Chapter 551 Got Beaten Up
When Cecily got home and stepped onto the porch of the villa, she saw someone leaning against the column beside the door, head drooping as if asleep.
Cecily blinked, thinking it was a homeless person passing by and taking a nap there. She moved closer to take a better look.
It was Bryan!
Cecily's lips twitched, and Bryan seemed to hear the movement, suddenly opening his eyes.
When he saw it was Cecily who had returned, Bryan's previously tired face broke into a smile, "Cecily, you're back."
"Why are you here?" Cecily pointed to the door.
Bryan gave a wry smile, saying, "Vivienne wouldn't let me in."
Cecily nodded and turned to go inside, without saying more. The servant, seeing her return, enthusiastically opened the door to welcome her, "Miss Bennett, you're back."
"Cecily." Bryan struggled to stand up, looking a bit awkward.
Cecily stopped, "Anything else?"
"Have you had dinner?" Bryan asked.
"Yes."
"Can you join me for a bit?" Bryan took out two exquisite insulated lunch boxes from his coat.
Bryan had been waiting for quite a while. He had arrived early, but Vivienne wouldn't let him in. Fearing he might miss Cecily, he stayed put, unwilling to leave. He even kept the food warm by holding it close to his chest. Little did he expect to wait so long.
Cecily eyed Bryan with a mix of surprise and confusion. She glanced at the clock—it was ten o'clock—and then at the stylish thermal container he was holding. She thought, 'Is he still waiting for me to come back and have dinner at this hour?'
When she saw the pleading look in Bryan's eyes, Cecily's resolve softened. She sighed lightly, "Come in."
Bryan's face lit up with a glimmer of joy, his eyes bright with gratitude. He nodded eagerly, as if he had just received the greatest reward, and hurried inside, using his cane for support.
However, as he climbed the steps, his leg gave way, threatening to make him fall. Cecily instinctively reached out and steadied him by gripping his arm.
Bryan looked up, startled, meeting Cecily's gaze. She had already withdrawn her hand and turned away with a blank expression. "Don't make a scene at my front door. No one's here to help you."
Bryan's heart skipped a beat, and he stammered, "I..."
Cecily didn't wait for him to finish. She moved inside, heading towards the dining room. "Be quiet. My mom goes to bed early."
Bryan lowered his voice, "I understand."
Once inside the dining room, Bryan set down the container and carefully made his way to a chair, struggling a bit as he sat down. Cecily took a seat across from him and watched as he proudly opened the thermal container, presenting the food like a precious gift.
"This is from Dad—no, I mean, I made this myself. I thought you might want to try it. You haven't had a chance to taste my cooking yet."
Cecily glanced at the six containers of food, all the dishes she liked. She didn't know where he had gotten that information. She gave them a brief look, her expression unchanged, before turning her gaze away.
"What's the point of all this? Trying to make up for past mistakes? Don't bother," Cecily said, rising to go upstairs.
Bryan jumped up, his voice urgent, "Cecily, I wasn't trying to make amends. I mean, I just wanted to make some of your favorite dishes. I owe you so much, and this can't even begin to make up for it. I just want to do what a father should."
"I don't need it," Cecily said coldly.
Bryan's shoulders sagged, and he lowered his head, his voice heavy with regret. "I'm sorry. It's my fault."
"It's too late for that," Cecily replied as she headed up the stairs. "Finish up and go home."
Cecily turned her back on Bryan, her demeanor as cold as ice. She didn't need his concern; the past was a wound that refused to heal.
After heading upstairs, she gently knocked on Vivienne's door, but there was no response. Vivienne was likely asleep, though she had been quietly observing from upstairs, choosing not to interrupt.
With Bryan now caring for Cecily, Vivienne felt a flicker of hope. Even if she left, Cecily wouldn't be alone for long. Bryan had someone to hold onto now, and that thought eased her mind. She had returned her father to Cecily and her daughter to Bryan, hoping they would find their way.
Vivienne opened a drawer filled with various medications, taking out a few painkillers to ease the cramping in her stomach. Gradually, the discomfort began to fade.
Meanwhile, Aurelie was having a rough night as well. The phone rang incessantly until she finally switched it off, seeking silence. But even in the quiet, her heart raced with anxiety.
Joshua, frustrated by his inability to reach Aurelie, stormed out of Lewis Manor, muttering curses under his breath, "You think you can just ignore me? Not a chance! I'm your father, and if you think you can shake me off, you're dreaming."
It was late, and the streets were nearly deserted, typical for this upscale neighborhood. As Joshua rounded a corner, a sudden force yanked him off his feet.
Before he could even scream, he was pulled into a dark alley. A cloth was thrown over his head, plunging him into darkness, followed by a flurry of punches and kicks.
His cries were muffled, fading into silence as the assault continued. Minutes later, a group of men emerged from the shadows, striding toward a nearby streetlight.
Under the glow of the lamp, Nathaniel leaned casually against the pole, his black shirt slightly unbuttoned at the collar. He hung his head, the tousled hair casting a shadow over his predatory eyes.
Taking a deep drag from his cigarette, he let the smoke curl around his sharp features, a picture of calm amidst the chaos.
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