Chapter 554: Her Suspects

Magnus spotted some fresh flowers nearby and took a seat.

“After seeing the news and asking around, Mom and I learned something happened to you and my nephew,” Magnus explained. He feigned confusion, asking, “How come you have a child and didn’t tell us? Where is the child now?”

Cecilia had already sent Jonathan to Sinclair Manor with Zachary and Vivian for his safety.

“If my memory serves me correctly, Madam Paula and I haven’t been mother and daughter for a long time.”

“What are you talking about? Can you simply deny blood relations?” Magnus produced a card. “Mom sent this for you. She wants you to buy some nutritional supplements and take care of yourself.”

Cecilia refused the card. Over the years, she’d never believed Paula genuinely cared for her. “No need. I have my own money.”

Knowing his sister’s pride, Magnus retrieved the card. “Who hurt the child? What happened to your face?”

“Don’t you know?” Cecilia countered.

“How would I?” Magnus looked puzzled, then quickly understood. “Cecilia, you’re not suggesting I harmed you and my nephew, are you?”

Cecilia watched his expression change. He protested, “How could it be me? You’re my sister. I could never harm you. We’re the only Smiths left.”

Unlike Paula, Magnus wasn’t a skilled actor. Cecilia observed him and believed his bewilderment was genuine.

“I just learned you and Nathaniel have a son,” Magnus said, fearful of misunderstanding. “I’m not a fool. If our families shared a bloodline, I’d be overjoyed. Why would I harm the child?”

After listening, Cecilia said, “I didn’t say it was you, so don’t get worked up. I actually don’t know who wanted to harm my child.”

Cecilia agreed that her mother and brother, with their insatiable greed, would likely approach the Rainsworth family for money or compensation if they knew Jonathan's lineage. They wouldn’t be foolish enough to harm the child.

“I promise, once I return, I’ll thoroughly investigate this,” Magnus assured. “And whoever harmed my nephew won’t meet a peaceful end.”

Cecilia knew this was empty bravado; he lacked the means to follow through. Then, a thought struck her. Whoever secretly took Jonathan, evading the Sinclair family’s investigation, possessed considerable power. Who?

Cecilia considered those who despised her: Stella, Cassandra, and some Rainsworth family members. Stella was confined last night, eliminating her. It was either Cassandra or someone from the Rainsworth family. Eli’s presence in the family impacted many; many might want him gone. But why ruin her face? To drive her away? Generally, only women would consider such disfigurement.

Ultimately, Cecilia focused on Cassandra and Miranda, Adrian’s wife.

Magnus continued advocating for Paula, emphasizing her remorse and desire to see Cecilia. Cecilia understood their ploy for sympathy. “You don’t need to waste your time. Tell Paula I’m not falling for her tricks.”

Before Magnus, Cecilia discarded the flowers and card in a trash bin.