Chapter 80: Strikingly Similar

Jonathan withdrew his gaze, unconcerned.

“Oh.” Felix thought Jonathan didn't believe him. “Let’s head to the hall. I’ll prove it to you.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

The hall designated for guests was still being prepared. Elena, Niel's daughter-in-law, oversaw the preparations. Carefully trimming a flower arrangement, she instructed the butler, “This is Old Mr. Rainsworth’s birthday party. Keep an eye on everything. Also, let me know if you spot any prominent young ladies.”

About four years had passed since Stella failed to conceive a child with Nathaniel. She'd devised a backup plan.

“Will do,” the butler replied respectfully, taking his leave. He spotted Felix and Jonathan at the doorway.

“Mr. Felix,” he greeted.

Felix waved. Sensing the situation, the butler tactfully excused himself.

Elena harbored little fondness for her grandnephew. Her interactions with him were always performative. After all, he wasn't her grandson. She was about to tell him to go play elsewhere when her gaze froze. She was transfixed by the delicate boy beside Felix. The resemblance to a young Nathaniel stunned her.

Snapping back to reality, she summoned a housekeeper. “Bring Felix and the child next to him here.”

Elena casually tossed aside the unfinished flower arrangement. Jonathan, maskless, hadn't expected to encounter his grandmother—the woman who had bullied his mother—so soon.

The housekeeper led the children over. Felix introduced Jonathan: “This is Uncle Nathaniel’s mother, Grandma Elena.”

Elena’s gaze remained fixed on Jonathan. The resemblance to Nathaniel was uncanny. Jonathan, noticing her intense stare, wondered if she recognized him.

“Hello, Grandma Elena,” Felix greeted obediently.

“Right,” Elena nodded nonchalantly.

Jonathan politely greeted her as well. His childlike "Hello, Grandma Elena" melted Elena's icy demeanor. She bent down, focusing on Jonathan. He didn't just resemble Nathaniel; she felt a connection to him.

“Child, what’s your name? Where do you live, and how old are you?” Her voice was unusually gentle, a stark contrast to her earlier coldness towards Felix.

Jonathan's gentle nature made him wary. He'd heard rumors of his grandmother's harsh reputation, yet she seemed different in person.

“I’m Jonathan Smith. I live in Hillscester, and I’m almost 4 years old.” He gave a vague location to avoid trouble for his mother.

“Jonathan Smith…” Elena’s voice was tinged with embarrassment. “Is Smith your father’s last name?”

Fearful of revealing his true identity, Jonathan nodded. Elena’s disappointment was evident, but she persisted. “Then, who is your mother?”

An unusual glint flickered in Jonathan’s eyes. He sensed she'd noticed something.