Chapter 521: Remove the Trending Topic
Nathaniel announced, "I've had the trending topic removed from the internet. It won't reappear."
Despite this, Cecilia's mood remained complex. "Okay," she replied.
Nathaniel had initially intended to explain nothing had happened between him and Stella, but his feigned amnesia prevented him. He couldn't see Cecilia's expression and didn't know if she was still angry. He reached out, but Cecilia instinctively flinched. The photo of him and Stella in bed bothered her. Nathaniel's hand froze.
"I don't want any physical contact right now. Sorry," Cecilia said, stepping back. Her sensitivity stemmed from her lack of prior physical intimacy with any other man. She'd believed Nathaniel and Stella's relationship, which hadn't lasted a year, involved only kissing.
Nathaniel's heart ached. What did she mean? I didn't judge her past, yet she's disgusted by mine? He lowered his hand, frowning. "Ceci, I never judged you for your past."
Cecilia was stunned, then understanding dawned. Her expression turned cold. "My past? You mean my two children? You're free to look down on me, but don't expect the same magnanimity." She sensed he hadn't fully grasped his role.
Nathaniel understood. He chuckled coldly, his handsome face hardening. "So, what do you want me to do?"
Cecilia sensed a change in his tone but ignored it. "Let's keep our distance for now. That's enough."
Nathaniel's Adam's apple bobbed. He didn't want to agree, fearing Cecilia's anger. "Fine."
A knock interrupted. Elliot announced, "Mommy, there's a guest."
Cecilia assumed it was a Rainsworth relative, but the housekeeper revealed it was Zachary and his fiancรฉe. Zachary and Vivian? Cecilia quickly sent Elliot to the nursery. If Zachary saw Elliot, he'd be shocked.
"Why can't I come out?" Elliot asked, confused.
"The adults are talking. You might disturb them," Cecilia explained gently. Elliot, however, understood. "Okay, I won't come out. Mommy, I'll only come out when you tell me to."
"Good boy," Cecilia said softly.
Outside, the housekeeper had already admitted Zachary and Vivian. Zachary noticed the absence of a child.
"Nathaniel, Cecilia," he greeted them. Vivian, disliking Nathaniel, ignored him, going straight to Cecilia. "Ceci."
"Mm," Cecilia responded. The atmosphere was tense.
Vivian suggested, "Shall we talk outside?"
"Sure." Cecilia, understanding Vivian's desire for privacy, followed her.
As the women left, Zachary relaxed, slumping onto the couch. "Nathaniel, where's the kid? Let me see him. I brought a gift." Zachary was curious about Nathaniel's son, wondering if he was as remarkable as Jonathan.