Chapter 52

Thanks to Grace's reminder, Nathaniel remembered that his birthday was approaching. Once he got into the car, he instinctively pulled out the lighter he always carried. It was black and gold, unadorned except for his initials engraved in the lower corner. It was a simple, unremarkable gift. However, it was the only gift Eleanor had ever given him.

The second year... Because he hadn't bothered to show up at their anniversary party, Eleanor hadn't even sent him a perfunctory gift for his birthday last year. And this year... Nathaniel cut the thought short, slipping the lighter back into his pocket before opening the tablet in front of him.

But before he could focus, the car lurched to a sudden stop. The jarring motion made his brows furrow sharply, and his eyes were stern. Ethan hurriedly explained, "Apologies, Mr. Carter, but up ahead..." Before the man could finish, someone who had been blocking the car moved to Nathaniel's window and began banging on it. The man appeared to be in his 50s, with his hair cropped short and a grin revealing yellowed teeth as he peered in.

Nathaniel's first instinct was to ignore him, but then Grace's earlier words surfaced in his mind. Pursing his lips, he rolled down the window. "Mr. Carter, right? Hello! Wow, Mr. Carter, you're even more striking in person than in the newspapers! Truly impressive!" Nathaniel remained calm. "And you are?" "Me? Oh, I'm Eleanor-uh, no, I mean Eleanor's father! I just arrived in Coppersville. I was actually looking for her, but I couldn't find her. I never expected to run into you! What a coincidence!"

"Is there something you need?" Nathaniel asked directly. "No, nothing at all!" Samuel quickly waved his hands. "It's just that I haven't seen her in such a long time. I've been worried about how she's doing, but that br-I mean, that child won't even answer my calls. So, I had no choice but to come look for you. Do you know—" "I don't know where she is right now, either," Nathaniel cut him off. "You two really divorced?" "Yes." "But... how could you just divorce like that? Did you two have an argument? Come on. Don't be so hasty with this. Marriage is a big deal..."

Nathaniel wasn't interested in entertaining Samuel's ramblings. He glanced at Ethan, who immediately got the message and pulled the man away. Nathaniel rolled the window up and turned back to the table in his hands. Even as Ethan started the car again, Samuel's voice could still be heard, mumbling and grumbling in the background.

Nathaniel furrowed his brow slightly, then looked over at the spot beside him where Samuel had touched. He turned to Ethan. "Take the car to get washed later." "Yes, sir," Ethan replied immediately. Nathaniel hesitated for a moment before asking, "Where's Eleanor now?" Ethan was caught off guard by the question. But with only the two of them in the car, it was clear Nathaniel was speaking to him. Though Ethan didn't know, he could only respond as best he could. "I'm not really sure, sir." Nathaniel didn't say anything further. After a beat, Ethan ventured, "Should I have someone check?" "No need," Nathaniel said, his voice dropping a little. Ethan fell silent, not daring to speak further.

Nathaniel turned his attention to the tablet, pushing the encounter with Samuel from his mind. He didn't expect to see Samuel that same evening. But this time, Samuel clearly wasn't looking for him.