Chapter 533: Teach Her a Lesson
At the social gathering, Nicholas stood beside Queenie.
“Nicholas,” she said, “it’s best to postpone our collaboration. You’re still young, and some matters might prove challenging. We can resume our partnership once you’ve gained more experience.”
Her meaning was clear: her concerns centered on her daughter, Cassandra. Nicholas understood, his expression remaining gentle as he watched Queenie leave.
Ethan approached. “Nicholas, you’ve chosen a good in-law. The Evans family may be unremarkable, but Cassandra’s mother isn’t as simple as she appears.”
Nicholas smiled, revealing no visible emotion.
Mason, noticing them, whispered to Nathaniel, “Mr. Rainsworth, Mr. Nicholas is with Ethan.” The Rainsworths and Murdocks were rivals; Ethan intensely disliked Nathaniel.
Nathaniel had observed Nicholas's recent unusual behavior. “Keep a close watch on them,” he instructed.
“Yes.”
Nathaniel's purpose that evening was to gauge the sincerity of his former collaborators. Several, previously under his care, risked offending Nicholas by engaging him in conversation.
Stella, having spotted Nathaniel earlier, remembered Nicholas's instructions. She gripped her wine glass tighter.
Nicholas called her. “It’s all up to you tonight.”
“All right.”
After the call, Nicholas told Ethan, “Keep an eye on Mason; he’s always near Nathaniel and quite cunning.”
Ethan smiled. “Don’t worry. If they touch anything at the banquet, they won’t be able to resist. Besides, haven’t we made other plans?”
Privately, Ethan wished to eliminate all his opponents, but his boldness extended only to underhanded tactics. He asked Nicholas, “Why not simply eliminate him? You’d control the Rainsworth family.”
Nicholas's expression darkened. “What do you know? I don’t want his life.” He had taken such action before.
At the banquet, Mason received a call. Usually composed, anxiety etched itself onto his face.
“Mr. Rainsworth, my girlfriend’s been in a car accident. I need to go. Let me take you home first.”
“Okay.”
They left, Mason assisting Nathaniel into the car. He drove off rapidly.
After Nathaniel entered the car, it moved slowly. Shortly afterward, a dozen black vehicles surrounded them.
Meanwhile, Cecilia, realizing the time, drove to collect Nathaniel with Elliot. Unbeknownst to them, they were followed.
Cecilia parked outside the Four Seasons Hotel, awaiting Nathaniel.
“Can we go in?” Elliot asked.
“No. We need an invitation. Let’s wait here.”
“All right.”
Elliot was disappointed.
Twenty minutes passed; it was ten o'clock. Guests began leaving, but Cecilia hadn't seen Nathaniel. Elliot needed to use the restroom.
“Mommy, I need to use the restroom.”
“All right. I’ll take you.”
She parked conspicuously, believing Nathaniel would see them. Then, she took Elliot to the hotel restroom.
It was 10:19 AM. Nathaniel still hadn't returned. Cecilia wondered what was taking Elliot so long. She didn't know Jonathan was hiding from the middle-aged man from earlier; forced into hiding, he'd taken refuge in the restroom.
One of Queenie’s subordinates informed her, “Cecilia has brought the child here.”
Queenie’s expression was indifferent. “What are we waiting for?” Her desire to punish Cecilia for Cassandra’s suffering fueled her decision to teach Cecilia’s son a lesson.