Chapter 642: Plan in Action

Moana approached immediately. "Mr. Nathaniel, Mrs. Rainsworth is dining in the kitchen. If you require anything, please let me know."

"Kitchen?" Nathaniel sounded perplexed. "Why would she be eating in the kitchen? Ask her to come here. Is she hiding there to avoid these carrots? Does she have a secret stash of food?"

"Mr. Nathaniel," Moana reiterated, "according to our custom, women do not dine at the same table as the men of the house."

Nathaniel was taken aback. Elliot, equally bewildered, wondered what era this woman inhabited.

Moana served Nathaniel more food. "Don't worry, Mr. Nathaniel. I've prepared plenty of dishes for Mrs. Rainsworth."

"Then what about all this food—"

"I prepared that as well," Moana interjected.

The man's expression darkened. He hesitated to argue with a woman nearing fifty and changed the subject. "Call Cecilia over. Tell her to eat here." He secretly doubted Cecilia would comply.

"I won't do that," Moana refused.

Unfazed, Elliot went to the kitchen. He found Cecilia seated alone, eating plain white rice. Before her sat thinly sliced, steamed white meat, seasoned only with salt. Moana had deemed it nutritious for pregnant women. Cecilia barely touched her food. Elliot's heart ached as he watched her.

"Mommy," he said.

Cecilia looked up. "Elliot? What brings you here? You should eat something."

He shook his head, rushing to her. "Mommy, come eat outside."

"I can't. Old Madam Brooks wants me to eat here. You two go ahead," Cecilia winked.

Elliot began to weep softly. "But Mommy, even a dog wouldn't touch this. How can you eat it?"

Cecilia, surprised by his acting skills, played along. "I have no choice. Old Madam Brooks says it's for the sake of your sibling."

Their conversation drew Moana and Nathaniel's attention. Moana exclaimed, "It's top-quality meat! What do you mean a dog wouldn't eat it?"

Elliot replied, "Then you eat it."

Moana hesitated. Her aging palate found the bland meat unappealing, tasting like water. Nevertheless, to prove its deliciousness, she ate some. "It's delicious, Mr. Elliot!"

"Then you can eat it all. Come on, Mommy." Elliot led Cecilia to the dining table, leaving Moana alone. Cecilia enjoyed the carrots and ate heartily with Elliot.

Nathaniel failed to see through their ruse. Unsure of Cecilia's scheme, he remained silent. Dinner consisted entirely of carrots, which Nathaniel disliked. He ate some rice, then left.

Cecilia enjoyed her meal, anticipating the next development. When Moana saw Cecilia eating the food intended for Nathaniel and Elliot, her expression froze.

Suddenly, a crash echoed from the living room. Before Moana could react, Nathaniel returned. "Who moved the furniture?"