Chapter 531 Female Companion
If Nathaniel wanted to rebuild his business empire, it was impossible to avoid interacting with other businessmen.
These business parties weren’t just about drinking.
“Got it, I’ll send more people to accompany you,” Mason said.
The older generation of the Murdock family had once tried to harm Nathaniel, but at that time, they had mistaken Nicholas for him.
Nicholas was severely injured, and with his already poor health, he had to be sent abroad for
treatment.
Later, Nathaniel gradually expanded Rainsworth Group, eliminating the older members of the Murdock family one by one. Now, only a few incompetent ones remained.
Ethan had once knelt before Nathaniel to save his own life.
Nathaniel hadn’t wiped them out completely, not out of mercy, but because he didn’t want to create panic among the other wealthy families in Tudela and cause them to team up.
After all, as the saying goes, “Even a rabbit would bite when cornered.”
“Mm,” Nathaniel agreed.
Mason thought of something and asked, “Everyone’s bringing a female companion. Do you want to bring Mrs. Rainsworth?”
He remembered that Cecilia had once been upset because Nathaniel didn’t want to take her to public events.
This could be a good opportunity to make up for that.
However, Nathaniel fell silent at Mason’s suggestion.
After a moment, he shook his head. “No need.”
Mason was confused. “Why not? This could be a chance to strengthen your relationship with Mrs. Rainsworth.”
Nathaniel asked, “If I show up at a party in my current condition, how would those in high society see me?”
Mason was stunned, only then remembering that Nathaniel was now blind.
“They would certainly gossip,” Mason admitted.
“And if I take Ceci with me, she’ll also have to endure those judgmental looks,” Nathaniel added.
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Mason had once thought it remarkable how calm and composed his boss remained despite losing his sight. He had believed Nathaniel didn’t care about his blindness.
But now, Mason realized that Nathaniel did care.
He just regained his composure quicker than others, knowing that even without his sight, life had
to go on.
“You’re right. I didn’t think it through.”
No man wanted the woman he loved to suffer alongside him or be subjected to public criticism.
As Mason lifted his head, he noticed Cecilia coming down the stairs.
She had heard everything Nathaniel said.
Cecilia stood still, unmoving as he pondered over Nathaniel’s words. Her throat felt stuck.
She politely went upstairs, preserving Nathaniel’s dignity.
That night, Nathaniel prepared to leave for the party.
Elliot found out and wanted to tag along. He was bored from staying home every day.
“Mommy, can we go too?”
“No, Mr. Rainsworth is going for business. We shouldn’t bother him, okay?”
Elliot tried to be persuasive, but even his best attempts at being charming didn’t work today.
Mason silently observed the situation and glanced gratefully at Cecilia.
Before leaving, he whispered to Cecilia, “Mrs. Rainsworth, I can tell that you still care about Mr. Rainsworth, don’t you?”
“I just don’t like attending parties,” Cecilia replied coolly.
Mason realized that both Cecilia and Nathaniel were stubborn people.
“If you and Mr. Elliot go to pick up Mr. Rainsworth tonight, I’m sure he’ll be delighted. The party
ends at ten.”
Cecilia didn’t respond, watching Mason leave.
After he left, she saw the sulky look on Elliot’s face and remembered what Nathaniel had said earlier. She couldn’t help but ask, “Eli, how about we go out to pick up Mr. Rainsworth around nine tonight?”
Elliot’s eyes immediately brightened. He had been longing to go out.
Chapter 532 Pretense And Insincerity
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The social gathering took place at Four Seasons Hotel, where many familiar faces could be seen.
Zachary brought Jonathan along as well because George suggested that it was important for Jonathan to start familiarizing himself with the business world early on.
Zachary glanced down at the little one, who barely reached his knees. “Brat, remember to call me “Daddy‘ later.”
Jonathan looked up at him. “Call
at him. “Call you what?”
“Daddy.”
“Ugh!”
Zachary was rendered speechless.
Watching the mini version of Nathaniel, Zachary playfully slapped him on the butt. While you’re still young, there are times when discipline is necessary.
For reasons unknown, spanking Jonathan had brought his childhood to a fulfilling closure.
That was because when Zachary was a child, he often got beaten up by Nathaniel.
Jonathan had just been spanked, and his face flushed with embarrassment. He then immediately distanced himself from Zachary.
After introducing Jonathan to a few people in a nonchalant manner, Zachary retreated to at corner to drink. He wasn’t fond of such gatherings, finding them full of pretense and insincerity.
There were quite a few people who tried to ingratiate themselves with him, but he dismissed them all with visible impatience.
Jonathan had to follow Zachary around. Suddenly, he found his gaze locked onto a delicate figure in the distance. Isn’t that the bad woman, Stella?
“Mr. Zachary, I need to use the restroom,” Jonathan said.
“Just go by yourself,” Zachary said.
Jonathan rolled his eyes. This man doesn’t seem like someone who takes care of a child. After all, I’m only four years old. What if someone kidnaps me?
In the end, Jonathan still went out on his own.
Zachary wasn’t worried at all. He was sure that Jonathan, being as smart as he was, would never get lost.
Due to this oversight, he was filled with regret later on.
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As soon as Stella arrived at the social gathering, she spotted Zachary. Despite having the reassurance from Nicholas, she was still scared, deliberately hiding herself in an inconspicuous spot among the crowd
Yvette’s fiancé, the third son of the Murdock family. Francis, noticed Stella instantly and started walking toward her.
“Ms. Ross, it’s been a long time
When Stella saw Francis, she was as delicate as ever, her eyes captivating. “Mr. Murdock, it’s been a while,” she said.
She forgot that the man before her was her friend’s fiancé.
Having encountered countless women. Francis immediately noticed Stella’s interest in him. He greatly enjoyed their conversation.
Jonathan squeezed through the bustling crowd, catching sight of the two engrossed in intimate conversation. Without missing a beat, he took out his phone–watch and casually snapped a few photos..
He was just about to play a prank on Stella when he heard a voice from the crowd. “Nathaniel has arrived.”
“Isn’t Nathaniel blind? How has he come to attend the social gathering? Is he leaning on a white cane?”
“Someone must be helping him, right?”
Laughter filled the crowd.
Jonathan slightly furrowed hi
Chapter 533 Teach Her A Lesson
At the social gathering. Nicholas was present too, and Queenie was standing by his side.
“Nicholas, it’s best if we hold off on our collaboration for now. You’re still young, and it’s inevitable that you might not handle some matters thoroughly. After you’ve gained more experience, we can continue our partnership.”
The implications of Queenie’s words were quite clear. The areas where she felt things were lacking pertained specifically to her own daughter, Cassandra.
Nicholas understood as well, his expression remaining gentle as he watched Queenie walk away.
At that moment, Ethan approached him, “Nicholas, you’ve really chosen a good in–law. Although the Evans family is ordinary, Cassandra’s mother is not as simple as she appears on the surface.”
Nicholas merely offered a smile, showing no discernible emotional shift.
As the two of them were engrossed in their conversation, Mason noticed them. Lowering his voice, he said to Nathaniel, “Mr. Rainsworth, Mr. Nicholas is with Ethan.”
The Rainsworth family and the Murdock family were nemesis, with Ethan harboring an intense hatred for Nathaniel.
Nathaniel actually found that Nicholas had been acting strangely recently.
“Keep a close watch on them,” Nathaniel ordered.
“Yes.”
Nathaniel actually went there this time to discern who among his past collaborators was truly sincere and who was merely pretending.
There were still a handful of individuals who were under his care previously, who dared to risk offending Nicholas, coming forward to engage in conversation.
Stella spotted Nathaniel long ago. Seeing him reminded her of the task Nicholas had entrusted to her, causing her to tighten her grip on the wine glass in her hand.
Right then, Nicholas called her, saying, “It’s all up to you tonight.”
“All right.”
After hanging up the phone, Nicholas asked Ethan, “Keep a close eye on Mason, the one who’s always around Nathaniel. He’s quite crafty.”
Ethan couldn’t help but smile. “Don’t worry. As long as they’ve touched anything at the banquet, they won’t have the ability to resist. Besides, don’t we already have other plans?”
Ethan’s favorite thing to focus on was exactly that.
Chapter 533 Teach Her A Lesson
In private, he wished he could eliminate everyone who opposed him.
However, his courage was limited, only allowing him to engage in sneaky moves.
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Puzzled, Ethan asked, “Nicholas, why don’t you simply eliminate him? That way, you’ll have control over the Rainsworth family.”
Nicholas had once done such a thing, and his expression darkened instantly when he retorted, “What do you know? Remember this. I don’t want his life.”
Suddenly, at the banquet, Mason received a phone call. He was usually a composed man, but a look of anxiety appeared on his face right then.
“Mr. Rainsworth, my girlfriend has been in a car accident. I need to handle it. Let me take your home first.”
“Okay.”
The group of people headed out, with Mason helping Nathaniel into the car. In a rush, he drove off to find his girlfriend.
After Nathaniel got into the car, it started moving slowly. They hadn’t gone far when they were surrounded by around a dozen black vehicles.
Meanwhile, seeing that the time was nearing, Cecilia took Elliot with her and drove to pick up Nathaniel.
When they were on the road, they hadn’t noticed someone was tailing their car.
Cecilia then parked her car in front of Four Seasons Hotel, waiting for Nathaniel to come out.
“Can we go in and take a look?” asked Elliot.
“No. We can’t go in without an invitation. Let’s just wait here for Mr. Rainsworth.”
“All right, then.”
Elliot felt somewhat disappointed.
Twenty minutes had passed, and it was already ten o’clock. People were gradually exiting the
venue.
Yet, Cecilia didn’t see Nathaniel.
At that moment, Elliot wanted to use the restroom. “Mommy, I need to use the restroom.”
“All right. I will take you there,” she said.
She parked her car in a conspicuous spot, thinking that Nathaniel could spot it as soon as he came out. Afterward, she took Elliot to the restroom inside the hotel.
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Chapter 533 Teach Her A Lesson
hadn’t returned. What’s taking that brat so long in the restroom?
He was unaware that Jonathan was still hiding from the middle–aged man from earlier.
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The man had been embarrassed and was stubbornly searching for Jonathan all around. Left with no choice. Jonathan had to take refuge in the restroom.
In the hotel, one of Queenie’s subordinates informed her, “Cecilia has brought the child here.”
There was nothing but indifference in Queenie’s eyes. “What are we waiting for?”
Because of how Cecilia had made Cassandra suffer, Queenie was determined to teach Cecilia’s son a lesson.
Chapter 534 The Wrong Boy
Nobody understood better than Queenie what it felt like to have one’s child in someone else’s hands.
Cecilia took Elliot to the restroom. After leading the child to the entrance of the men’s restroom, she waited outside.
Before long, several tall men also entered the restroom.
Jonathan happened to be in the restroom. After checking the time, he figured the middle–aged
man had already left. Thus, he ventured out, only to find himself face to face with three tall men.
Before he could react, one of them pressed a cloth soaked in some sort of drug against his mouth and nose.
Everything before Jonathan’s eyes turned black, and he fainted before he could call for help.
The man shrugged off his black coat, wrapping it around Jonathan, and hoisted Jonathan up to carry him outside.
Inside the restroom, after Elliot was done with his business and washed his hands, he was about
exit when he was abruptly caught by Zachary, who had come looking for Jonathan.
“You little sh*t! You’ve been in the restroom for over an hour! I thought you had fallen into the toilet bowl!”
As he spoke, Zachary noticed that the clothes Elliot was wearing were just ordinary overalls. He couldn’t help but find it odd. “Why did you change your clothes? Where did you buy this outfit? It looks so childish.”
Elliot looked at the slightly foolish and tipsy man in front of him and said, “You’ve mistaken me for someone else.”
Zachary was taken aback. “What?”
“I’m Eli, not Jon.” Elliot was on the verge of rolling his eyes at him. He couldn’t believe Zachary couldn’t tell the difference between him and Jonathan, given how distinct they were.
Seeing that Zachary wasn’t releasing his grip, Elliot warned, “Let go of my overalls quickly, or I’ll
scream.
Zachary studied him closely. He looks exactly like Jon, yet he’s definitely not an old soul in terms of personality.
Not only did Zachary not let go, but he also pinched Elliot’s reddened cheek, which was caused. by frustration.
“Where’s Jon?” Zachary asked.
Elliot absolutely detested it when people casually touched his face, his eyes filled with annoyance.
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“How would I know where he is? Can’t you call him if you’re looking for him? Hmph! Let go of me. Otherwise, I’m really going to shout.”
The corners of Zachary’s mouth lifted slightly. He found that Elliot was far more interesting than Jonathan. “I’m not letting you go. What are you going to do about it?”
“Mommy!” Elliot called out loudly.
Upon hearing Elliot’s shouts coming from the men’s restroom, Cecilia didn’t think twice before rushing in. “Eli, what’s wrong?”
“This mean man won’t let me go again,” Elliot pleaded with a pair of big, pitiful eyes, looking at Cecili
Zachary’s hand, which was holding Elliot’s overalls, stiffened. He looked at Cecilia’s all too familiar face, feeling inexplicably flustered. “Cecilia, let me explain. I was just teasing him.”
Cecilia didn’t bother listening to his nonsense. She took the child from his arms and headed outside with the child.
When Elliot left, he didn’t forget to pull a funny face at Zachary.
Zachary was somewhat at a loss for words. Cecilia has never liked me, and now, there’s a misunderstanding, to boot. However, what’s important now is to locate Jon.
Zachary didn’t have Jonathan’s number, so out of desperation, he called Vivian. After asking her for Jonathan’s number, he dialed it.
At first, the call connected, but soon after, it became unreachable.
Zachary felt something was off. His mind instantly cleared, and he immediately went to find the hotel manager.
The moment the manager arrived, he asked, “Mr. Sinclair, how can I help?”
“Pull up the hotel’s surveillance footage. My son has gone missing.”
“Huh?”
Upon hearing Zachary’s words, the manager was taken aback, his eyes filled with shock. He immediately instructed the security guards to review the surveillance footage.
If something bad were to happen to a child from the Sinclair family at the hotel, the hotel could end up being shut down for good.
The manager, accompanied by a group of people, began to review the hotel’s surveillance footage. Following Zachary’s account, they started the search for Jonathan’s figure.
Chapter 535 A Clear Mind
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Outside the hotel, Cecilia waited with Elliot for the majority of people to leave, but they didn’t catch sight of Nathaniel.
still
“Could it be that he went back alone? I’ll give him a call.” Cecilia picked up her phone and dialed Nathaniel’s number.
The call went unanswered.
Cecilia thought Nathaniel had gone back, so she drove back with Elliot.
The distance wasn’t too far, and they arrived home within twenty minutes.
However, when they pushed open the front door, the inside was exactly as they had left it when. they went out. Even the lights weren’t on.
It was evident that Nathaniel hadn’t returned yet.
Suddenly, Elliot asked, “Mommy, do you think something might have happened to Mr. Rainsworth?”
When he stepped into the restroom at the hotel, he could distinctly sense that the security guards there were different, even more stringent than the ones in other places.
In fact, he even thought the security guards there were waiting to catch someone instead of keeping everyone safe.
Hearing what Elliot had said, Cecilia decided to give Mason a call as well.
The call was only answered after a considerable delay.
Mason was still at the hospital. His girlfriend had been in a car accident and suffered minor injuries. Thankfully, it wasn’t anything serious.
“What’s the matter, Mrs. Rainsworth?”
“Is Nathaniel with you right now?” Cecilia asked,
Mason was puzzled. “No. I had to deal with something personal today, so I sent Mr. Rainsworth home early.
“Nathaniel isn’t back,” said Cecilia.
Upon hearing those words, Mason was taken aback.
His girlfriend was fine, and his mind was cleared up.
“D“mn it!” Mason frowned deeply.
Cecilia rarely heard Mason speak in such a tone and couldn’t help but worry. “What’s wrong?”
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“Mr. Rainsworth might have run into troubl right now.”
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but don’t worry. I’ll send someone to look for him.
Mason hung up the phone.
“Mommy, how is it? Have you managed to contact Mr. Rainsworth?” Elliot asked.
“Not yet.” Worry was written all over Cecilia’s face. “Eli, please stay home and rest. I will go and look for Mr. Rainsworth, all right?”
Elliot obediently nodded. “Okay.”
Elliot was also curious, wondering what on earth had happened to Nathaniel. If my se mbag daddy were to be assassinated, would Jon and I be able to inherit his fortune?
Although Nathaniel had deceived Cecilia into believing he owed a considerable amount of money, Elliot and Jonathan simp/ didn’t buy it. Especially Jonathan, who had once had the
fortunate mishap of hacking into Nathaniel’s private account.
The amount of money inside was so vast that an average person could probably not exhaust it even in a few thousand years.
Once Cecilia had settled Elliot down, she reached out to Mason again.
“Yes, Mrs. Rainsworth?”
“I’ll come with you to find him. Just let me know where you are now. Send me the location, and I’ll drive over.”
“Okay.”
Inside a luxurious hotel, Stella immediately headed toward the luxury suite upon receiving the room number.
She had no choice but to follow Nicholas‘ plans. Otherwise, she would be doomed the next day.
When she entered the luxury suite, Nathaniel was reclining on a lavish king–sized bed. This mant was once the one she had yearned for in her dreams.
“Nathaniel,” she called out, but there was no response from the person on the bed.
Stella relaxed and moved forward, sitting on the bed. She gazed greedily at Nathaniel’s cold and
stern face.
“Nathaniel, you might not know this, but I truly had feelings for you. Why is it that after your amnesia, you only remember Cecilia, that b*tch? How is she better than me? Didn’t you tell me that you would never fall for her in this lifetime?” Stella clenched her fists tightly, her fingertips. digging deep into her palms.
The night was still young, so she had plenty of time left.
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She had been involved with many men, yet Nathaniel was the only one she never managed to win
over.
That day, she could finally have him.
Stella then leaned in to kiss Nathaniel’s lips.
Chapter 536 He Is Conscious
Before Stella’s lips could meet Nathaniel’s, a forceful push sent her flying away. The man lying on the bed opened his eyes.
“Nathaniel… Stella’s expression changed in an instant. Didn’t Nicholas mention that Nathaniel would
be drugged, leaving him with no ability to resist?
She was just about to get up and leave when Nathaniel swiftly caught her wrist, gripping it tightly. “Who sent you? What’s your purpose?” he questioned.
There was no way Stella could kidnap Nathaniel all by herself.
“Nathaniel, I have no clue what you’re talking about. Weren’t you the one who called me over after having one too many?” Stella argued.
If she were to expose Nicholas at that moment, there would only be one outcome, and that would be death.
At that moment, Nathaniel was forcing himself to stay conscious. He had been drugged at the banquet, and it was only through sheer force of will that he managed to stay awake.
His forehead was covered in a thin layer of sweat. Seeing that Stella was unwilling to tell the truth, he swiftly gripped her throat.
“Speak! Or I’ll kill you right now!”
Stella instantly stiffened, her breathing becoming labored. “Help… M–Me…”
people
Nathaniel’s grip tightened, rendering her speechless in an instant. “I know there are peo outside the door. Do you think they’ll rescue you faster, or will you die by my hand more quickly?”
Stella had never imagined Nathaniel to be this terrifying, and she immediately ceased her struggle.
Nathaniel’s grip slightly relaxed. “Speak.”
-Nicholas orchestrated this. He asked me to spend the night with you and film it all to show Cecilia. He even arranged for the media to show up at dawn to take photographs.”
Nathaniel never imagined that Nicholas would resort to such underhanded tactics.
However, Nicholas truly understood Cecilia.
If Cecilia were to see Nathaniel in bed with Stella, her relationship with Nathaniel would end
there and then.
“Is he also responsible for the photo that was exposed in the news the day before yesterday?”
“Yes… He said to take the photo.”
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Chapter 536 He is Conscious
“How did you manage to take the photo?”
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Nathaniel had gotten Mason to investigate, confirming that the photo wasn’t doctored.
“It was shot with Nicholas,” Stella confessed everything.
Nicholas and Nathaniel looked exactly alike. With him around, there was no need to frame Nathaniel with a doctored photo.
“Was it him who released you from the psychiatric hospital?” Nathaniel asked again.
Stella was taken aback because the people who sent her to the psychiatric hospital were Zachary and Nathaniel. That was before Nathaniel had amnesia. Didn’t he lose his memory? Has he regained his memor
“Yes,” she answered.
“Is there anything else I’m not aware of?”
“No.” Stella’s voice carried a whimpering tone. “Nathaniel, I was forced into this. Please don’t kill me. I won’t dare to do it again.”
Nathaniel had absolutely no desire to soil his hands.
He tied Stella to the bed using the sheets and gagged her mouth with a piece of cloth.
The people outside were keeping watch. He couldn’t see them, and there was no way out. The communication inside the room was cut off, leaving Stella with nothing but a camera.
Nathaniel could only wait until dawn for the media to arrive.
As time passed, the fire smoldering within him grew increasingly intense, his body slick with a thin layer of sweat.
He repeatedly doused himself with cold water, yet he couldn’t quell the burning passion in his
heart.
Stella had also noticed his odd behavior and deliberately made a sound.
However, Nathaniel remained clear–headed.
Stella didn’t believe he could last until dawn.
Meanwhile, after meeting up, Cecilia and Mason began to review the street surveillance footage, hoping to locate Nathaniel.
However, Nathaniel’s car vanished in the surveillance blind spot, making it impossible to trace.
Mason furrowed his brows, immediately instructing someone to access the surveillance footage from the banquet.
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banquet, looking into who might have taken Nathaniel away.
Mason quickly identified several of his past adversaries, among which included Ethan.
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Suddenly, an idea occurred to him, and he said, “Mrs. Rainsworth, there may be a favor I need to ask of you.
Chapter 537 Leave It To Me
“Go on.”
“I have a hunch that Mr. Rainsworth’s disappearance might have something to do with Mr. Nicholas. I have no problem approaching the Murdock family and a few others, but when it comes to Mr. Nicholas–Mason seemed somewhat troubled.
It was rather inappropriate for him. a mere subordinate, to pay Nicholas a visit.
Besides, he couldn’t possibly visit that many places in a single night.
Before he could finish speaking. Cecilia nodded and said. “All right. Leave it to me.
“Okay” Mason urged again. “If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to seek help from Mdm. Elena
Mason knew that Elena would certainly not stand by idly if Nathaniel were in trouble.
Cecilia nodded.
Only then did Mason feel at ease. leading his people straight to find the Murdock family.
Regardless of whether Nathaniel was taken away by someone from the Murdock family or not, the trouble that befell Nathaniel after the banquet was undeniably linked to the Murdock family.
Half an hour later, the members of the Murdock family were surrounded by a swarm of intimidating bodyguards, causing Ethan to come out in a state of panic.
“Mr. Sanders, what’s this about!
Mason didn’t bother with small talk. “Where is Mr. Rainsworth?”
“How would I know where your employer is Mr. Sanders Did you lose him?” Ethan teased, using humor to mask his antaery
Ethan then looked out at the throng of people, shrouded in darkness, feeling somewhat puzzled. Hasny Nathaniel already list all has power and infance How does he still have so many followers
Upon hearing his tone Masoni instinctively adjusted the gold–rimmed glasses perched on his
se Without missing a beat he swiftly caught hold of Ethan’s wrist With a swift yank backward a diacsintering cracking wound echoed through the air. That was the unmistakable sound of a Latin Latitig stained
“A” Ethan let out a desperate cry hastly saying “Mr. Sanders, let’s talk this out cably. I really have no idea whicas Mr. Bartha an ”
Maxom’s gaer darkened. “Do you want to hone your one bad
Èxhần trone that pain and said. “Even if you were so render tooth my hands useless, I still woulta’s
dar
so whese ”
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Chapter 537 Leave It To Me
“Go on.”
“I have a hunch that Mr. Rainsworth’s disappearance might have something to do with Mr. Nicholas. I have no problem approaching the Murdock family and a few others, but when it comes to Mr. Nicholas-” Mason seemed somewhat troubled.
It was rather inappropriate for him, a mere subordinate, to pay Nicholas a visit.
Besides, he couldn’t possibly visit that many places in a single night.
Before he could finish speaking, Cecilia nodded and said, “All right. Leave it to me.”
“Okay.” Mason urged again, “If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to seek help from Mdm. Elena.”
Mason knew that Elena would certainly not stand by idly if Nathaniel were in trouble.
Cecilia nodded.
Only then did Mason feel at ease, leading his people straight to find the Murdock family.
Regardless of whether Nathaniel was taken away by someone from the Murdock family or not, the trouble that befell Nathaniel after the banquet was undeniably linked to the Murdock family.
Half an hour later, the members of the Murdock family were surrounded by a swarm of intimidating bodyguards, causing Ethan to come out in a state of panic.
“Mr. Sanders, what’s this about?”
Mason didn’t bother with small talk. “Where is Mr. Rainsworth?”
“How would I know where your employer is, Mr. Sanders? Did you lose him?” Ethan teased, using humor to mask his anxiety.
Ethan then looked out at the throng of people, shrouded in darkness, feeling somewhat puzzled. Hasn’t Nathaniel already lost all his power and influence? How does he still have so many followers?
Upon hearing his tone, Mason instinctively adjusted the gold–rimmed glasses perched on his nose. Without missing a beat, he swiftly caught hold of Ethan’s wrist. With a swift yank backward, a disconcerting cracking sound echoed through the air. That was the unmistakable sound of a bone being dislocated.
“Ah!” Ethan let out a desperate cry, hastily saying, “Mr. Sanders, let’s talk this out calmly. I really have no idea where Mr. Rainsworth is.”
Mason’s gaze darkened. “Do you want to lose your other hand, too?”
Ethan bore the pain and said, “Even if you were to render both my hands useless, I still wouldn’t know where he is.”
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Time ticked away, second by second..
+5 Pearis
Mason didn’t want to waste time with him. “Think it through. If something happens to Mr. Rainsworth today, you won’t live to see tomorrow.”
Ethan nodded repeatedly. “I understand! I would never dare to lay a finger on him. You can assign. someone to keep watch. If I ever make a move on Mr. Rainsworth, you can let them take
my life.”
That was him telling the truth.
He had merely assisted Nicholas in administering the medicine to Nathaniel. As for where Nathaniel was taken afterward, that was all orchestrated by Nicholas. He genuinely had no knowledge of it.
Moreover, Nicholas had also stated that he wouldn’t take Nathaniel’s life.
Mason left someone there to keep an eye on Ethan before visiting the others.
That night, it was destined that no one in Tudela would get a wink of sleep.
Zachary was even more sleepless..
When Vivian rushed from home to the hotel, she was on the verge of tears. “Did you lose Jon?”
“He’s not lost. Someone is looking for him.” Zachary furrowed his brows. “Who would dare to lay a hand on that little sh*t? They would be courting death!”
When Zachary found the man who had been pranked by Jonathan, the man kneeled before Zachary and apologized profusely, “Mr. Sinclair, I really had no idea that he was your son. If I had known, even if I had a hundred times the courage, I wouldn’t dare to chase him. I would’ve let him do whatever he wanted with my pants!”
Vivian was puzzled. “Jon is the most sensible. Why would he pull your pants without any reason?”
That person scratched his head and replied, “I really don’t know.”
He truly hadn’t anticipated such an unlucky day. First, he was embarrassed by a child who pulled down his pants. Later, he was whisked away in the dead of night by the Sinclair family’s people.
After stepping forward to kick the man, Zachary ordered his men, “Drag him away and bury him.”
That person was instantly scared out of his wits.
“No! Please, Mr. Sinclair! Spare me! I truly realize my mistake now…
Vivian was also taken aback. She had only heard about how despicable Zachary was from others. in the past. She never imagined he would treat human lives as if they were nothing.
Chapter 538 A Kind Soul
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Vivian really didn’t want to witness someone dying right in front of her, so she said. “Hey… Let’s just drop it. He didn’t do anything to Jon. Besides, it was Jon who started it by pulling at his pants.”
Vivian thought once she found Jonathan, she would definitely have to ask him why he pulled the man’s pants.
Zachary was also getting a bit anxious. His patience was spent hours looking
did you call me? Don’t I have a
at the surveillance footage. He turned to look at her. “Caring thin after he
name?”
Vivian involuntarily flinched out of fear after Zachary dropped his flippant demeanor.
Zachary massaged his temples and instructed his subordinates, “Just throw him out.”
“Yes.”
Vivian let out a sigh of relief and returned to monitoring the surveillance footage.
After Jonathan ran away, he never appeared on the surveillance footage again.
Zachary had someone check the external surveillance footage again, and he saw that the child had never even stepped outside. Could that brat still be hiding somewhere in the hotel?
With that in mind, he turned to the hotel manager and ordered, “Clear out all the guests staying here today. I refuse to believe we can’t find a single child.”
“Okay. We’ll do just that.”
Vivian saw that Zachary was genuinely worried about finding the child, so she didn’t blame him further. Together with the hotel staff, they started the search for the child.
At that moment, Nicholas was sitting at home. He wasn’t asleep. Instead, he was engrossed in a book.
Cassandra had already returned to the Evans residence, waiting for him to pick her up.
Suddenly, a call came through. He picked it up, and his pupils constricted instantly when he saw the caller ID. After that, he answered the call right away.
Unsure if Cecilia was looking for him, he remained silent until he heard her familiar voice. “Nicholas, can we meet?” she asked.
Nicholas had already received the news. Mason was looking for Nathaniel. Hence, when Cecilia looked for him, he was certain that it was about matters concerning Nathaniel.
He replied calmly, “Cecilia, why are you calling me at this hour? I’ve already gone to bed.”
When Cecilia heard him say that he had gone to bed, she thought about Mason’s assertion that Nathaniel’s sudden disappearance was somehow connected to him. However, deep down, she
10:20 AM
Chapter 538 A Kind Soul
didn’t quite believe it.
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In her memory, Nicholas was always incredibly kind to everyone. He would even frequently look.
the stray cats and dogs on the street. Therefore, she thought he couldn’t have harmed his own brother.
“I simply wanted to ask if you’ve seen Nathaniel. After attending the gathering today, he hasn’t returned and isn’t answering his calls. Mason mentioned that you were also at the gathering.
Over the phone, Nicholas could hear the sound of the wind accompanying Cecilia’s words. Instead of responding to her, he asked, “Where are you now?”
Cecilia didn’t hold back. “Not far from the entrance of the Rainsworth residence.”
She had initially planned to go straight in and seek out Nicholas for answers.
Reaching the doorstep, she felt it was inappropriate. Cassandra had already accused her of seducing Nicholas. Moreover, it was late at night. As his sister–in–law, it seemed even more inappropriate for her to find her brother–in–law at his home. Therefore, she decided to ask him to come out instead.
Upon hearing that Cecilia was outside the Rainsworth residence, Nicholas couldn’t help but glance out the window. The cold wind was howling, and the snow was falling heavily.
“I’ll come out to find you now.”
“No need. Just tell Nathaniel to-
Before Cecilia could finish speaking, Nicholas had already hung up the phone.
Nicholas grabbed his umbrella and hurriedly stepped out the door.
Outside the Rainsworth residence, Cecilia was standing by the car, holding an umbrella, as the icy wind and snow seeped into her clothes. She couldn’t help but rub her hands together.
She didn’t have to wait long before she saw Nicholas, umbrella in hand, hastily making his way toward her.
“Why didn’t you wait for me in the car, given how cold it is outside?”
Nicholas saw Cecilia standing outside, her face chilled to a purplish hue.
“I noticed a car parked outside. I was afraid you wouldn’t see me when you came out,” replied Cecilia.
Upon hearing her response, Nicholas couldn’t help but reminisce about their childhood together.
On a rainy day, she would stand waiting for him in the downpour. She had said that there were too many people around, and she was afraid he wouldn’t be able to find her.
Chapter 539 The Fool
Memories of the past enveloped Nicholas, fueling his growing discontent.
“I went to the banquet, but I have no clue where Nathaniel went. It’s quite late. Are you still looking for him?”
“Yes. Since you have no idea, I’ll be heading back.”
Perhaps it was the past that had cast a certain light on Nicholas, adding a filter to her memories of him. Regardless, Cecilia never perceived him as bad.
Just as Cecilia was about to get in the car, Nicholas beat her to it.
“I’ll accompany you to find him.”
Cecilia immediately declined, saying, “No need. You should go rest.”
She felt incredibly guilty for having to wake him up so late at night.
“No way. It’s late, and I can’t let you look for him on your own,” Nicholas said. Before Cecilia could respond, he had already taken the driver’s seat. “Let’s go. I’ll drive.”
Seeing the situation, Cecilia found it difficult to refuse any further. She nodded. “All right.”
Nicholas was driving toward the downtown.
The two of them hadn’t spent time alone like this in a long time.
“Did he disappear during the banquet?”
“No. It was after the banquet,” Cecilia answered.
Nicholas pulled out his phone. “I’ll have someone look into the nearby surveillance footage.”
“There’s no need to trouble yourself. I’ve already checked. However, part of the path falls under a surveillance blind spot, and that’s where he disappeared,” Cecilia honestly replied.
“Let’s have someone investigate. Find out which vehicles and people passed through that blind spot,” he said.
“All right.”
Nicholas made a phone call and instructed his subordinates to find information about Nathaniel overnight.
When the two of them neared the hotel entrance, he slowed down the car, making it easier for them to look around.
Tudela was neither particularly large nor especially small. However, searching for a single person within its boundaries was akin to finding a needle in a haystack.
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Cecilia initially thought that Nicholas wouldn’t be able to find any information. However, to his surprise, it didn’t take long before Nicholas received a phone call.
He pulled the car to a halt, his expression serious.
“What’s the matter?”
“Ceci, stop searching.” Nicholas suddenly said.
Cecilia was puzzled. “Why?”
“I assure you, he’s fine. There are some things it’s better you don’t know” Nicholas put his phone
away.
Yet, the more he acted this way, the more Cecilia wanted to understand why.
“You should tell me, you know. If you keep this from me, I might not be able to sleep all night.”
Only then did Nicholas take his phone and hand it to her.
Cecilia’s face turned pale instantly when she saw the photo on his phone.
In the photo, she saw Stella assisting a drunken Nathaniel into a hotel.
Cecilia couldn’t quite put into words how she was feeling. Only a sense of self–ridicule prevailed. She found it amusing that she had let her guard down due to the self–righteous words spoken before his departure to the hotel. She even went to pick him up.
Seeing that he hadn’t returned, she even went out to look for him in the dead of night.
“After I returned, I inquired about what transpired between you two. I know he treated you. poorly all those years, but I never imagined that he would still…” Nicholas clenched his fists in frustration.
Cecilia tucked away her feelings of vexation, her gaze resting on a face identical to Nathaniel’s. “It’s my own fault. I thought his amnesia had changed him as a person.”
“Didn’t he already regain his memory?” Nicholas asked again.
Cecilia stared at him in disbelief, her eyes wide with shock. “What?” she asked.
“I heard from Nathaniel’s primary doctor that most of his memories have already returned last month. Didn’t he tell you?”
Nicholas‘ words struck Cecilia like a bolt from the blue.
As a result, Cecilia took a long time to regain her composure.
Her mind was filled with his recent actions, including the promise she had him make last night. He said he wouldn’t hurt the children once he regained his memory! He regained his memory a long time ago, yet he continued to deceive me. I’ve been a fool!
Chapter 540 A Realization
“I’ve never heard him say he regained his memory. I asked him just a few days ago, and he said he hadn’t,” Cecilia murmured as if speaking to Nicholas but also to herself.
She was pregnant at that time, so she couldn’t afford to be overly emotional. She took deep, steadying breaths, forcing herself to calm down. It’s all right. Isn’t it just another deception? It’s okay. Don’t be angry. Don’t be sad. It’s all right. This is even better. Now, I can finally break free from him.
Cecilia comforted herself repeatedly deep within her heart.
Nicholas noticed her predicament. He gently grasped Cecilia’s hand, assuring her, “It’s okay. You still have me.”
Cecilia was taken aback. She stared at the hand that Nicholas had seized. At that moment, she still pulled away.
Nathaniel made a mistake, but she couldn’t afford to make the same mistake he did.
“Nicholas, you are Cassandra’s fiancé,” she reminded him.
Nicholas‘ hand stiffened momentarily, and a flicker of surprise crossed his face. After that, he said. gently, “You’ve misunderstood. What I meant was that I’ll stand by your side. After all, we’re still friends, aren’t we? Don’t worry. Nathaniel did something wrong. I won’t take his side.”
Only then did Cecilia breathe a sigh of relief.
She glanced at the time inside the car. It was already one in the morning.
“Let’s head back,” she said.
“All right.”
Nicholas drove to drop Cecilia off first. On the way, his peripheral vision would occasionally dart toward her, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. No matter what, I must win Cecilia back. Nathaniel, don’t blame me. You’re the one who insists on taking what’s mine.
They soon arrived at Daltonia Villa..
Cecilia got out of the car and thanked Nicholas.
“Let me borrow this car to drive back. I’ll return it to you tomorrow.”
“All right.” Nodding in agreement, Cecilia returned to the mansion alone.
After she returned, she called Mason and said, “Mr. Sanders, there’s no need to search anymore.”
Mason was puzzled, and Cecilia said to him, “Nathaniel and Stella are at a hotel together.”
“How could this be possible? Mrs. Rainsworth, there’s no way Mr. Rainsworth could be with Stella,” Mason hastily said.
Chapter 540 A Realization
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As an outsider, he was certain of it. This was the first time he had seen Nathaniel disregard danger for the sake of a woman. Even when Nathaniel was practically blind, he still insisted on staying by Cecilia’s side. It was also the first time he had witnessed Nathaniel feigning amnesia just to keep Cecilia around.
“Nathaniel has regained his memory, hasn’t he?” Cecilia asked again.
Mason was taken aback once again, assuming that she was guessing and still trying to cover for Nathaniel. “No. Who told you that?”
Cecilia already knew he wouldn’t reveal the truth to her. “Forget about it.”
What? Forget about it? After a year or two of dating, Mason knew that when a woman, especially at pregnant one like Cecilia, said those three words, she definitely hadn’t forgotten about it.
The hormones of a pregnant woman differed from an average person, making her prone to irritability and quick to anger.
“Mrs. Rainsworth, please let me explain. Mr. Rainsworth has regained his memory. However, he’s been pretending to have amnesia because he’s afraid that you might leave him again. He’s only pretending to be poor because of you. He’s afraid you might want a divorce.” Mason assumed that Cecilia had also found out about Nathaniel’s act of pretending to be poor, so he simply spilled the beans.
After all, Mason’s girlfriend had told him that sincerity mattered more than anything else.
However, no sooner had he finished speaking than Cecilia hung up the phone.
Mason stared at the disconnected call, feeling like crying but unable to shed a tear. “Who on earth spilled the beans? How did Mrs. Rainsworth come to the conclusion that Mr. Rainsworth and Stella were together?”
He immediately instructed his subordinates to search for the people who attended the banquet, and sure enough, they found Stella.
Mason had a starting point. He then had someone investigate Stella’s movements after leaving the banquet.
When Cecilia arrived home, Elliot was still awake.
“Mommy, have you found Mr. Rainsworth yet?”
“Yes. Mr. Rainsworth will be back tomorrow,” she said.
“Where on earth did Mr. Rainsworth go? He’s not even answering his phone. He’s never been out this late before,” said Elliot
It was that very sentence that instantly sparked a realization in Cecilia.
