Chapter 83: The Superstar on TV
His voice held a magnetic huskiness, though only he knew the extent of his silent discomfort. He couldn't simply comply with Cecilia; he needed to understand her intentions.
Cecilia froze, her eyes brimming with tears. "Don't you want it?"
Nathaniel suspected an ulterior motive. He abruptly shifted the topic. "Did you perhaps misunderstand? I was merely assisting with your memory recovery. That's all for today. It's time for the banquet."
Cecilia appeared distressed. Was their six- or seven-minute kiss merely a game to him? She showed little outward reaction, subtly withdrawing her hand from his.
Nathaniel retired to the walk-in closet to change before joining her at the banquet. Zachary and George were both in attendance. Like other parents, George aimed to find Zachary a suitable wife.
Zachary, compelled to attend and forced to remain by George after wishing Neil a happy birthday, was obligated to meet at least twenty young ladies.
"I'm telling you," George declared, "if you don't behave yourself, you can leave the Sinclair family. I don't need a useless grandson. You're still single—a disgrace!"
Zachary was speechless. He was never lacking female companionship. "All right," he finally replied.
He wasn't defying George out of fear; his poor health, especially his heart condition, was his primary concern. The doctor had warned that anger could trigger a heart attack.
At that moment, George spotted Stella, elegantly dressed. Disgust was plain on his face. He reminded Zachary, "Remember, you can't be with Stella!"
George possessed a sharp eye for people. Years ago, he'd investigated Stella, deeming her ungrateful and unchanged—a woman who attracted many men.
"Don't worry," George added. Since Zachary discovered Cecilia was his life-saver, his affection for Stella had vanished. George was satisfied that Zachary was finally no longer infatuated with her.
The banquet was lavish. Felix and Jonathan were lost in the crowd. Jonathan's bright eyes clouded upon seeing Stella.
Felix followed his gaze, explaining, "That's Stella Ross, rumored to be Uncle Nathaniel's girlfriend."
"Why is she alone? Where's your uncle?" Jonathan asked.
Felix was equally perplexed. Nathaniel was never late for such events. "I don't know," Felix admitted, anxiously adding, "What will it take for you to believe I'm the future head of the Rainsworth family? I even had someone drive you around the entire manor."
Jonathan placated him, "I believe you now."
Felix's acknowledgment brought no happiness; he felt treated like a child. "My stomach hurts. I need the bathroom. I'll talk later."
Jonathan, relieved to be rid of Felix, sought to confront Stella for plagiarizing Cecilia's work and attempting to steal Nathaniel.
"Remember to find me after," Felix urged, watching Jonathan depart.
Jonathan didn't reply. Once Felix was gone, he navigated the crowd. Stella, still searching for Nathaniel, was about to seek him out when a small figure darted forward and hugged her.