Angelica2511

Chapter 231: A suicide?

Chapter 231: A suicide?

The next morning, Zara woke to find Nathaniel’s side of the bed empty. As she moved, a dull ache spread through her body.

"Ouch," she winced, pressing a hand to her waist. "My waist." She sat up slowly and then flicked her gaze around the room. "Where did he go so early in the morning?"

Zara clambered down the bed and stepped toward the door. Just then, Nathaniel appeared. A wide grin surfaced on his face as he saw her awake.

"Good morning," he drawled as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to his chest. "I thought you’d sleep a bit longer. Why are you up so early?"

"I have to see Zane before going to the office," Zara said. She had dropped him off at the mansion the night before and promised to take him to school today.

"Alright. We’ll go together," he said. "Breakfast is ready. Go and freshen up."

Zara nodded before stepping into the bathroom.

Nathaniel smiled as he turned and walked away.

When Zara finally stepped out of the bedroom, the aroma of freshly made food filled the air. She took a deep breath, savoring it as she descended the stairs. Nathaniel was at the dining table, setting out plates.

He lifted his gaze at her and grinned. "Come and sit." He gestured to a chair.

Zara gaped at the spread of the dishes on the table. There were pancakes, toasts, omelettes, and freshly squeezed apple juice.

"You made all this?" she asked in surprise. Although she had seen him cooking for Nora, she had rarely seen him going into the kitchen in the past five years.

Nathaniel nodded and pulled his hands behind his back. He had burned them slightly while cooking and didn’t want her to notice and worry.

"Where is Mrs. Jules?" she asked, still trying to process what she was seeing.

"She is getting old and weak," said Nathaniel. "I told her to sleep a little longer."

Zara couldn’t suppress a smile. "That’s really sweet of you."

"Sit and try it," he urged, his eyes bright with anticipation. "Tell me how it tastes."

She couldn’t wait to taste the food. Sitting down on the chair, she picked a pancake. She cut a piece with her knife and fork, then tasted it.

"Mm, not bad," she said, taking another bite. "You are quite the cook. I wish Zane were here—he’d be thrilled to see his daddy made breakfast."

He let out a small chuckle. "Then I guess I’ll have to do this more often."

"You should."

They laughed as they continued eating. But their peaceful moment was shattered when Nathaniel’s phone rang loudly. His expression instantly changed as he saw Ian’s name flashing on the screen. He had just returned home early in the morning after meeting him.

Why was he calling again so soon? What might have happened this time?

A sense of unease crept over him. Nathaniel stared at the phone, hesitating to answer.

Zara paused mid-bite, watching him with concern. "Why aren’t you answering the phone? Who is calling?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Nathaniel replied, "It’s my assistant. I should take this."

He picked up the phone before the ring could end. "Hello?"

"I need you to come to the office," Ian’s grave tone came through.

Nathaniel’s frown deepened. Something was clearly wrong. "I’ll be there soon," he said, then hung up.

He ended the call and moved his eyes to Zara, only to find her staring at him. He felt a bit remorseful. He had promised to go with her to pick up Zane, but now, he had to head to the office.

"I’m sorry. Something urgent has come. I need to rush to the office."

Zara nodded understandingly. "Okay, go ahead."

He gave her an apologetic look as he stood up, walking into the bedroom to get ready.

At Nathaniel’s office...

Nathaniel arrived at the office and found Ian waiting for him. "What is the matter?" he asked, frowning as he observed Ian’s troubled look. "Why do you look so disturbed?"

"This morning, Mr. Gilbert was found dead," Ian said. "They say he jumped from his office building, but I don’t buy the suicide story. I have my suspicions."

Nathaniel narrowed his eyes at him. "What makes you think that?"

"The police questioned his assistant and secretary. I checked their statements. Both said he was working late last night and were aware he had been furious with Zachary over the blunder that had happened at the seminar. He had even demanded repayment for his investment. But neither noticed any signs of depression. So they don’t believe it’s a suicide."

Nathaniel grew pensive as he processed his words.

"I also have the same feeling," Ian added. "Something is off."

Nathaniel started to think if Zachary had a hand in it. But then a disdainful look crossed his face. "Even if foul play occurred, it’ll be impossible to prove. I’m sure all the clues have been wiped out. We won’t find anything."

"Don’t lose hope yet," Ian said. "Zachary may be clever, but he’s still a criminal, and criminals leave traces. He is getting reckless. Eventually, he’ll slip up, and that’s when we’ll catch him."

Nathaniel exhaled slowly. "I hope that day comes soon." He stepped into his office, Ian following close behind. "When Claire arrives, have her go straight to HR to clear her account. She doesn’t need to see me. Handle it yourself."

In truth, Nathaniel knew he wouldn’t have the heart to fire her if he faced her directly. It was easier to avoid the meeting altogether.

"I understand," Ian said, noting Nathaniel’s hesitation. "I’ll speak with her. She’ll cooperate, don’t worry."

He then set down the file he had been carrying all the time. "This is the contract from Sphere Group. Review the terms, and once you approve, I’ll initiate the signing process."

Nathaniel accepted the file and skimmed his eyes over the documents. "You can go now," he said without glancing up at him. "I’ll call you if I need."

"Sure." With that, Ian turned and walked out of the office.