Chapter 499: Allergic Reaction

Cecilia vividly recalled Nathaniel's anger that day. He'd pulled her aside, harshly scolding her.

“Aren’t you embarrassed enough already?” he’d spat, tossing her roses into a trash bin. “If you’re free, get back to work instead of wasting time on such nonsense.”

Cecilia had only watched, her heart sinking. “Most guys confess to girls,” she’d murmured. “I thought you’d be happy.” They were both married, yet their relationship remained stagnant.

“Never bring up this nonsense about love again. It’s childish,” Nathaniel had warned before leaving. After that, Cecilia dared not mention her feelings again. She'd never known the joy of openly expressing her love.

Boom! Fireworks, permitted in the suburbs that year, startled her back to reality. Looking at Nathaniel, who held her close, she still couldn't utter those three words. Some wounds, once inflicted, are nearly impossible to heal.

“Nathaniel, we’re not children anymore. Let’s not be so immature,” she said, pulling away. She saw a dense rash covering his face.

“You’re having an allergic reaction…” she whispered.

Nathaniel felt an unbearable itch, unaware of his allergy. Without hesitation, Cecilia said, “Let’s go. I’ll call Sven to take you to the hospital.”

Sven arrived, shocked by Nathaniel's rapid reaction.

Nathaniel was taken to the hospital for tests. Cecilia knew of his pollen allergy but not his potential reaction to barbecued skewers. He didn't seem particularly robust. The allergy test revealed he wasn't allergic to skewers, but possibly to certain perfumes worn by passersby. Nathaniel disliked perfume; none of the women he knew, including Cecilia, wore it. He usually traveled in his private car, avoiding pedestrian areas. That day, however, he’d been exposed to many people.

While Nathaniel received treatment, Cecilia and Sven waited outside.

“Ms. Smith, I’ve found out the details about Mr. Reese you requested,” Sven finally said.

“How is he?” Cecilia asked immediately.

“Seriously injured and hospitalized,” Sven replied. He paused. “My investigation suggests this incident might be connected to the person inside.”

Cecilia’s mind went blank. “Are you saying Nathaniel hurt Calvin?”

Sven neither confirmed nor denied. “Based on my investigation, he’s the only one who could threaten Mr. Reese.” He wanted to mention Nathaniel's resilience, but hesitated.

“Find a way to contact Calvin for me,” Cecilia instructed. Her feelings were conflicted.

“All right. However, the Reese family is on high alert; they won’t allow visitors yet,” Sven replied, unable to approach Calvin directly.

Cecilia nodded. “Then let’s wait.”

After speaking with Sven, Cecilia visited Nathaniel's ward, her expression cold. The reaction wasn't severe; medication quickly cleared the rash.