Chapter 573: I Did Not Force You

Nathaniel shook his head. “No, thank you. I’m not hungry.”

“You have to eat another one,” Elliot insisted, unreasonably.

Cecilia entered, observing the scene. “Eli, that’s quite impolite.”

Elliot, chastened, ceased his insistence.

After Nathaniel left, he felt unsatisfied. He picked up a piece and took a bite. The spiciness made him jump. “It’s so spicy!” he exclaimed, grabbing water. The hot water he'd prepared for Nathaniel intensified the burn. “Darn it…” He was sure Nathaniel had tricked him. The man had devoured the entire dish effortlessly, while he could barely manage a bite.

Elliot eyed the remaining four pieces, ready to discard them. But Cecilia appeared, noticing a faint trace of mustard. “Eli, what are you doing?”

Elliot’s eyes welled with tears. “Mommy, I… There’s mustard in it. Why did you give it to Mr. Rainsworth?”

He nervously fidgeted. “Mommy, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

Cecilia, instead of blaming him, crouched down. “Why are you targeting Mr. Rainsworth?” she asked gently.

Nathaniel was Elliot’s biological father; eventually, the truth would emerge. Cecilia didn’t want them to harbor resentment towards him from a young age.

Elliot wouldn't admit it was because Nathaniel had broken his promise to take him to the office. He offered a flimsy excuse. “Mommy, you always sleep with Mr. Rainsworth and never with me.”

Cecilia blushed. “Sorry, I’ll sleep with you tonight, okay?”

Elliot nodded. “Okay.” It might teach Nathaniel a lesson, too.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Nathaniel drank glass after glass of water, his throat still burning. That little rascal! he thought. Why is he targeting me again?

He remembered his promise to Elliot the previous night. Preoccupied with Eric’s situation, he’d forgotten to take Elliot to the office as promised. He’d called out, “I’ll take you tomorrow. I got caught up today and forgot.”

“Hmph, I don’t want to go anymore,” Elliot retorted.

Nathaniel’s brow arched. “Are you sure?”

Elliot hesitated. “I’ve been waiting all day. I hate you!”

Nathaniel smiled slightly. “All right, I’ll take you tomorrow. I promise.”

Elliot looked coy and arrogant. “You said it yourself. I didn’t force you.”

“I know.”

Elliot was happy. He could share a bed with Cecilia. However, he didn't sleep with her long.

That night, Nathaniel moved Elliot to another room. When Elliot awoke, he rubbed his eyes. “Mommy…” he mumbled, confused about his relocation. It must be scumbag daddy! he thought.

Nathaniel was already downstairs. “Mr. Rainsworth, did you move me?” Elliot asked angrily.

Nathaniel looked up calmly. “You were sleepwalking last night. I couldn’t wake you.”