Chapter 490: Of High Moral Standing
Once Vivian started talking, she couldn't stop. “Ceci,” she began, “I’ve been thinking. You mistook him for Nicholas, which is why you felt unloved, why you thought he was a jerk. He was essentially a stranger, devoid of any emotional connection. How could he possibly love you? It’s unfair to blame yourself for your mother and brother's mistakes. He’s prideful and petty, but he’s not the worst.”
This eased Vivian’s mind somewhat. Cecilia listened attentively. “Hmm, I understand.”
But Vivian’s tone shifted. “But now, besides his amnesia, he’s blind, Ceci. Being with him will be difficult.” How could a blind man, especially one born into high society, make a living? He couldn't possibly shoulder responsibilities. Worry gnawed at Vivian again. “Ceci, don’t be blinded by beauty. Calvin is a better choice.”
Cecilia wasn’t surprised by the shift; she knew Vivian acted for her sake. “Why Calvin again? He made it clear he only sees me as a friend, that I’m not good enough.”
A housekeeper announced dinner, cutting Vivian short. She ended the call, planning a private meeting with Nathaniel to persuade him to withdraw, to prevent wasting Cecilia’s and her children’s time.
At dinner, Cecilia saw Nathaniel nearby. She wasn't sure if he'd overheard. Hearing her approach, he slightly parted his lips. “We can eat now.”
“All right.”
“I didn’t mean to overhear your call,” Nathaniel said solemnly.
Cecilia laughed softly. “Hmm, got it.” While outwardly compliant, Nathaniel privately pondered Cecilia's earlier words.
Chapter 490: Of High Moral Standing
What does she mean, he only sees me as a friend, that I’m not good enough? Could Cecilia still have feelings for Calvin? Am I just an option? He dared only to ponder, lacking the courage to ask.
Meanwhile, after dinner, Vivian felt burdened. She knocked on George’s study door.
“Come in,” George said.
Vivian entered. “Grandpa.”
“Something wrong, Vivian? Uncomfortable at home?” George’s kindness made Vivian feel guilty. “Grandpa,” she confessed, “I need to be honest. Jonathan isn’t Zachary’s son; he’s not your great-grandson.”
George’s expression shifted subtly. “Is he your child?”
Vivian wanted to claim Jonathan to avoid disappointing George, despite her lack of ties to the Sinclairs. “He’s mine,” she affirmed. “I can’t reveal the father’s identity, only that it’s not Zachary’s.” She wouldn’t deceive George.
George, sure of his judgment, saw Vivian’s high moral standing. The Sinclair family’s wealth was immeasurable. Acknowledging Jonathan as a Sinclair would grant Vivian access to this boundless fortune, but she didn’t.
“Silly child,” he gently chided, “Jonathan is your son, and you are my daughter-in-law. Naturally, he’s the Sinclair family’s great-grandson. Whether or not he’s Zach’s doesn’t matter.”
“What?” Vivian was stunned. The Sinclairs had only one heir, Zachary, their pride and joy; George's beloved grandson, held in even higher regard than Nathaniel. The Rainsworth family had many descendants, yet George didn't seem to care about Zachary's paternity.