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

A weary sigh escaped him. "I never imagined she'd crawl back into his life."

His weathered hand curled into a fist, knuckles whitening, as though he could squeeze the unwelcome memory—and Stella Ross herself—out of existence.

George's knuckles hit the hardwood armrest with a muted thump. "Seems we'll have to teach that woman a lesson. Otherwise she'll never stop haunting our Zach."

Vivian only dipped her chin, eyes calm yet weighing a thousand thoughts, choosing silence instead of words.

"Vivian, don't let this upset you. You're pregnant," George said, leaning forward, his voice surprisingly gentle. "Whether or not 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 make her vanish so you and Zach can live in peace."

The threat carried no hint of bluster. Every crease in George's weather-lined face insisted he meant every syllable.

The steel behind his promise startled Vivian; she waved her hands in a quick, nervous flutter as though chasing off an angry bee.

Zach and I never shared much romance anyway. If he wants to pine for his first love, so be it; anger would only hurt 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 me badly.

Midway through her pregnancy, Vivian had been pampered so much that she had put on weight.

Outside, Zachary returned the director's earlier call, one hand in his pocket, voice kept low so it wouldn't drift indoors.

"You're saying she met with Cecilia earlier?"

"Yes," the director answered. "Afterward, Ms. Smith insisted she continue treatment. Then the patient asked to see you. I felt you should know. Mrs. Sinclair overheard—she won't be angry, will she?"

"It's fine. I understand. Leave her to me—I won't meet her. We'll follow whatever Cecilia orders," Zachary replied, tone clipped but steady.

"Understood."

He ended the call, slipped the phone away, and strode back inside toward the dining room.

George shot him a glare. "Took you long enough."