Chapter 509: Realize the Situation

Only then did Nathaniel realize the situation. “Before I returned,” he said, “I instructed everyone not to alter anything in my home, not even a pen. I relied on my memory.”

Cecilia glanced around. Everything was in its place. Even so, she was impressed. “You’re truly impressive,” she said sincerely.

Nathaniel, unused to Cecilia's praise, smiled and tightened his grip on her hand. “Silly,” he murmured.

The atmosphere shifted, becoming flirtatious. Cecilia blushed. “Let go of me. I need to mop the floor.”

“All right,” Nathaniel replied, obediently loosening his grip. Cecilia felt the lingering warmth of his hand on hers. She grabbed the mop and cleaned the spilled water.

Finished, she saw Nathaniel standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows, his tall frame obscuring much of the balcony light. He turned, his face stern and regal.

Before he could speak, a voice announced from the entrance, “Mr. Nathaniel, Mrs. Rainsworth, Madam Elena has arrived.”

Elena entered, followed by housekeepers. “Where’s Eli?” she asked, looking around.

“He’s upstairs, asleep,” Nathaniel replied.

Elena sat on the couch. “Then I’ll wait for him to wake up.”

Nathaniel’s blunt declaration shattered her calm. “Eli is not my son.”

Elena was stunned. “What did you say?”

Nathaniel remained silent. Cecilia, feeling embarrassed, lied. “Eli is Calvin’s and my son.”

Elena’s face crumpled. “Are you joking?” She’d suspected the children were her grandchildren.

“I’m not joking. Eli also mentioned his surname is Reese, didn’t he?”

Elena was speechless with anger. She didn’t believe it. “Cecilia, do you even know what you’re saying?” she demanded, approaching Cecilia. “If that’s true, you’ve betrayed Nathaniel.”

Cecilia remained calm. “I guess I did.”

Elena clenched her fists. Nathaniel moved to her side. “Mom, stop. Let’s go outside.”

“Stop?” Elena was furious, first with Cecilia, then with her son. “She deceived you, and you blame me?”

“I don’t care,” Nathaniel said, his voice deep.

Elena was shocked. “Did you lose your mind along with your memories? She cheated on you!” She felt like shaking some sense into her foolish son.

Nathaniel grimaced. “Leave. I don’t want to repeat myself.”

Stunned, Elena reluctantly left. Immediately, she called Dr. Lazlo. “If a car accident causes amnesia, does it affect intelligence, too?” she asked. When, she wondered, would her son ever accept someone else as a stepfather?