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Novel Catalog
Chapter 78: An Invitation
Felix leaned closer to Jonathan, whispering with a sense of urgency. “When Mom and Dad were talking, they said Ms. Ross got together with Uncle Nathaniel because she saved Grandma Elena in the past. I even saw Uncle Nathaniel pushing Ms. Ross away.”
Jonathan, who had intended to learn more about the Rainsworth family, found himself unexpectedly stumbling upon a secret about his father. However, he wasn’t ready to fully trust Felix just yet.
“This is just your one-sided claim,” Jonathan replied, trying to remain skeptical.
Felix, though confused by Jonathan’s doubt, still pressed on. “This weekend is my great-grandpa’s birthday. Ms. Ross will be there, and I’ll be going with my parents. If you don’t believe me, come see for yourself.”
Jonathan was intrigued but also cautious. His curiosity about the Rainsworth family was piqued, and now he had a chance to verify Felix’s story.
“All right. If you’re right, I’ll trust you. But you have to make sure I live comfortably,” Jonathan said without hesitation. He wouldn’t put himself at a disadvantage, not in this situation. And, after all, he also had plans for this visit—not just to uncover family secrets, but to teach Stella a lesson. Stealing his father away was one thing, but plagiarizing his mother’s work? That was unforgivable.
On the weekend, Cecilia woke up early and took a private car to Vivian’s home. As the rain poured outside, her mind wandered.
The driver broke the silence, speaking in short bursts. “Ms. Smith, Mr. Reese used to love looking out the window during car rides too. He often mentioned a little girl who found peace watching the rain, believing it could wash away her sadness. That little girl was you.”
Cecilia couldn’t help but smile at the memory. “That must have been something I said when I was very young. I don’t even remember it myself.”
The driver continued, “It’s truly fate that Mr. Reese was able to meet you again after all this time.”
Cecilia reflected on that idea of fate. It was an interesting thought, one that felt almost like a sign.
Soon, they arrived at Vivian’s mansion. Both Vivian and Jonathan were there to greet her.
“Ceci, come in! Jon and I have been waiting for you to join us for dinner,” Vivian said with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“All right,” Cecilia replied, smiling back.
It had been a few days since she’d last seen Jonathan, and as soon as they were inside, she couldn’t resist embracing him. She gently rubbed his cheeks, asking, “How’s everything going at school?”
Jonathan’s cheeks turned pink as he sheepishly answered, “Everything’s great.”
Vivian teased, “Jonathan mentioned that he’s quite popular among the girls these days. He’s even outshining the boys.” She winked at him, knowing how charming and intelligent he was, a perfect blend of his parents’ best traits.
“Mommy, I’ve been obedient,” Jonathan added quickly, hoping to divert the conversation back to something more serious.
Unable to resist, Cecilia tenderly caressed his cheek and placed a kiss on his forehead. “That’s great,” she said warmly.
Jonathan flushed an even deeper shade of red, embarrassed by the attention.
After a brief pause, he suddenly remembered what he wanted to say. “By the way, Mommy, I’m going to a friend’s house tomorrow.”
Cecilia raised an eyebrow. “You’ve made friends so quickly. That’s great.” She was genuinely happy. “You should rest early tonight.”
“Okay,” Jonathan said, still red-faced, and excused himself to go to bed.
After dinner, as Jonathan went upstairs, Cecilia and Vivian sat down to talk. Vivian placed two elegant invitations in front of Cecilia, who stared at them, puzzled.
“What’s this?” Cecilia asked, her confusion evident.
“Tomorrow, Old Mr. Rainsworth is celebrating his eightieth birthday,” Vivian said in a lowered voice, “All the prominent figures of Tudela will be there.”
Cecilia’s curiosity deepened as Vivian continued, “You know how my father has always been involved in major family matters…”
