When Her "Death" Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel)

Chapter 2055

The name stopped Zachary cold. For a beat, his mind flashed to padded white walls and the vacant smile Stella had worn. Wasn't she declared insane?

Recognition morphed into scorn. So she was faking it all along.

"Understood," he said flatly.

He lifted the phone from the table. "You two start eating. I'll clarify the situation and be back in a minute."

With that, he headed out to dial.

Vivian helped George toward the dining table, but a quiet grumble slipped out. "Why can't he make the call in here? What's so secret that he has to step outside?"

George caught the irritation in her eyes and lowered himself into his chair. "Why is that Stella Ross still haunting Zach?" he asked, voice gravel-rough with disdain.

He detested women like Stella.

"I honestly don't know," Vivian replied.

Curiosity tugged at her. "You've met Stella?"

George's gaze drifted toward the window where Zachary paced outside. "Of course. Years ago she nearly shattered Zach's sanity. Once he saw her true colors, he cut her off entirely."

"I never imagined she'd

hand curled into a fist, knuckles whitening, as though he could squeeze the unwelcome memory-and Stella Ross herself-out

thump. "Seems we'll have to teach that woman a lesson. Otherwise she'll never stop haunting

weighing a thousand thoughts, choosing silence instead

Zach has fallen under that woman's spell again, remember this. I stand beside you. If she keeps clawing at him, I'll wager my very life to

of bluster. Every crease in George's weather-lined face insisted

she waved her hands in a quick, nervous flutter as though chasing off an

someone disappear is illegal. I'm fine, truly. I'm not angry; I'm not

the baby. Besides, I'm carrying the Sinclair heir, and Grandpa George has already placed plenty of assets in my name. No one in this house has treated

be willing to swallow such grievances, but I refuse

let's eat. Let's see how

we're full, we'll see about teaching that woman a lesson," George

balancing steaming dishes that filled the room

aromas.

general directing troops. The servants

now. You must take

she murmured, lowering her head to the meal and letting the food distract

fast. Every dish looked vibrant, smelled divine, and tasted better than it

her pregnancy, Vivian had been pampered so much that she