Chapter 558: Remarkable Child
The next day, upon arriving at the airport, Eric immediately called Cecilia. “Ceci, I’ve arrived. Are you bringing the children to greet me?” he asked.
Cecilia hesitated. Meeting him at the airport with two children seemed unwise, considering Eric's numerous female admirers. “Let’s arrange to meet later,” she replied, ending the call.
Meanwhile, at Imminence Corporation, Mason briefed Nathaniel about Eric. “Mr. Rainsworth, Eric’s mixed heritage and substantial international and domestic fanbase, evenly distributed between genders, make him an ideal spokesperson. His involvement would significantly raise Imminence Corporation's profile in Tudela.”
Nathaniel agreed and instructed Mason to secure Eric’s services. He then asked, “Regarding the initial DNA test, are you certain it wasn't tampered with?”
Mason paused. “Only the sample—Eli’s toothbrush—could have been compromised. Could it have been switched? All the housekeepers had clean backgrounds, making a deliberate swap unlikely.” The last sentence seeded self-doubt.
“Mr. Rainsworth, the samples I’ve collected this time are irrefutable. I've prepared triplicate sets for testing by independent institutions,” Mason assured him.
Nathaniel nodded. After Mason left, he initiated efforts to recruit Eric. He’d assumed money could persuade anyone, but past experiences proved otherwise.
“Mr. Sanders, Eric received numerous offers upon his return, all of which he declined, citing a preference for freedom and a disinterest in corporate collaborations. Money is no object,” a subordinate reported.
Mason found this frustrating. Even Sven, previously offered a salary exceeding his own, remained unmoved. "Investigate his interests and approach him from there," Mason instructed.
Upon returning home, Eric hoped to see Cecilia that evening, but she declined, advising him to rest. Left to his own devices, he found his trending homecoming overshadowed by a child’s striking good looks. The picture, though blurry, revealed Jonathan. “Jon?” he exclaimed.
His agent, effusive in his praise, added, “This kid’s extraordinary! Unfazed even when suspended from a bridge; remarkably composed. A natural leader!”
Eric studied the photograph. “Extraordinary, indeed. With Cecilia’s beauty, it’s no surprise. But who’s the father? Two such brilliant sons… it’s fortunate.”
He then asked his agent, “What's been happening with Ms. Cecille?”
The agent patted his shoulder. “Eric, focus on your career. I won’t be investigating Ms. Cecille's affairs.”
Eric scoffed. “You’re hopelessly out of touch.”
The agent presented another stack of potential partnerships. “Choose one. We all want freedom, but we need to eat, don’t we?”
“I’m not choosing. I’m not starving,” Eric retorted.
“Thank goodness for Ms. Cecille's generosity, providing music for free. Otherwise, with your attitude, you'd be destitute,” the agent retorted sarcastically, reluctantly putting away the documents.