Chapter 609: Covering the Balance

The entire restaurant was booked. A group of mothers, gathered around a long table, discussed their children’s upcoming overseas trip. Their conversation ceased as Cecilia entered, drawing all eyes.

She wore simple attire, her subtle makeup barely concealing the scar on her right cheek. Yet, her elegance remained undeniable. Some mothers, weary from the demands of motherhood, envied her flawless skin and figure, a stark contrast to their own, despite their skincare investments. At least, they consoled themselves, she had that scar.

Cecilia checked the time, then greeted the group politely. "Hello, everyone." Her gaze briefly rested on Miranda, who sat at the table's head, pointedly ignoring her, sipping coffee. Seeing Miranda's coldness, the others remained silent. Priscilla, who had invited Cecilia to the parents' association, waved. "Ms. Cecilia, come sit next to me."

Cecilia gratefully accepted.

Miranda announced, "I'll cover all expenses—airfare, accommodation, meals, caregivers, tour guide, and activities. After my one and a half million contribution, we still need eight million."

Cecilia now understood the meeting's purpose: the children's travel budget. Priscilla explained, "Our school is different. Most schools require individual child expenses, but our parents' association is… well-off. We sponsor everything."

One mother pledged one hundred thousand; another, two hundred thousand. Priscilla added her own hundred thousand, sighing quietly. "My husband's business isn't doing well. We can't afford much." Most of the wealthy mothers, she knew, would contribute at most seven hundred thousand each.

Miranda turned to Cecilia. "Ms. Cecilia, you're new. Would you like to contribute? Even a few tens of thousands would be a nice gesture." Miranda, aware of Cecilia's unemployed status and homebound lifestyle, assumed she lacked the means. Moreover, the contribution deadline was imminent, making a request to Nathaniel impractical, in Miranda's estimation.

To everyone's astonishment, Cecilia calmly replied, "I'll cover the balance."

A collective gasp filled the room. The balance was at least five million. She'd made the decision instantly, without consulting her husband. Her simple attire, the unfamiliar bag, the unassuming clothes—all fueled speculation. Were they witnessing a blatant attempt at impression management?

Priscilla protested, "Ms. Cecilia, you don't need to sponsor this much."

Cecilia smiled politely. "It's all right. It's for the children."

Miranda frowned. "Ms. Cecilia, we still need six million three hundred thousand. Are you certain you can afford this?"