Chapter 525: Medical Parole
After Cecilia returned, she received news that Paula had been granted medical parole. Norman called, informing her that the hospital's report cited a brain tumor as the reason for Paula's release.
"Yes, I saw it," Cecilia replied, standing outside in the wind and snow. "Mr. Jenkins, Paula isn't sick. This is a tactic to avoid punishment."
Norman agreed, finding the timing suspiciously convenient. They discussed ways to return Paula to prison, focusing on the possibility of a falsified report. Cecilia was determined that Martha's death not be in vain, even though Paula hadn't directly caused it. The relentless pressure Paula had exerted, however, had ultimately led to Martha's tragic end.
"Unless we can prove the report is fake," Norman sighed, "they won't admit it easily." Cecilia suggested a second medical opinion, but Norman doubted Paula would cooperate.
A heavy weight settled in Cecilia's chest. She felt Paula was getting away with this. Then Norman had an idea: "Ceci, could you ask Mr. Rainsworth for help? He's friends with Zachary. If Zachary intervenes, the hospital wouldn't dare falsify records." Tudela's medical resources were largely controlled by the Sinclair family, giving them considerable influence.
Cecilia hesitated. She was reluctant to owe Zachary a favor.
After hanging up, Cecilia remained outside, lost in thought. A loud crash from upstairs jolted her back to reality. She rushed inside to find Nathaniel had fallen in the study.
Cecilia helped him up. "Are you okay?"
Nathaniel pulled away from her touch. "I'm fine." Cecilia noted his reaction but didn't dwell on it. "How did you fall? You should be familiar with the layout by now."
He explained he'd forgotten a chair was there. Cecilia advised him to be more careful, using his hands to feel his way around.
As he moved, Nathaniel bumped into a desk, lurching forward. Cecilia instinctively reached out, but couldn't support his six-foot-three frame. They both fell, Nathaniel landing on top of her, his hand instinctively shielding her head.
His voice low, he murmured, "Weren't you the one who said we should keep our distance?"
Cecilia's face flushed. Nathaniel pinned her, preventing her from rising. "Now that we've touched, do you despise me?" He gently cradled her head, pressing her face against his chest.
"Ceci…" his voice deepened. "Shall we give it a try?"
Confused, Cecilia asked, "Try what?"
Nathaniel leaned down and kissed her. "Try and see if you really hate me." The memory of his past relationship with Stella resurfaced in her mind, a concern she hadn't felt before. He needed to know if she truly couldn't stand being near him.