CHAPTER 249: NATHANIEL’S WORRY FOR ZARA

Nathaniel reached the mansion. He had driven speedily, ignoring the signals. In just a few minutes, he had crossed the distance of several kilometers.

He had never driven this recklessly before—but the urge to see Zara, to make sure she was alright, overpowered everything else.

As soon as he entered the house, his eyes swept the hall in search of her. But instead of Zara, he found his mother and grandmother seated together, sorting through their jewelry.

Without acknowledging them, he made for the stairs.

"Nathaniel," Gracie called after him. "You are home early. Is everything alright?"

Nathaniel was a workaholic – even worked on weekends. Seeing him return home early was unusual. She had assumed he’d go to the office after checking the banquet arrangements, not come straight back.

"Everything is fine," Nathaniel replied curtly, turning halfway toward her. "I’ve checked the venue, spoken to the event planner, and assigned someone to oversee the rest. Everything will be perfect."

He turned to leave again, but Gracie persisted. "Since you are here, come sit with us. We are choosing jewelry for Riya. See which ones you think would suit her."

Nathaniel’s patience frayed. He had no interest in jewelry, not when worry for Zara gnawed at him. He exhaled sharply and said, "You’ll know better than I do."

Then he turned and took the stairs two at a time.

Gracie watched him go, suspicion flickering in her eyes. ’Why is he in such a rush? she wondered. Did Zara tell him something?’

Nathaniel burst into the room. "Zara!"

Startled by his sudden voice, Zara flinched and turned around just as he strode toward her.

"Nathaniel," she breathed in surprise. "You came back..." She didn’t get to finish—he pulled her into his arms.

"I was worried sick," he rasped with concern. "Zane said you were crying." He cupped her face, scanning her expression anxiously. "Did someone say something to you? Tell me..."

Zara blinked, momentarily dazed by the raw worry in his eyes. The fact that he had rushed all the way home just because she had been upset left her speechless.

He had never been like this before, never so attentive or tender. The change in him felt almost unreal.

Emotion welled up in her chest. A part of her feared this warmth was fragile, that it could vanish at any moment if he began doubting her again.

So she bit back the truth about what had happened earlier. Without proof, she couldn’t risk him misunderstanding her.

"It’s nothing," she said softly. "Just a small misunderstanding. It’s all cleared now." She forced a faint smile. "I’m fine."

"Are you sure?" he pressed, unconvinced.

"Yes, really," she insisted, tugging him gently toward the bed.

"Sit down. Tell me about the banquet hall preparations. I couldn’t go with you, but you can at least describe how it’s coming along."

Her cheerful tone eased the tension in his chest. Relaxing slightly, Nathaniel began to explain with a hint of pride. "It’s going to be grand. This is not just an engagement. It’s a celebration of the decades-long bond between the Grants and the Lawsons. The entire city will witness it."

With each word he spoke, Zara’s excitement grew.

"It’s a private event," Nathaniel went on, "but the media’s already buzzing about it. So don’t be surprised if reporters are crowding outside the banquet hall."

"I understand," Zara said with a small nod. "I won’t be startled."

His expression turned grave. "Still, I want you to be careful."

The warning in his tone was unmistakable. Deep down, Nathaniel feared Zachary might try to sabotage the event. Or worse, harm someone in his family. He knew he wouldn’t be able to stay by Zara’s side the entire time to protect her.

Seeing the unease flicker in his eyes made Zara’s heart tighten. She hesitated, debating whether to tell him about Riya and what had happened earlier. But before she could speak, his phone rang.

Nathaniel glanced at the screen, then back at her. "I have to go to the office," he said quickly. "I’ll see you this evening."

He answered the call as he strode out briskly.

Zara watched him leave, her expression somber. ’I know you are worried about us,’ she whispered to herself. ’But I’ll take care of myself and Zane. I just hope Riya doesn’t do anything reckless at the party.’

She silently promised that she wouldn’t let Riya hurt anyone in the family again.

~~~~~~~

The engagement party was in full swing, the atmosphere buzzing with cheers and applause as the couple exchanged rings.

Riya’s face glowed with excitement, her eyes gleaming as if she were the happiest woman alive.

Liam, on the other hand, remained silent. His expression was unreadable, calm on the surface but concealing a storm within. When his gaze drifted to his father, he noticed something unusual.

His father looked unsettled, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead.

’What’s wrong with him?’ Liam wondered uneasily. ’Why does he look so shaken?’

He wanted to go and check on him, but before he could, Riya grasped his arm.

"Liam, I want to introduce you to some of my friends," she said cheerfully. "Come with me."

Liam’s patience was already thin. He pulled his hand free from her grasp. "I’m not interested," he said curtly. "I have other things to take care of."

Without another glance, he stepped down from the stage.

"Liam..." Riya called after him, but he didn’t stop. Watching him walk away, her face tightened with irritation. ’This man and his attitude,’ she fumed silently.

"Riya," Gracie’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Are you alright? Why did Liam leave you so suddenly? I was hoping to introduce him to some of my friends."

Riya’s irritation flared again. She had been wondering the same thing—Liam hadn’t even given her a chance to speak, as if meeting her friends would somehow bring him bad luck. Forcing a polite smile, she quickly masked her frustration.

"He said something came to his mind," she said smoothly. "But I can come with you instead."

Gracie’s expression brightened. "Wonderful. They’ve been wanting to meet you." She took Riya’s hand and guided her toward the group of ladies gathered on the other side of the hall.

Meanwhile, on the opposite end, Liam approached his father. Leaning closer, he spoke in a low, concerned voice, "Dad, are you alright? You look uneasy. What’s wrong?"