Chapter 512: Apologize Later

Zachary’s hand froze mid-air. He didn't withdraw it. “L…”

Before he could finish, Cecilia turned and returned to her room. Zachary wanted to apologize, but Nathaniel restrained him. “Nathaniel, why are you pulling me?”

Nathaniel’s lips parted slightly. “Apologize later.” It was St. Patrick’s Day, and he wanted no part in Zachary’s troubles.

Zachary agreed. “All right then.” He’d initially planned to meet Cecilia’s son, but decided to leave. “Then, I’ll head back now. I’ll come see you next time.”

“All right.”

Zachary left.

Returning to her room, Cecilia resumed reading. Later, when Nathaniel returned, she asked, “When you said you had something to deal with, were you referring to Zachary?”

Worried about being implicated, Nathaniel distanced himself. “I didn’t know what Zachary said.”

Closing her book, Cecilia looked at him intently. “That’s good, because Zachary and I could never be friends, at least not now.” She didn't interfere with Nathaniel's friendships, but she had her own way of making friends.

Nathaniel quietly sat beside her, pulling her into an embrace. “Whatever you say.”

Cecilia was startled and tried to pull away. “I’m going to read.”

“What are you reading?” Nathaniel asked, holding her.

“An ordinary law book from your study,” Cecilia replied.

Nathaniel’s study was a miniature library. Paula was still awaiting a verdict, and Cecilia planned to reclaim the Smith family property, so she was studying law.

“Is it because of Paula? Should I find you some lawyers?” Nathaniel asked.

Cecilia declined. “No need. I can handle it.”

Nathaniel noticed Cecilia increasingly avoided asking for his help. He was about to speak when a housekeeper knocked. Cecilia quickly pushed Nathaniel away.

Nathaniel, annoyed, asked, “What’s the matter?”

The housekeeper bowed. “Old Mr. Rainsworth requests your, Mrs. Rainsworth’s, and Mr. Elliot’s presence for dinner.”

“Understood.”

The housekeeper left, still thinking about seeing Nathaniel and Cecilia embracing. After she left, Nathaniel reached for Cecilia, but she tossed him a large hug pillow.

“Don’t just hold me. I don’t like it.” Cecilia, showing a slight baby bump, felt cramped.

She then went to call Elliot for dinner. Elliot, engrossed in building blocks, sprang up. “Mommy, what’s up?”

“Your great-grandpa invited us to dinner. Be mindful of what you say, understand?” Cecilia requested.

Elliot nodded vigorously. “Don’t worry, Mommy. I promise to be good.”

Cecilia smiled and patted his head. Elliot, outwardly well-behaved, plotted to mischief at the Rainsworth dinner.

That evening, when they joined the others at the long dining table, Adrian's family, Nicholas, Cassandra, and Elena were already seated. Adrian looked unwell, and Felix glared at Elliot. (The narrator's aside about Felix's resemblance to Jon is omitted as it's a parenthetical thought.)