In truth, it wasn't so much a clarification as it was a declaration of status to tell Eric that he was not worthy of Cecilia and that he was certainly inferior to Nathaniel.
Conscience-stricken, Eric said, "Ms. Smith, let's meet up another time. Today's meal is on me."
Nathaniel replied immediately, "That won't be necessary. I prepaid for it when we arrived."
He wouldn't accept a meal paid by a love rival, as he was no toy boy.
Eric grew even more embarrassed. After nodding, he led his parents away.
As soon as he was gone, Cecilia breathed a deep sigh of relief, feeling as if she hadn't yet recovered from everything that had just happened.
"What on earth just happened?" Cecilia muttered to herself.
Nathaniel looked at her with an air of composure. "Do you believe what I said now?"
Cecilia sighed, still finding it hard to believe. "Could Eric be talking nonsense earlier?"
She couldn't understand why a male celebrity at the peak of his career would be interested in an older woman like her.
"If you still refuse to admit it, you're deceiving yourself," Nathaniel leaned closer to Cecilia, asking, "Or are you actually enjoying the feeling of being secretly admired by someone?"
Color flooded Cecilia's cheeks. "Don't be ridiculous."
The truth was, she merely had low self-esteem.
"I just didn't realize I have that much charm," she added.
Nathaniel couldn't resist being snarky when he saw her in that state. "Money naturally has an irresistible charm."
Cecilia understood what Nathaniel meant.
He was implying that Eric's feelings for her weren't genuine. Rather, he liked her wealth.
Cecilia couldn't help but retort, "Eric and I were both dirt poor when we first met, and he was already quite nice to me then. Was he eyeing my money back then?"

"You two went too far. Not only did you follow me, but you even threw insults at Cecilia," he snapped.
"Eric, we're just worried about you," Ines said earnestly. "Cecilia is an outstanding woman, but she's not suitable for you."
"Only the person wearing the shoes will know if they fit," Eric retorted.
Alan couldn't help but light a cigarette, then sighed. "That's only if the shoe is yours. Stealing or taking someone else's shoe isn't right."
Eric fell silent.

Eric sighed. If that were true, he wouldn't have so few savings after being a celebrity for so many years. Most of his money had been donated.
"Forget it. There's no chance of us getting together anyway," Eric's eyes were filled with bitterness.


Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: When Her Death Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel)
Silly woman. Chelsea can be so clueless...
Yay! Thanks for the new updates...
Have always kept up to date everyday to see further updates. Understand if the interest has declined. Thanm you anyway...
Hi there! I'm the admin of the website. Lately, the readership for this novel has been decreasing, so we’re no longer able to keep posting it for free. We would be incredibly grateful if you could help the author and our team by sharing the novel’s link on Reddit, X, Facebook, or anywhere you like. Thank you so much for your support!...
Thank you...
Thanks so much!...
Thank you! Looking forward to seeing the progress of Cecilias Brother and his room mate....
Oh yay! Cant wait to catch up...
Thanks for all the updates. Appreciate you have continued sharing the story...
O have read a book all again (secretary secret love), and another 5 books in this monte. However, I just had 16 chapters posted to read in this book. This is so sad....