Chapter 564: I Was Deceived

Though Nathaniel was strict with his subordinates, he was generous. He promoted Ernest and doubled his salary. Ernest's face remained impassive. As he was about to leave, he asked Nathaniel, "Mr. Rainsworth, is Vivian marrying into the Sinclair family?"

Ernest knew of Nathaniel and Zachary's friendship. Nathaniel replied candidly, "Yes, they're engaged." A flicker crossed Ernest's eyes. "Mr. Rainsworth, Vivian is a friend of your wife. Could you persuade Zachary to reconsider?"

Nathaniel didn't understand. Instead of asking why, he said coolly, "Ernest, our relationship is professional. I don't interfere in others' personal affairs. If you object to their marriage, you should speak to them." He detested meddling in others' relationships. Ernest quietly left.

As soon as he departed, Mason remarked, "He's treating you like a relationship wrecker, Mr. Rainsworth."

"Do you have nothing better to do?" Nathaniel asked seriously. Mason immediately returned to work.

Nathaniel was engrossed in his work, unaware that at home, a furious Elliot was causing a commotion. "Darn it! What a liar!" he raged. That morning, he learned from the housekeeper—the same one who'd cared for him at Spring Forest Manor—that Nathaniel had already left for work.

"Eli, what's wrong?" Cecilia's absence left the housekeeper watching Elliot's outburst with concern.

His face flushed, Elliot said, "It's nothing. I was deceived."

"Who dared deceive you? Tell me, and I'll confront them," the heartbroken housekeeper offered.

Elliot asked, "Madam, could you call Mr. Rainsworth for me?"

The nanny hesitated. "I don't have his number." She was afraid of Nathaniel's icy expression, even though she possessed his contact information.

Elliot sighed, "Alright then." Taking him to the office was out of the question, and calling was useless.

While Elliot brooded, a call came from the mansion's security guard. "Mr. Elliot, could you get Mrs. Rainsworth to take this call?"

Elliot knew his mother was busy and didn't want to disturb her. "What is it?" he asked.

"Madam Paula, your grandmother, is here and wants to see you." The guard knew Paula was Cecilia's mother.

Elliot clenched his fists. "Let her in," he said.

Paula hadn't expected entering Daltonia Villa to be so difficult. She glared at the guard before entering. Inside, she spotted Elliot. She'd seen him once before but didn't realize he was a Rainsworth descendant. Smiling broadly, she approached him in her high heels.

"Elliot, this is a gift for you."

Paula hadn't intended to visit. Cecilia was close to exposing her faked illness, leaving her no choice but to come. Previously, displaying weakness had always worked on Cecilia. She hoped this time would be no different.