Chapter 93: Hire an Acting CEO
Suddenly, a heavy weight settled on Nathaniel's heart. He put down the documents and instructed Mason, "Hire an acting CEO."
Mason was startled. "Mr. Rainsworth, what's this about?"
"I need a break," Nathaniel responded gravely. "Unless it's critical, don't report to me."
Hiring a CEO was routine in a large corporation, but Mason was nonetheless surprised. Nathaniel had been intensely involved in everything since taking the position, allowing himself no respite. His willingness to relinquish control was unexpected.
Mason collected himself. "Understood. I'll post the position externally," he replied before leaving.
Nathaniel reread the document, his mind consumed by thoughts of Cecilia. He was loath to accept the truth. Years of relentless work, of earning money around the clock, had been fueled by a need to compensate for the Smith family's deception—not just financially, but for his lost dignity.
Billions meant little to Nathaniel. Yet, those billions had brought immense humiliation in high society. He'd been ridiculed as a fool who'd used a woman to climb the social ladder. He'd not only lost billions but had also married a woman with a hearing impairment. Even then, he hadn't achieved his goals; Cecilia had abandoned him, feigning amnesia.
The thought tightened his tie. He decided to retrieve his child and confront Cecilia about her pretended memory loss, to teach her a lesson.
A knock interrupted his brooding. "Come in," he said.
Cecilia entered, dressed in a light-colored outfit. Her clear eyes met his gaze. Nathaniel instinctively adjusted his tie. "Ms. Smith, is there something you need?"
Cecilia gracefully placed a document on his desk. As she bent over, he glimpsed her chest, a tightness seizing his throat before he brazenly resumed his stare. Cecilia is my wife; why shouldn't I look? he thought. And after all these years, she's even more captivating.
Cecilia remained unaware of his intense gaze, oblivious to this side of his usually aloof demeanor.
"Mr. Rainsworth, I've reviewed the charity project and have some suggestions. Could you consider their implementation? It's crucial that children with physical disabilities have ample learning opportunities…" Cecilia used this as a pretext to draw closer to Nathaniel, and for children like herself, born with disabilities.
She meticulously explained her ideas, their closeness punctuated by her subtle scent. Nathaniel recalled the intense connection from years ago. He wasn't usually indulgent, disinterested in anything beyond his work, including women. Yet, since his encounter with Cecilia, he’d sometimes dreamt of merging with her.
"Mr. Rainsworth, I'm finished," Cecilia's voice broke through his reverie. He looked away. "Take this to the relevant manager." Only he knew his heart felt like it was burning, and a certain physical reaction intensified.
"All right," he replied calmly.
Cecilia wondered, Then why did he listen to me at all?
"Mr. Rainsworth, the project's underway. Will you accompany me this afternoon to see the children? I can also promote your company," she offered, subtly trying to reconnect with him.