Chapter 269 Girls Are Meant to Be Cherished
Nathaniel hadn't been back to the Heilbronn Villa in ages.
Ever since Aurelia left, Reed had turned his back on him, swearing he wouldn't let him into the villa unless he brought her back.
But Reed only kept him out for the first couple of years. Eventually, he softened, realizing Nathaniel was also living in endless regret.
During holidays, Reed would let him in for a family meal.
Other than that, Reed didn't care much for him. Later, when someone told Reed about Aurelia's death, he got seriously ill. It took a team of top doctors to save him.
After that, Reed completely ignored Nathaniel.
Nathaniel knew his sins were too deep to expect Reed's forgiveness, but he still came back every weekend to visit, never staying overnight. He'd ask the servants about Reed's appetite and buy his favorite foods to send over, not daring to approach Reed directly and risk angering him.
Now that he had found Aurelia, he hadn't shared the good news with Reed yet. Reed would surely be happy and gradually regain his strength once he knew.
Zack drove the car into the Heilbronn Villa's courtyard. At this hour, Reed was already asleep.
He tiptoed inside, where Marcus was on the phone in the hall, wearing glasses. Noticing Nathaniel's entrance, Marcus made a quick remark to the person on the other end and hung up.
Nathaniel vaguely heard a few words Marcus said to the other party and sneered, not paying much attention.
During Nathaniel's two years of despair, Marcus had won over many company shareholders and held a significant amount of shares. His high-end clothing line had also developed, making him a formidable opponent.
But Nathaniel didn't take this seriously. No one could take away what he held unless he willingly gave it up.
Nathaniel glanced at Marcus and sarcastically said, "Uncle Marcus, you are really busy, still working for the company this late."
Marcus coughed, covering his mouth and nose, saying, "Nathaniel, you're back? Your mom seems to have found a few well-off girls for you. You should take this opportunity to meet them. A man needs a wife."
Nathaniel always felt that since Aurelia left, Marcus's attitude towards him had changed. Now, he didn't even bother to hide his sarcasm.
Knowing Nathaniel hated Beatrice's matchmaking, Marcus brought it up just to annoy him.
Thinking of Marcus's past attitude towards Aurelia, Nathaniel felt a pang of bitterness. "You are right, but my wife is coming back. If you don't find a woman soon, Grandpa will have to find remedies for you in a few years. Men over thirty-five often struggle with sexual performance."
He never backed down in a verbal spar.
After speaking, Nathaniel walked up the stairs.
Upstairs, his room was cleaned daily. He hadn't stepped into this room for four years, not because Reed forbade it, but because he didn't dare to.
The room's furnishings remained the same, filled with Aurelia's traces.
The closet still had her clothes, exuding the scent of laundry detergent, likely washed and aired regularly by the servants.
The drawer held her sleep mask and earplugs, and at the back, he found a half-used box of condoms.
The bed linens were her favorite simple plaid design. He even felt the quilt still carried Aurelia's scent.
That night, he slept very well.
The next morning, when Nathaniel got up, Reed was already in the yard doing exercise. Reed had aged significantly over the years, his body no longer as healthy as before.
Nathaniel didn't dare disturb him and waited until Reed finished his routine to hand him a towel.
"Grandpa, here's a towel for your sweat." It was the first time in four years he dared to speak to Reed first.
Reed took the towel, giving him a sideways glance. He'd been hearing rumors that the president of the Heilbronn Group was slacking off again, not showing up at the office for over half a month and attending meetings remotely.
Reed had cursed him countless times in his mind. He said,"If you don't want to do it, step down early. Don't ruin my company."
Nathaniel was puzzled, saying, "Grandpa, what are you talking about? How could I ruin the Heilbronn Group? It's the hard work of three generations."
Reed snorted and said, "I'm old, but I'm not blind. How long has it been since you went to the company? Is this how a president should act?"
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, thinking he had done something wrong again to anger Reed, only to realize it was about this. "Grandpa, let me explain."
Reed wiped his forehead and tossed the towel at him, saying sternly, "I'd like to hear your excuse."
Nathaniel chuckled softly. Reed was still the same; as long as he was willing to listen to his explanation, it didn't matter if his words were harsh.
"Grandpa, I found some clues about Aurelia in Coral Bay this time," Nathaniel said.
Reed's eyes sharpened as he looked at him. For the past four years, the car accident involving Aurelia and her unborn twins had been a sore spot for him, and no one dared to mention it in his presence. "Aurelia was gone, still unclear to this day, not even a grave. What can you contribute?"
Nathaniel's eyes grew moist. "Grandpa, I haven't found Aurelia's grave because she's not dead. She's alive and well."
Reed's spirits lifted at these words, his lips trembling and his eyes eager. "Tell me quickly, what happened? Where is Aurelia? Did she come back with you?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of hope and urgency.
Nathaniel rubbed his forehead. "Grandpa, Aurelia has been living in Coral Bay these years. I met her by chance this time, but I haven't earned her forgiveness yet. I'll bring her back eventually."
Reed smiled bitterly, tears in his eyes, saying, "You always not knowing what's important. Why aren't you in Coral Bay with Aurelia? Why come back? Leave the company to Marcus or handle it remotely. Those old guys in the company can't just take dividends for nothing. Since you didn't bring your wife back, how dare you come back?"
Nathaniel was scolded and dejected. During those years, Reed didn't even want to look at him, which deepened his misery.
"Grandpa, it's a bit difficult. I might need your help," he admitted.
Reed, frustrated with Nathaniel's incompetence, wanted to knock some sense into him. "Aurelia suffered so much in our family before. Who caused that suffering? Do you think I can help? The key is for you to behave well and repent for your mistakes. Do you understand? Don't wait until Aurelia marries someone else and then come crying to me, acting like you can't live without her."
Nathaniel nodded repeatedly at Reed's advice and said, "Grandpa, no matter what, I'll bring Aurelia back this time."
Reed rolled his eyes at him, saying, "The goal isn't just to bring her back, but to atone for your sins. How did you break her heart before? Now, warm it back bit by bit. Girls are meant to be cherished, you know? Keep your bad temper in check."
Nathaniel didn't dare have a temper now. He would do whatever Aurelia told him to do.
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