed, but her eyes were red.”

Elena listened silently, her fists clenched. She’s a curse to our family!

Elena lowered her voice. “Cassandra, you must never share this with anyone else, understand?”

Cassandra nodded. “Of course.”

Meanwhile, at Daltonia Villa, Cecilia, having regained her composure, prepared for the New Year with Nathaniel and Elliot. She placed Martha’s photograph in the most prominent place. “Mom, this counts as us spending New Year’s together, doesn’t it?”

She stood before the photo, gently caressing the frame.

Elliot approached. “Grandma Martha must be watching over us from above.”

“You’re right, Eli,” Cecilia agreed.

She remembered a childhood memory of Calvin frightening her by saying people lose everything upon death. Tearfully, she had pleaded with Martha, “Martha, please don’t die. Fatso said that when people die, they lose everything.”

Martha had gently consoled her, “Silly girl, everything doesn’t disappear when someone dies. As long as people remember them, they become the wind, the clouds, and the stars, watching over us.”

Cecilia gazed out at the dark night. A gentle breeze touched her cheek. Is that you, Mom? You must have come to visit me, right?

After decorating, Elliot went to bed early, clinging tightly to Cecilia’s hand even in his sleep, fearing she might leave. Cecilia soon fell into a deep sleep, her first peaceful one in ages. She slept so soundly that she didn't notice Nathaniel enter the room.

He gently touched Elliot’s hand, lifted him from Cecilia’s arms, and carried him to the next room. “You brat. You’re all grown up now. Stop clinging to your mom.”

He closed the door and lay down beside Cecilia, embracing her.

Elliot, in the next room, clutched his pillow. “Scumbag daddy, trying to take Mommy away from me, huh? Dream on!”

In the morning, he woke to find a large pillow in his arms. He rubbed his eyes. “Mommy? Where’s Mommy?” He looked around, puzzled. “How did I end up sleeping here?” “I must be dreaming. I’m going to keep sleeping for a while.” He rubbed his head. Since Cecilia hadn’t slept well recently, Elliot had also been restless with worry. Now that he’d finally slept well, he wasn’t getting up early.