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Novel Catalog
Chapter 80: Strikingly Similar
Jonathan withdrew his gaze, indifferent.
“Oh.”
Felix, thinking Jonathan didn’t believe him, urged, “Let’s head to the hall. Just wait and see; I’ll prove it to you.”
“Okay, let’s go.”
At that moment, the hall designated for entertaining guests was still being set up. Elena, Niel’s daughter-in-law, was overseeing the preparations.
“This is Old Mr. Rainsworth’s birthday party. Keep an eye on every corner,” she instructed while delicately trimming a flower arrangement. “Also, let me know if you spot any prominent young ladies.”
Four years had passed, but Stella still hadn’t conceived a child with Nathaniel. Elena, ever the strategist, was now considering a backup plan.
“Will do,” the butler replied, bowing before leaving.
As he reached the doorway, he spotted the two children.
“Mr. Felix,” he greeted.
Felix waved dismissively.
Sensing the situation, the butler tactfully excused himself.
Elena had never been fond of her grandnephew. Every time she encountered him, it was nothing more than a public performance. After all, he wasn’t her grandson.
She glanced over at them, about to tell Felix to go play elsewhere when something stopped her. Her gaze froze, transfixed by the delicate, refined boy standing next to him.
How can that child resemble Nathaniel so closely when he was young?
Elena snapped back to reality and quickly summoned a housekeeper.
“Bring Felix and the child next to him here,” she ordered.
“Yes, Madam,” the housekeeper responded, leaving.
Elena carelessly tossed the flowers she was arranging aside. Her attention was entirely consumed by the boy.
Jonathan entered the room without his usual mask, and little did he expect that the first person he’d encounter would be his grandmother—the woman who had once made life difficult for his mother.
The housekeeper led the children over. Felix, ever the proud one, introduced Jonathan with a smile.
“This is Uncle Nathaniel’s mother—Grandma Elena.”
“Okay.” Jonathan nodded quietly.
Elena’s eyes remained fixed on Jonathan as he approached, unable to tear herself away.
It’s uncanny, she thought. He looks so much like Nathaniel when he was young… as if they were carved from the same mold.
Jonathan, keen and perceptive, noticed her gaze and felt a growing sense of confusion. Has she recognized me?
“Hello, Grandma Elena,” Felix greeted her politely.
“Right,” Elena replied coolly, barely acknowledging him.
Jonathan, following Felix’s lead, greeted her with a polite, “Hello, Grandma Elena.”
The moment Jonathan called her “Grandma” in his soft, babyish voice, Elena’s icy heart melted. She bent down to his level, giving him her full attention.
Not only does he look like Nathaniel… I feel strangely close to him.
Her voice softened to an unexpected gentleness as she addressed him. “Child, what’s your name? Where do you live? How old are you?”
Her sudden warmth was a stark contrast to the coldness she had shown Felix moments ago.
Jonathan, suspicious of this sudden change, was left feeling uneasy. Based on his research, Grandma Elena had always been rumored to be an iron lady—cold and ruthless in her youth. But here she was, acting almost affectionate toward him. Why the difference?
“I’m Jonathan Smith. I live in Hillscester, and I’m almost 4 years old,” he said, giving only a vague location to avoid trouble for his mother.
“Jonathan Smith…” Elena repeated, her voice trailing off. She looked at him, her expression softening slightly, and asked, “Is Smith your father’s last name?”
Jonathan nodded, careful to keep his identity concealed.
Elena’s disappointment flickered across her face, but she didn’t relent. “Then, who is your mother?” she asked, her tone sharp with curiosity.
Jonathan’s bright, clear eyes flickered with a knowing glint.
She’s figured it out.
