Chapter 56: Family Time

“Cecilia, let me give you some advice: if a man doesn’t love you, he never will. No matter what you do, Nathaniel will never care for you.”

Cecilia listened calmly, her eyes betraying no emotion. “Are you done?”

Stella, surprised, looked at her. Cecilia stood, looking down. “If you’re so sure he loves you, why come to me like a scorned woman?” She left with a cold, mocking laugh.

Watching her go, Stella was reminded of the once-proud Smith heiress. The memory of vying for Cecilia's affection to secure the family's financial support sickened her. The Smith family was in ruins; what grounds remained for Cecilia's arrogance? Stella took a deep breath. Her manager called. “Stella, there’s progress on your song.”

“Really?”

“But…” her manager hesitated.

“Tell me any difficulties,” Stella said.

“Ms. Cecille released a song on a niche foreign platform without copyright. I’ve heard it; it could gain recognition. We could make minor changes…”

This was plagiarism. Stella understood. “Without copyright, it doesn’t count as her work.”

With her approval, the manager proceeded smoothly. After hanging up, Stella considered how to deal with Cecilia.

Instead of going home, Cecilia went to the Smith residence. After her mother, Paula, and brother, Magnus, squandered the family fortune, their home was mortgaged and occupied by others. Since faking her death and disappearance, Cecilia hadn't kept up with them. I wonder how they’re doing now.

Stepping from her car, she looked at the familiar mansion, her eyes filled with melancholy. She stood for a while before returning to her car.

The day before Easter, Vivian invited Cecilia for the holiday. Arriving that evening, Cecilia found Jonathan teaching Vivian to bake a cake.

“How do you know about glutinous rice? You even know how to wrap it?” Vivian asked, puzzled.

Jonathan felt helpless. “It’s easily found online.”

“Are all girls this clueless?” he muttered, worrying about his future wife.

Cecilia was greeted by a heartwarming scene. “Mommy, cake!” Jonathan called. Vivian also called out, “The housekeeper’s gone home. It’s just us baking. You’re finally here.” She lowered her voice. “No one from Nathaniel’s faction followed us, right?”

“They’re outside.”

“What should we do?”

“Don’t worry, at most they’ll tell Nathaniel I visited a friend.”

Vivian nodded. “True enough.”

Jonathan cut a piece of cake and gave it to Cecilia. “Mommy, your favorite lemon curd sponge cake.”

“I love you, kiss.” Cecilia accepted it joyfully.

Jonathan’s cheeks flushed. “Mommy, I love you too.”

Vivian glared at Jonathan. “I asked for chocolate, but you said lemon curd is healthier. You sly kid!” They playfully tussled, filling the room with energy.

Cecilia watched, her thoughts drifting to Elliot and Martha overseas. She hoped their family could reunite for future holidays once Elliot recovered. Remembering Sven’s solitude, she invited him for cake.

Vivian asked, confused, “Is he a Calvin faction bodyguard? Did he come with you to Tudela?”