Chapter 95 Promised Her

Nathaniel cast Zachary a profound glance. "No need. I've already promised her."

A glimmer of disappointment flickered in Zachary's eyes. He probed, "Don't you dislike these situations most?"

Nathaniel, keenly sensing Zachary's unease, replied lightly, "There's an exception to every rule."

Zachary soon departed. Stepping into the open-air corridor, he saw Cecilia engaged in lively conversation and laughter with company employees. He'd never seen her smile like that.

Arnold approached. "Old Mr. Rainsworth requests your return, Mr. Zachary."

"Understood," Zachary replied.

That afternoon, Cecilia was in the school's newly opened music classroom. She sat at the piano, teaching children with disabilities. Nathaniel stood outside, surrounded by bodyguards. It was his first time witnessing her play. The clear, melodious piano music was like a gently flowing stream, refreshing to the soul. He focused on her faint smile—a rare sight.

"Ms. Smith, you're truly impressive," one child exclaimed. "How did you manage to do it?"

The children looked up at Cecilia with admiration. They seemed particularly fond of her, perhaps because they empathized with her hearing aid. Cecilia conveyed that with effort, they could all achieve great things.

Nathaniel had been waiting outside. He'd once perceived Cecilia as a pampered, good-for-nothing young lady, but he realized he was wrong.

As the visit ended, Cecilia bid farewell to each child. Emerging, she found Nathaniel alone under a tree, his bodyguards dismissed. His figure was upright; his profile stern and cold.

Cecilia approached slowly. "Mr. Rainsworth…"

She noticed him extinguish a cigarette. She was momentarily surprised. He had always detested the smell of smoke.

"Are you all right?" Nathaniel gazed at her, his throat tightening. His voice was a rough whisper.

"Mhm." Cecilia handed him a small bag.

Nathaniel looked puzzled. "What is this?"

"The children gave you a gift," Cecilia explained. "A painting, to thank you for helping them establish the school."

Nathaniel didn't reach for it. "You can keep it." To him, it was trash; he never needed gifts. Cecilia understood and didn't insist.

"Then, I'm leaving." Cecilia turned to go.

"Wait a moment!" Nathaniel called.

Cecilia asked, puzzled, "Is there anything else?"

"I've been waiting for you for over four hours," Nathaniel stated.

Cecilia smoothly suggested, "How about I treat you to a meal?"

"All right." Cecilia didn't expect such ready agreement.

Later, Nathaniel followed Cecilia back to Ninth Ville, arriving in a foul mood because Calvin owned the place. He worried that others would think him stingy for not providing her with housing.

Unaware of his thoughts, Cecilia planned to add something special to the meal, aiming to achieve her goal by night's end. If they dined out, she wouldn't have the chance to showcase her cooking.