Chapter 535: A Clear Mind

Outside the hotel, Cecilia and Elliot waited for most of the crowd to disperse, but they didn't see Nathaniel. Cecilia called him, but the call went unanswered. Assuming he'd gone home, they drove back. The trip was short, and they arrived within twenty minutes. However, the house was exactly as they'd left it—dark and empty. Nathaniel hadn't returned.

Elliot then asked, "Mommy, do you think something might have happened to Mr. Rainsworth?" He'd noticed something peculiar at the hotel—the security guards seemed unusually strict, almost as if they were waiting to apprehend someone.

Cecilia called Mason, reaching him only after a considerable delay. His girlfriend had been in a minor car accident, thankfully nothing serious.

"What's the matter, Mrs. Rainsworth?" Mason asked.

"Is Nathaniel with you?" Cecilia inquired.

Mason was surprised. "No. I had a personal matter today and sent Mr. Rainsworth home early."

"Nathaniel isn't back," Cecilia said.

This startled Mason. "Damn it!" he exclaimed, his voice a tone Cecilia rarely heard.

"What's wrong?" she asked, worried.

"Mr. Rainsworth might be in trouble," Mason replied. "But don't worry. I'll send someone to look for him." He hung up.

"Mommy, how is it? Did you reach Mr. Rainsworth?" Elliot asked.

"Not yet," Cecilia said, worry etched on her face. "Eli, please stay home and rest. I'll go look for Mr. Rainsworth."

Elliot nodded obediently. He also wondered what had happened to Nathaniel.

Although Nathaniel had pretended to be heavily in debt, Elliot and Jonathan didn't believe it, especially Jonathan, who'd once hacked into Nathaniel's account. The amount of money was staggering.

After reassuring Elliot, Cecilia contacted Mason again. "I'll come with you. Just tell me where you are."

"Okay," Mason replied.

Meanwhile, in a luxurious hotel suite, Stella went to a room, following Nicholas's instructions—failure meant dire consequences. Nathaniel lay reclining on a king-sized bed.

"Nathaniel," she called, but he didn't respond. She sat on the bed, gazing at his cold face.

"Nathaniel, I truly cared for you," she said. "Why, after your amnesia, do you only remember Cecilia? Didn't you say you'd never fall for her again?" She clenched her fists.

The night was young. She had plenty of time. She'd been with many men, but Nathaniel was the one she'd never conquered. Today, that would change. Stella leaned in to kiss him.