Chapter 81: A Genuine Sense of Envy

He feigned caution. "Grandma Elena, my teacher mentioned it's impolite to inquire about someone's family affairs."

Elena realized she had asked too many questions. However, she also noted the child's intelligence; despite his age, he was wary of strangers.

"I'm sorry. I was wrong," she said, lifting a hand to stroke Jonathan's hair. He evaded her touch, and her hand froze. Felix, standing nearby, was surprised by his great-aunt's fondness for Jonathan. This unsettled him.

"Grandma Elena, I want to show Jon other places, so we won't bother you," Felix said.

Elena let them go, saying, "All right. Have fun. Find me if you need anything."

Even after they left, she couldn't let it go. She summoned her secretary. "Look into the child's background, especially his parents."

"Understood."

The boy resembles Nathaniel when he was younger. If Nathaniel had a child, they would undoubtedly look alike.

"By the way, has Nathaniel arrived?" she asked.

The secretary checked the time. "The banquet begins in an hour. Mr. Rainsworth should be arriving soon."

Elena nodded, deciding to remind Nathaniel to pay attention to the young ladies at the banquet, find a partner, and eventually have a son.

Meanwhile, Cecilia and Vivian chose simple dresses for the banquet, wanting to avoid standing out. However, Cecilia's simple dress accentuated her charm.

Vivian was astounded. "Wow, you look beautiful. Others are enhanced by their clothes, but you elevate them."

Cecilia smiled, looking even more captivating. Vivian possessed a subtle charm; her beauty wasn't initially striking, but grew on you.

Their departure pleased the chauffeur driving towards Rainsworth Manor. Cecilia's last visit was five years ago—time had flown.

Many luxury cars were outside Rainsworth Manor. It was Niel's birthday, and prominent Tudela figures attended with their children. Roland waited outside, determined to find Vivian a wealthy bachelor.

Vivian rubbed her forehead upon seeing him. "Ceci, you'll have to find Nathaniel yourself. I'll deal with Dad."

Cecilia nodded. Vivian exited the car and approached Roland. "Dad."

"You're just arriving? The Longman and Wayman daughters have been here since early morning, currying favor with Mrs. Elena…" Roland complained.

Vivian offered perfunctory responses. Cecilia, watching them, felt a genuine sense of envy. If Regas were still here, she could have linked arms with him.

She exited the car. Noting six minutes remained until the banquet, she positioned herself along Nathaniel's likely arrival route. Soon, a Bentley slowly passed. Nathaniel, in the back seat, worked.

"Isn't that Ms. Smith?" the driver asked.