Chapter 74: Are You Afraid of Me?

Nathaniel didn't discredit her publicly. "Nathaniel, will you join us later?" Stella asked again. Irritated by Cecilia's earlier words, he spitefully agreed. "Sure."

An entire floor of a five-star hotel had been reserved. Nathaniel was immediately surrounded by Stella and a group of wealthy young people upon arrival. Cecilia sat alone. A woman, dressed demurely, approached her.

"Did you see that? Only Stella can capture Mr. Rainsworth's attention. After all, she was his first love."

Cecilia recognized the speaker as Stella's best friend, Yvette Harrison. Taking a sip of wine, Cecilia casually replied, "Judging by your behavior, anyone unfamiliar with the situation would think you were Nathaniel's first love."

Yvette, intending to defend her friend, was nearly embarrassed into silence by Cecilia's retort. Cecilia, wishing to avoid conflict, left. By the time Nathaniel disentangled himself from the crowd, Cecilia was gone. After a brief conversation with Stella, he departed as well.

Amidst the torrential rain, a luxurious Cadillac followed Cecilia's car. Only after she reached Ninth Ville did the Cadillac's occupant finally look away.

Nathaniel called Mason. "How's the investigation?"

"Someone's obstructing us, but we've learned Ms. Smith went to Erihal after leaving the country. Further details will take time," Mason replied.

Nathaniel leaned back, pinching the bridge of his nose. Erihal! He hadn't expected Cecilia had been living there all these years. No wonder he'd failed to find her.

Cecilia's unusual behavior that day solidified his suspicion that she was hiding something. After speaking with her sons, she received a call from Stella. "I'm outside. Let's meet."

Stella stood beside a minivan outside Ninth Ville, glancing around as she approached Cecilia. "This place is impressive, comparable to the Smith residence," Stella subtly remarked.

Cecilia had recently learned Stella now lived in the Smith residence, having bought it after achieving success.

"Surely you didn't ask me out just to discuss houses, Ms. Ross?" Cecilia asked.

"Of course not." Stella approached. "I'm asking you to leave Rainsworth Group and return overseas." Nathaniel's actions that day unnerved Stella; she feared he'd fallen for Cecilia.

Cecilia laughed. "On what grounds?"

Stella faltered. Cecilia's mocking gaze met hers. "Are you afraid of me?"

Stella felt a jolt. "Afraid? Do you still see me as that penniless orphan? I have everything now! I used to envy you, Cecilia, but now I pity you. I pity you for the loss of your father and the downfall of your family. I pity you because even though your mother is alive, it's as if you have none."

Stella touched Cecilia's shoulder, smiling brightly. "After all these years, do you know where Paula and your brother are? If you don't want them to find you, leave! Someone like you, who's lost everything, should stay overseas and never return, understand?"