Chapter 491: Nothing to Fear

“Vivian, don’t overthink it,” George explained. “What matters to me is you as a person. Even if you and Zach don’t have children, you’re still the only granddaughter-in-law I acknowledge.”

Vivian felt deeply validated. Her eyes brimming with emotion, she said, “Grandpa, thank you.” Marrying into the Sinclair family, she reflected, might not be so bad after all. Zachary had lost his parents young; she wouldn’t face typical mother-in-law conflicts. Moreover, his grandfather treated her exceptionally well.

“No need to be so formal,” he said.

Vivian, unable to keep her thoughts to herself, said, “Grandpa, I was thinking of meeting a friend tomorrow. Is that okay?”

“Of course. However, Jonathan must stay. I’ve arranged a meeting with some elders who traveled from out of town specifically to see my brilliant great-grandson.”

“All right.” Vivian also planned a private meeting with Nathaniel.

The next day, snow fell heavily. Cecilia and Nathaniel hadn’t returned to Rainsworth Manor. Elena had planned to tutor Cecilia, but that was no longer possible.

After breakfast, Nicholas left Cassandra and Elena for work. Cassandra asked, “Do you have to work on New Year’s Day?”

“Indeed,” Nicholas replied, his voice listless, impatience flickering in his eyes. “A few company projects have been problematic.”

“Let me know if you need help,” Cassandra offered graciously.

“All right,” Nicholas nodded, leaving the restaurant.

Elena praised Cassandra. “Nicholas only recently took over the company; don’t take it to heart.”

Cassandra nodded. “I understand. A few days ago, I suggested to my mother that she consider collaborating with Orion Corporation.” (This mother was Queenie.)

Elena was even more pleased. Nicholas’s position at Orion was unstable; several projects had recently been lost to a foreign competitor, causing shareholder discontent. Collaboration with the Jamieson Group would alleviate this.

“How can I thank you?” Elena asked.

“I’m engaged to Nicholas; no need for formality,” Cassandra replied sweetly, smoothly changing the subject. “By the way, are Cecilia and Nathaniel really not celebrating New Year’s here?”

Elena’s demeanor shifted at the mention of Cecilia. “Nathaniel has amnesia and relies on Cecilia. If she doesn’t come, neither will he.”

“Did Cecilia forbid Nathaniel from coming home? I think everyone wants to celebrate together,” Cassandra prompted.

Elena agreed. “I’ll check on them.”

“All right.” Cassandra took a sip of water, skillfully concealing her triumph. How could Cecilia compete with her when Elena disliked Cecilia?

Meanwhile, at Daltonia Villa, Cecilia, Nathaniel, and Elliot made ravioli. Nathaniel, blind, assisted from the sidelines. His phone rang; a familiar female voice—Vivian—was on the other end.

“Mr. Rainsworth, I’m Vivian, a childhood friend of Cecilia’s. Are you free? I’d like to…”

Vivian sat in her car, gazing at the villa, summoning her courage.

“Sure,” Nathaniel replied.

After hanging up, Nathaniel briefly spoke to Cecilia before leaving. Vivian, heart pounding as she watched him emerge, tried to calm herself. He’s blind, she reassured herself. There’s nothing to fear.