Chapter 49: A Close Call

Nathaniel typed: Understood.

Seeing him finally put aside his work, Stella asked, "Is Madame Elena urging us?"

Nathaniel’s thin lips parted slightly; a hint of impatience colored his voice. "No."

Stella wanted to ask what was happening, but before she could, Nathaniel's gaze shifted to the window. Cars passed the Golden Moon Hotel entrance. Outside the dazzling building, two figures emerged from a Bentley. Nathaniel's gaze unconsciously settled on the small boy. The boy wore a cap and mask, obscuring his features, yet a sense of familiarity lingered. He watched them enter the hotel.

Nathaniel instructed the driver, "Stop the car."

Stella was puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Nathaniel didn't answer. He opened the car door and exited without looking back.

Meanwhile, at the Golden Moon Hotel, Vivian, upon exiting the car with Jonathan, felt the urge to use the restroom. She quickly called Cecelia to meet them.

Cecelia, leaving her room, saw Nathaniel, impeccably dressed in a suit, approaching. Sweat broke out on Cecelia's palms. Instinctively, she wanted to flee.

Nathaniel broke the silence. "What a coincidence."

Cecelia had nowhere to hide. She could only pray Vivian and Jonathan wouldn't appear.

"Are you dining here, Mr. Rainsworth? I have matters to attend to," she responded casually.

As she was about to leave, Vivian's voice echoed, "Ceci!"

A jolt struck Cecelia's heart. Nathaniel's back was to the staircase; Vivian and Jonathan only saw Cecelia upon reaching the landing, missing Nathaniel's face. Thus, Vivian called out.

Hearing the call, Nathaniel looked at Vivian and Jonathan. Though Jonathan wore a mask, his obsidian eyes held a peculiar familiarity for Nathaniel.

Silence fell. A chill settled in Vivian's heart. Cecelia held her breath, fearing Jonathan would call to her. Surprisingly, Jonathan ran toward her.

"Hello, Ms. Smith." He gently tugged Vivian's hand. "Mommy, I'm really hungry. Let's eat with Ms. Smith," he pleaded.

Vivian snapped back to reality. "Uh, yes, let's go. Let's go, Ceci." She took Jonathan's hand, gently nudged Cecelia, and hurried away. "I have a dinner date with my best friend, Mr. Rainsworth. I'll see you later."

Cecelia quickly ushered them into the room. The tension eased once she closed the door. Nathaniel no longer paid attention to Jonathan. Descending the stairs, he had already paid Cecelia and her friend's bill before leaving.

Once certain Nathaniel had gone, Vivian embraced Cecelia. "Ceci, I'm sorry. I didn't think Nathaniel would be here."

Cecelia patted her shoulder. "It's okay. I had no idea he'd suddenly appear either."

"Thank goodness for Jonathan's quick thinking," Vivian said, shuddering at the memory of Nathaniel's intense gaze. "Otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable."

Jonathan gently comforted them. "Mommy, Ms. Kennedy, don't worry. I know Mommy needs to appear single to find a daddy for me and Elliot."

Cecelia held him tightly, her voice choked. "Sweetie, I'm sorry you had to go through this!"

Jonathan's face flushed. "Mommy, don't cry!" As the eldest son, he carried himself maturely, rarely showing his playful side to Cecelia, unlike Elliot. Hugs were rare for him. This unexpected hug brought him joy.

Wiping away her tears, Cecelia flicked his forehead. "You're not allowed to make such decisions on your own, or you'll get a tap on your bottom."