Chapter 59: Selection Process for the Man

The following day, at five o'clock, Cecilia saw Vivian off. Before leaving, Vivian, exceptionally nervous, asked, "Ceci, how do I look?" Vivian possessed a lovely foundation, with almond-shaped eyes and an oval face; she was gentle and undeniably adorable. Cecilia reassured her, "Very beautiful."

Vivian admitted, "The thought of seeing him makes me incredibly nervous and excited. I'm afraid he'll reject me." Cecilia comforted her, "He won't. Our Vivian is so beautiful, how could anyone reject you?" Vivian nodded.

After Vivian left, Cecilia returned to her room, where Jonathan had awakened. "Mommy," he said. Cecilia crouched down, asking, "Did we wake you?"

Earlier, around three or four o'clock, Vivian had begun to prepare. Jonathan, instead of answering, asked, "Mommy, is Mr. Ernest, the one Ms. Kennedy wishes to meet, a good person?"

After considering, Cecilia replied, "Yes, for Ms. Kennedy, he is indeed a wonderful person." She recalled encountering Ernest in college; he was considered a heartthrob, incredibly handsome, though his family circumstances were less than ideal. Vivian and Ernest, a seemingly well-matched couple, were unfortunately separated by vastly different family backgrounds.

Jonathan then asked, "Mommy, do you think Mr. Reese is good for you?"

Cecilia, taken aback, immediately responded, "Of course, Mr. Reese has always been good to us."

Jonathan continued, "Mommy, once we get back home, you should say yes to Mr. Reese. Sure, he may have many beautiful women around him, but you're just as stunning. And even though there might be danger in his world, I believe he'll keep you safe."

Cecilia was startled. Seeing her son's serious expression—a smaller version of Nathaniel's—she was speechless. After a moment, she affectionately ruffled his hair. "Didn't you ask me to go on a blind date last night?"

Jonathan sighed. "I've calculated the odds. The probability of you successfully finding a partner is one in a trillion."

Cecilia burst into laughter. "You fool."

Jonathan's face flushed. "Mommy, you need to be serious. Even though the chances are slim, there's still hope."

"Today, I'll accompany you on your inspection," Jonathan declared firmly.

It was an unusual situation: Cecilia, standing in for her best friend on a blind date, with her son in tow. The nanny was absent, and Cecilia was uneasy leaving Jonathan alone. Therefore, Jonathan and Sven discreetly followed her.

Vivian had only provided a business card and the meeting address. Cecilia, without much preparation, simply masked her face and left.

At Imperial Garden, a high-end private restaurant, Cecilia was about to enter when an elegantly dressed socialite stormed out, furious. "Who does he think he is? No manners at all. Does he really think he's some kind of prince? How dare he switch to a new blind date candidate every ten minutes?"

Confused, Cecilia gave her business card to the receptionist. The receptionist, after glancing at the card, said, "Ms. Kennedy, your appointment was for nine, but it's eight forty-seven. You'll have to wait until Ms. Lilja's blind date is over."

Cecilia then realized the date was essentially a selection process for the man. The Kennedy family held significant influence in Tudela, and Vivian's date was clearly someone of considerable status. Cecilia knew many influential Tudela residents were discreetly relocated members of powerful capital families; this was typical behavior. This suited her; she could leave soon.

In less than ten minutes, another rejected socialite emerged, infuriated and heartbroken. The receptionist, with courteous amusement, turned to Cecilia, saying, "Ms. Kennedy, it's your turn."

Cecilia observed the man's range of expressions without concern. The entire restaurant was reserved. The man was alone, yet as Cecilia entered, she heard the mocking laughter of a group of young, privileged men.