Chapter 553: Flowers and a Card

Once the commotion subsided, Jonathan and Cecilia were taken to the hospital for checkups. Jonathan was fine; Cecilia's facial injuries were the primary concern.

"Ms. Smith's facial injuries are quite severe," the doctor reported after his examination. "Even after healing, there may be scarring. Plastic surgery might be necessary."

Cecilia was unconcerned about her own injuries; her focus remained on Jonathan's safety. She desperately wanted to identify Jonathan's kidnapper. A call to the number that had contacted her proved futile; the line was disconnected.

Relying on his memory, Jonathan sketched a rough portrait of Scarface. "He was acting on someone else's orders," Jonathan explained. "I overheard him on the phone. The person on the other end wanted me dead, but apparently couldn't bring themselves to do it."

This revelation fueled Cecilia's fear and determination to uncover the mastermind. Jonathan, gazing at Cecilia's bandaged cheek, felt a pang of sympathy.

"Mommy, you must be in pain," he said. "Can I blow on it to make you feel better?" He remembered Cecilia's habit of blowing on his cuts.

Cecilia, touched by his concern, allowed him to gently blow on her cheek. "I'm not in pain anymore," she reassured him, though Jonathan knew the depth of her wound belied her words. Who did this to Mommy and wanted me dead? he wondered.

Outside, Nathaniel and Zachary discussed the events, while Vivian questioned the doctor. After learning the details, Vivian entered the ward. "Ceci, I'm so sorry," she said. "It's all my fault. I didn't take good care of Jon."

Cecilia dismissed the blame. "Vivian, don't blame yourselves. They were after me." Scarface had previously contacted Cecilia, urging her to leave Tudela and even suggesting she disfigure herself. Cecilia suspected Paula. She sent Jonathan out and then shared her suspicions with Vivian.

Vivian found it hard to believe. "She's your mother! How could she do this to Jon, her own grandchild?"

Cecilia smiled bitterly. "She never considered me her daughter. Magnus recently asked me to go easy on Paula, but I refused. I suspect that's the reason for this."

Vivian clenched her fists. "How infuriating!"

"But I'm not certain," Cecilia conceded. "Finding Scarface is our priority." She handed Vivian the sketch. Vivian photographed it. "I'll have Zachary look for him immediately." The responsibility felt particularly acute for Zachary, given his own past loss of a child.

Cecilia initially believed her theory, but that day, she received a bouquet of flowers and a card from Paula. The card read: Ceci, I heard you were hurt. Are you okay? I'm sorry I can't visit; I'm unwell.

Cecilia stared at the card, disbelief evident. Then, an argument erupted outside. "Why are you stopping me? I'm here to see my sister and nephew!" It was Magnus.

Cecilia instructed Sven to admit him. Magnus entered, noticing the absence of the child. Isn't it said Cecilia secretly had a child with Nathaniel? he mused.

"What brings you here?" Cecilia asked, setting the card aside.