Chapter 648 Turn Against Her

Ever since meeting with the other mothers to discuss the Parent's Association presidency, Cecilia had closely monitored their actions. The following day, after a private conversation the previous night, they were conspicuously silent. Several even deactivated their Instagram accounts. This unusual behavior aroused her suspicion.

Monday was the election day. Cecilia worried the mothers would turn against her. Tentatively, she messaged one, inquiring about a bag. The response came slowly: "Sorry, but this handbag doesn't really suit me. I've only used it once, and it seems like it's going to be stashed away now." Similar responses came from the others—complaints about quality or claims of non-use.

The pattern solidified her suspicions. She concluded they would undoubtedly oppose her, likely due to a premature leak to Miranda. Massaging her temples, she regretted her hastiness. These mothers wouldn't risk offending Miranda for a newcomer like herself.

Nathaniel had slept poorly and awoke late. Cecilia, finding him still in bed, asked, "You've only just woken up?" He usually rose by seven, but it was already half past nine. "There was nothing to do this morning," he replied. He'd had a cold shower the previous night and felt dizzy, possibly catching a cold.

He joined Cecilia. "Have you eaten?" he asked. "I have. You should eat soon, too," she replied. "I'm not hungry. Let's go for a walk," he suggested.

Cecilia, having just finished breakfast and feeling a similar urge, agreed; it was a way to repay him for his support the previous night. "Okay," she said.

Temporarily forgetting the other mothers, they strolled. The chilly wind carried a floral scent, hinting at the early arrival of spring. Cecilia wrapped her jacket tighter. "It seems like spring is arriving quite early this year," she remarked.

Nathaniel asked ambiguously, "Did something happen to you yesterday?" Though he'd tasked Mason with investigating Cecilia's actions, he wanted to hear her account directly.

Cecilia, remembering Paula's words and Norman's findings, felt burdened. "Yesterday, I visited Paula in jail. Nothing particularly noteworthy happened," she replied, unable to reveal her mother's possible role in her biological father's death.

Nathaniel sensed she was concealing something but didn't press her. Silence fell between them, broken only by Mason's arrival.

"Mr. Rainsworth," Mason said.

"What's the matter?" Nathaniel replied.

Mason, sensing Nathaniel's deep care for Cecilia, was forthright. "Mr. Rainsworth, Miranda signed an agreement with a group of mothers this morning. They collectively invested a total of one billion in her project."

Cecilia paused. "Mr. Sanders, are you talking about the mothers from the international preschool?"

"Indeed."

Instantly, Cecilia understood their indifference. They were collaborating with Miranda on a business venture, and their loyalty lay with her.