Chapter 594: Back Home

Cecilia quickly lowered the volume on her phone, but in her haste, it slipped from her grasp and fell under the seat. Vivian's voice messages played loudly, one after another:

“If you decide to be with him, let me know. I’d love to meet him.”

“Rumor has it he’s never been in love. This innocent young man is far better than Nathaniel…”

Cecilia retrieved her phone, her face flushing crimson. The driver, misinterpreting the situation, quickly averted his gaze and lowered his visor. Finally, she silenced the messages.

Nathaniel's face was pale. “Didn’t you say you were discussing a business partnership? Do you prefer younger men?”

“This is a misunderstanding,” Cecilia replied, immediately texting Vivian: “Eric and I are collaborators. We discussed music yesterday, nothing more.”

Vivian’s curiosity subsided. The car’s atmosphere was tense. Cecilia noticed they weren't heading towards Rainsworth Manor, but Daltonia Villa.

“Aren’t we going to Rainsworth Manor?”

Nathaniel's lips thinned. “We’re going to Daltonia Villa.”

“I’ll arrange a doctor and tutor for Eli.”

Cecilia simply replied, “All right.” She felt a pang of guilt; her work and Elliot's health had prevented him from attending school.

They arrived at Daltonia Villa. Elliot ran to Cecilia, calling, “Mommy!” She embraced him, stroking his head. “How are you feeling?”

Elliot shook his head. “I’m all right now.”

“That’s good,” Cecilia said. Nathaniel watched, feeling uneasy. A call from Niel interrupted:

“Bring Cecilia and Eli here,” Niel commanded.

Nathaniel frowned. “What’s the matter?”

“Felix’s grandparents arrived. Felix said Eli led him to the back mountain. Bring them here quickly,” Niel explained.

Noticing Nathaniel's expression, Elliot asked, “Mr. Rainsworth, what’s wrong?”

Nathaniel repeated Niel’s words, asking Eli, “Did you really do it?”

Elliot, unafraid of Felix's tattling, said, “Mommy, let’s go. I’ll tell Gramps the truth.”

Cecilia, unwilling to let her son be wrongly accused, agreed. Elliot felt justified; he'd only tricked Felix to save himself. If he hadn’t, he would have been hurt. Felix, he thought, always tried to take advantage of others.

Miranda's parents had also arrived at Rainsworth Manor, indignant that their grandson had nearly frozen. Derek Leighton, Miranda's father, said, “Old Mr. Rainsworth, we entrusted our daughter to your family believing in your fairness. Now, our grandson, your great-grandson, is facing this. You cannot ignore it.”

Velma Mahoney, Miranda’s mother, added, “Miranda is kind-hearted. She’s been taken advantage of.”

Niel sympathized with Felix.

Finally, Nathaniel arrived with Cecilia and Elliot.