Chapter 519: The Scandal

Cecilia was still dazed. "What news?"

"You'll see it on the trending topics online. I always said Nathaniel was no good," Vivian said, clutching her phone.

Cecilia, now mostly awake, glanced at Nathaniel, still sound asleep beside her. "Hold on, I'll check now."

After ending the call, she opened a browser and immediately saw the top trending topic. Several prominent photos appeared, showing Stella nestled in Nathaniel's arms under a blanket; it appeared they were unclothed.

Cecilia had thought she was past caring, but the photos still stung. Vivian messaged: Ceci, don't be upset. Plenty of other men are out there.

Cecilia replied: Hmm, I know. I'm okay.

Unable to sleep, she was getting out of bed when Nathaniel awoke and pulled her into his embrace. "What time is it?"

"Half past six," Cecilia replied calmly.

Nathaniel, oblivious to her unusual behavior, said gently, "It's still early. Sleep a bit more."

"I don't want to sleep anymore," Cecilia said, taking his hand. The coldness in her voice finally alerted Nathaniel. "What's wrong? Are you unwell?"

Cecilia's phone rang—a message from Vivian. Nathaniel, thinking it was from Calvin or the mysterious man, reached for it.

"What are you doing?" Cecilia demanded.

"Who sent the message?"

"It doesn't concern you."

Cecilia tried to snatch the phone, but Nathaniel's longer reach thwarted her. Frustrated, she shouted, "Give it to me!"

He finally relented. Opening Vivian's voice message, Cecilia's mood worsened.

"Where are you, Ceci? I'm coming to see you. Let me tell you, I still prefer Calvin. At least he doesn't have any disgusting exes. About the child—"

Cecilia quickly muted the phone, fearing Vivian would reveal the child's origins. Nathaniel now realized the message was from Vivian. A woman's best friend can be quite troublesome, he thought.

"Give me your phone; I'll talk to her," Nathaniel said seriously.

"What's to talk about? The trending topic with your ex-girlfriend?" Cecilia retorted, annoyed.

Nathaniel was bewildered. "What trending topic?"

"Go see for yourself."

Cecilia broke free, leaving the room. Nathaniel, having slept poorly, could only call Mason. Mason, still asleep, reluctantly answered. "Mr. Rainsworth."

"Check the trending topics online."

Mason, wishing for his boss's eyesight to return, checked his phone and was instantly awake. "Boss, the internet is flooded with your old intimate photos with Stella."

Intimate photos? Nathaniel thought. They had barely been intimate during their relationship, let alone possessed such photos.

Mason explained the photos showed them lying together in bed. Nathaniel's expression turned grim. "Are you kidding me? Have that trending topic removed."

"Alright," Mason replied, though removing it was likely futile. Rumors of a short video were also circulating. Stella, previously exposed by Cecilia for attempting to seduce a married man, was now linked to Nathaniel. Netizens eagerly sought more information. The comments ranged from requests for links to sexually charged remarks about Nathaniel and Stella's appearances.