Chapter 55: Memory Still Intact

Stella's sudden arrival dissipated the previously intimate atmosphere. Nathaniel moved closer to Cecilia, causing her to involuntarily step back. His heart ached at her reaction. In the past, she had always been the one to initiate their closeness, but now, things were different.

"Mr. Rainsworth," she began, "what business did you wish to discuss with me?" Facing the unpredictable Nathaniel, and mindful of their last encounter, Cecilia proceeded cautiously. He gazed at her, a nagging feeling that she was concealing something.

"You enjoy charity work, don't you?" he said. "Come with me tomorrow; I'll take you somewhere special." She had no reason to refuse. After agreeing, she turned and left.

Opening the door, she found Stella waiting. As Cecilia emerged, Stella immediately blocked her path, her eyes brimming with concern. "Ceci, you're alive! That's wonderful. Can we talk?"

Cecilia laughed lightly. "Miss... who might you be?"

Stella was taken aback. "You don't recognize me?"

Cecilia didn't bother to explain. "Are we close? I don't want to talk to you." She stepped into the elevator, leaving Stella rooted in place, her expression unreadable.

Stella then went to Nathaniel's office. He watched her approach. "What's the matter?"

"I came to clarify the news today," she said. "I had no idea I was secretly photographed, and that the internet had published it."

The secretary had informed Nathaniel about the online news that morning. It claimed he was bringing Stella home to meet his parents with the intention of marrying her. He hadn't involved the PR team, wanting to see Cecilia's reaction. Her earlier behavior, however, suggested she didn't care.

After considering this, Nathaniel simply said, "Understood."

Stella, unable to contain herself, asked, "Nathaniel, didn't Cecilia pass away? Why is she...?"

At the mention of Cecilia, Nathaniel put down his work. "Who told you she had passed away?"

Stella choked back a sob.

Nathaniel's tone was cold and detached. "If there's nothing else, you may leave."

Even after leaving the office, Stella couldn't comprehend it. How could someone presumed dead be alive? Fear gripped her—the fear that Cecilia could destroy everything she had.

Meanwhile, after leaving the CEO's office, Cecilia was assigned to a different one. She had barely descended the stairs when someone called out to her.

Twenty minutes later, in a quiet private room, Stella and Cecilia sat facing each other.

"I heard you lost your memory," Stella said, a teasing smirk on her lips. "You didn't forget about your family, did you?"

Cecilia took a sip of coffee. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Stella's gaze was piercing. "Cecilia, I know you're upset that I took Nathaniel away from you, but is it really necessary to resort to these methods to get close to him? Haven't you been keeping up with the news? Nathaniel and I are practically engaged. Did your upbringing teach you how to steal other people's men?"

Cecilia chuckled.

Stella blinked. "Why are you laughing?"

"Ms. Ross is certainly well-educated," Cecilia remarked calmly. Stella's face soured; Cecilia knew she was an orphan.

"Are you married to Mr. Rainsworth? As far as I know, you're not. If you're not married, how can I be accused of stealing your man? What proof do you have?"

The tables had turned. Stella, who had always bullied Cecilia, was now on the defensive. She managed to suppress her anger. "So, it seems you haven't lost your memory."