Chapter 488: Fearful of George and Cecilia

Elliot found it strange that his mother had to go through several stages to have a baby. He had limited knowledge in this regard.

As he pondered this, Cecilia, her face flushed, emerged from her room, already dressed. “Mr. Sanders, what brings you here?”

Mason lied, “I have some personal matters to discuss with Mr. Rainsworth.” Cecilia, slightly embarrassed, led Elliot downstairs.

Nathaniel spoke briefly with Mason before leaving to attend to other matters. Cecilia didn't inquire about his plans. Outside, Mason reported on recent project progress. Nathaniel listened intently, then said, “You’ve worked hard recently. Tomorrow’s New Year’s Day; take some time to rest.”

Mason was shocked; it was the first time his boss had acknowledged his hard work. Taken aback, he stammered, “It’s nothing, it’s my job.” Nathaniel, softened by his time with Cecilia, couldn't see his expression but sensed his surprise. "Anything else?"

Mason then remembered, “Mr. Sinclair and Mr. Faust invited you to the Elite Club tonight.” Since Nathaniel feigned amnesia, Zachary and the others could only contact him through Mason. Nathaniel immediately replied, “I’m not going. Tell them I have plans.” He needed to prepare for New Year's Eve with Cecilia.

Mason knew he wouldn't go. Lately, Nathaniel had spent almost all his free time with Cecilia, foregoing nightclubs and solitary walks. “All right,” Mason replied.

That night, in the Elite Club's top-floor private room, Zachary and Darren drank with other wealthy young heirs. Nathaniel's absence surprised Zachary. “Nathaniel values romance over friends now. Darren, you’re the best; married for years, and you’ve never stood us up.”

Darren, with a strained smile, raised his glass. “Zach, aren’t you engaged? Why aren’t you spending time with your fiancée?”

At the mention of Vivian, Zachary's expression changed. He pictured her endearing face, sparkling eyes, and captivating smile. However, he recalled her temper. Their last wedding dress shopping trip had involved an encounter with her ex-boyfriend, Ernest, and his wife. Vivian had clung to Zachary, pinching him in displeasure, complaining, "All you do is tease me. I was forced into marriage, unlike you and your wife, who fell in love freely.”

Darren’s smile was chilling. The others agreed, “Zachary, don't worry. When you’re in charge, you’ll choose as many women as you want.”

Zachary felt a surge of triumph, but it quickly faded. Vivian, in a begonia-colored dress, approached with Jonathan, her eyes fixed on him.

Someone then casually suggested, “If Zachary really wants, I can send attractive young women to his residence. Even if the Kennedy woman finds out, she can’t do anything.” Another chimed in, “Exactly, what can a humble Kennedy woman do?”

Zachary coughed, hiding his panic behind his wine glass. He feared not Vivian, but George and Cecilia—Vivian was George's favored granddaughter-in-law and Cecilia's close friend, and Cecilia had saved his life.