When Her Death Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel) novel Chapter 2054

"Ah—old eyes, poor focus," George chuckled, scattering the pieces with a theatrical flourish. "Let's reset the board and pretend I never saw that."

"Grandpa, that's outright cheating," Vivian sighed, though laughter shimmered behind the reproach.

"I'm telling you, these eyes betray me. I play the same way with Jon," he insisted, tapping his temple as if the fault lay there.

Vivian had never expected the patriarch of the Sinclair family to be such an incorrigible rascal. Apparently, only Jonathan could keep the old man truly content.

But Jonathan wasn't around. He had gone home.

Hearing the playful quarrel, Zachary wiped his hands on a towel and strode into the lounge.

"Grandpa, remember Vivian's pregnant. Take it easy on her, will you?"

Only then did recognition flicker across George's face.

"Right, right—my memory, heavens! Vivian, this round is yours." He pushed the queen toward her like a peace offering.

A tremor of unease rippled through him.

Moments earlier, he truly had forgotten about her pregnancy; it hadn't been an act.

Age gnawed at his memory, snatching thoughts away the moment they formed.

"It's fine, really," Vivian said softly. "I'm only teasing you."

"Teasing or not, he should still give you the advantage. He's your elder," Zachary replied, his protectiveness unmistakable.

George's eyes crinkled with approval. "Rest assured. I'll let Vivian win every game from now on."

"Good," Zachary said, shoulders loosening. "I'll get back to the stove before the broth rebels."

Vivian turned back to the board but noticed Zachary's phone vibrating on a side table, its screen flashing an unfamiliar number.

She rose, phone in hand, and padded toward the kitchen, the hem of her cotton dress whispering across the polished floor.

Stella Ross?

The director heard the cool female voice—and the informal "Zach"—and recognition drenched him in cold sweat. That must be Mrs. Sinclair, the wife.

Nerves crackled through him. "Ma'am, I wouldn't dream of troubling you," he babbled. "Please—forget I called. It's nothing at all."

"I won't disturb you and Mr. Zachary further," he stammered, then slammed the call dead.

The moment the line went silent, he felt as if he had triggered a bomb. If Mrs. Sinclair becomes jealous of Stella, she'll blame the messenger—me!

Panic shoved him out of his chair. He paced his office in frantic, tight circuits.

Back in the kitchen, Vivian stared at the phone's dark screen, bemused. "He says it's nothing and not to pass it on, yet he goes out of his way to call? Truly bizarre," she muttered, shaking her head.

Across the living room, George waited by the chessboard. When Vivian failed to return, he called, "Vivian, who was on the line?"

"No idea," she answered, setting the phone aside. "Sounded like one of Zach's subordinates." With a practiced smile, she rejoined the game, moving her knight as though nothing had happened.

Moments later, Zachary emerged, apron still tied, fragrant steam trailing after him. Vivian rose and reported, "A man rang just now. He said Stella Ross wants to see you."