<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Chapter 1143 He Is An Idiot</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Fortunately, the parents didn’t dwell on their curiosity for too long. Once their own children appeared, they quickly turned their attention away from Elliot and dispersed.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">After Elliot hopped into the car, the atmosphere immediately brightened with cheerful chatter andughter.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">The three of them set off toward the Rainswroth residence, where Elena felt her spirits lifting. It had been so long since she’d felt this happy. Elliot’s vibrant energy was infectious.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">When they arrived at the mansion, they were greeteil by Cassandra, who hade over that day as well. As she watched Elena bring back Cecilia and Elliot, a flicker of displeasure crossed her face.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“Mom,” Cassandra greeted,</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“Mm.” Elena responded with a gentle nod, treating her with the utmost courtesy.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Cassandra’s eyes darted to Cecilia, and her expression stiffened. She turned back to Elena, her voice a little sharp, “Mom, what brings Ms. Smith here?”</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Ms. Smith?</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">The use of “Ms. Smith annoyed Elena, but given Cassandra’s ba</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">ckground and connections, she held her temper. Speaking in a more measured tone, she replied. “Ceci has given birth to two children for our Rainsworth family, and the child she’s carrying now is also a Rainsworth. From now on, you should refer to her as your elder sister–inw, Cecilia, not Ms. Smith That’s too formal”</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Cassandra’s face stiffened further, clearly showing her displeasure.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Why should I address Cecilia–an orphan, and someone who isn’t even of the same social standing–as my sister–inw? What on earth har gotten into Elena to suddenly treat Cecilia so well?</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“Understood, Cassandra responded curtly, but she made no move to greet Cecilia properly. Instead, she simply sat back down on the couch, avoiding further interaction.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Elena, not wanting to escte the situation, turned to Cecilia and Elliot with a smile. “Dinner will be ready soon. Why don’t you both rx for a bit?”</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“All right.” Cecilia replied.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Unable to contain his curiosity, Elliot looked up at Elena, his eyes wide with anticipation. “Grandma, can I see Daddy now?”</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">He had heard rumors about his father’s condition, about how Nathaniel had lost his mind, but it still seemed so hard for him to believe.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Elena hesitated for a moment, her expression softening with concern. “Not yet,” she said gently. “Give it a little more time, and you’ll be able to see him”</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">She didn’t want Elliot to meet Nathaniel while he was still in such a fragile, confused state. She feared it would be too much for the young boy to handle.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“Okay.” Elliot sighed, his disappointment evident in his voice.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Elena offered a reassuring smile. “I’m going to go change my clothes. We’ll have dinner together in just a bit.”</font></font>
As Elena disappeared upstairs, Cassandra remained seated on the couch, her gaze fixed on Cecilia. Watching how carefully Cecilia doted on the frail child beside her, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of bitterness. Nathaniel had been reduced to a fool, and yet here Cecilia was, still receiving attention: and care.
“Cecilia,” Cassandra suddenly said, her voiceced with disdain. “Do you honestly think Mom has grown fond of you! She’s only keeping you around because Nathaniel isn’t capable of taking care of things anymore. She needs you to look after the
Cecilia nced over at Cassandra, her expression calm andposed. “I don’t really care if others like me or not. But you…. are you upset that Mom treats me well?” she asked, her tone steady, deliberately provoking Cassandra.
Cassandra’s temper red, and she quickly rose from her seat, one hand protectively resting on her stomach. Her eyes were filled with arrogance. “Cecilia, don’t think for one second that you’re important just because you’re pregnant. I’m carrying a Rainsworth child too. Once my baby is born, you’ll have no ce here. Nichs and I will have plenty more children in the future.”
Cecilia couldn’t help but let out augh. “Well, here’s to you having more children, then.”
Cassandra bristled at Cecilia’s calm response. It felt like she was hitting a pillow–her words had no effect, no impact whatsoever. Frustration gnawed at her.
Cecilia, unfazed by Cassandra’s outburst, decided to take Elliot with her and step out for a breath of fresh air, wanting to get away from the tension. However, just as she was about to leave, Cassandra stepped in front of them, crouching down to Elliot’s eye level.
“You’re Elliot, right?” Cassandra said, her voice sweet but venomous. “Do you know why your dad isn’t around anymore?”
Cecilia’s eyes narrowed, sensing something off in Cassandra’s tone. Before she could step in, Cassandra continued, her words sharp and cruel. “It’s because your dad has be a fool now. Do you know what a fool is? It means he’s an idiot!”
Elliot’s little hands clenched into fists, his expression darkening.
*Cassandra, are you out of your mind?” Cecilia snapped, her voice cold and filled with warning.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.
But Cassandra, seemingly unfazed, looked up at Cecilia with a mocking smile. “What’s the matter?” she teased. “Did I strike a nerve? I haven’t even said anything-
Before she could finish her sentence, a sudden pain shot through her arm. She gasped in shock, looking down to see that Elliot had sunk his teeth into her flesh.