Chapter 545 See Your True Colors

Stella confessed to Cecilia that Nicholas had asked her to care for Nathaniel, but withheld the full story. Disappointment washed over Cecilia; she hadn't anticipated Nicholas resorting to such tactics. Keeping her promise, she released Stella, who immediately fled Tudela after securing a plane ticket. She knew Zachary and Nicholas wouldn't let her escape otherwise.

Nathaniel didn't press the issue after learning of Stella's departure; she posed no real threat. He understood she only gained access to him through Nicholas and the Murdocks' machinations. Cecilia agreed; Stella's primary weapon was her hurtful words. Why, she reasoned, should she risk becoming implicated merely to deal with such a person? Stella would inevitably encounter someone far more ruthless.

A heavy snowfall swirled as Cecilia left the building. Nathaniel inquired, "Have you clarified everything?" Cecilia nodded. He then requested her phone. Confused, she complied. Nathaniel, upon receiving it, explained in a low voice, "Delete Nicholas's contact information."

Cecilia was puzzled. Nathaniel, having learned during his post-amnesia months with Cecilia to explain rather than command, elaborated, "If a woman pursuing me were to deliver you to another man's bed, even publicizing it, should I keep her contact?"

Cecilia understood, but offered a different perspective. "If we were starting over, yes. But if we're not together, it seems perfectly normal."

They were adults, each pursuing their own interests. If no longer husband and wife, neither could prevent the other's happiness. Nathaniel's heart sank, remembering Cecilia's mention of reconsidering. "So, you're considering Nicholas as a backup?"

Cecilia's gaze shifted. "Of course not." Beyond her two children and Nathaniel's unborn child, the brotherly relationship was unacceptable. Nathaniel relaxed slightly. Cecilia added, "I'm going to call him and clarify things." Nathaniel simply replied, "Suit yourself."

Cecilia called Nicholas. He answered, feigning ignorance: "Ceci, how are you? Has Nathaniel returned?"

Cecilia responded, "I know about last night." She'd always felt indebted to him for her inability to distinguish him from Nathaniel.

Nicholas fell silent before apologizing for disappointing her. He gazed out the window, confiding, "I never intended to disrupt your bond with Nathaniel. But I feel it's not worth it for you to be with him. Why choose someone who's hurt you? You deserve better, don't you think?"

Nathaniel, overhearing, snatched the phone. "So, you're implying you're better?"

Knowing Cecilia was present, Nicholas smirked. "Nathaniel, am I wrong? You've been married three years, and Ceci has been on fertility medication for just as long, even becoming depressed. You don't deserve her. I only want her to see your true colors. If you care, let her go. Have you told Ceci about your recovered memory?"