Chapter 62: Leveled the Building
In the CEO's office atop the corporate headquarters, Nathaniel learned from his bodyguard that Cecilia had visited the Imperial Garden that morning. "What was she doing in the Imperial Garden?" he asked. He considered it a disreputable place, frequented by wealthy young men leading dissolute lives.
The bodyguard hesitated. "It seemed like a blind date, sir."
Nathaniel's eyes narrowed, the temperature in the room seemingly dropping. So, the "important matter" was a blind date? He found himself reconsidering his perception of her. His face turned grim. The bodyguard, well aware of Nathaniel's temper, discreetly left the office.
At two o'clock, a knock came. "Mr. Rainsworth," a voice announced.
Cecilia entered, immediately sensing a shift in Nathaniel's demeanor. He regarded her with cold indifference, his gaze piercing. "Finished with your business?" he asked, his tone implying more than the words conveyed.
Cecilia was uncertain. "Yes. Didn't you mention taking me somewhere yesterday?"
Without speaking, Nathaniel approached her. "What were you doing this morning?" he asked, his gaze unwavering. The question itself confirmed his prior knowledge.
Under his scrutiny, Cecilia didn't conceal anything. "A blind date."
Nathaniel's fury was barely contained. She spoke with surprising candor. He suppressed his anger, asking, "Are you truly that lonely and desperate? Aren't two men enough for you?"
Cecilia's fury ignited. Who did he think he was? With deliberate mockery, she retorted, "Mr. Rainsworth, have you misunderstood something? I'm single; why can't I go on blind dates?"
"Single?" he repeated, his voice tight.
Unable to control his rage, Nathaniel, his expression grim, grasped Cecilia's arm and pulled her from the office. "I'll jog your memory. Let's see if you still think you're single!" He shoved her into a car.
The force of his grip left her arm numb. The car door slammed shut, and the vehicle sped away, filling Cecilia with apprehension. She didn't know their destination, but gradually, a chilling recognition dawned. Despite being away for four or five years, she recognized the road. Ahead lay the site of the former Smith Corporation building.
Nerves tightening, Cecilia's fingers dug into her palms. Nathaniel noticed her expression. A cruel smile played on his lips as he said slowly, "Didn't you mention intermittent memory loss, an inability to recall people and events? Do you remember this place?"
His gaze was fixed on the spot where Smith Corporation once stood. But now, only emptiness remained. The once-majestic building had been demolished.
Cecilia's pupils constricted. Her clenched fists bled. During her years abroad, Calvin and Martha had kept the truth from her. Only upon her return did she learn of Nathaniel's acquisition of Smith Corporation. She never imagined he would raze it to the ground. A lump formed in her throat, choking her words.
Nathaniel parked the car. Observing her distress, he became convinced her amnesia was feigned. A cold, almost maniacal smile touched his lips. "It seems you don't remember, so let me tell you! This was the culmination of your grandfather and father's life's work, the original Smith Corporation building. I leveled it."