Chapter 101
Cynthia was thinking the same thing; she even felt fortunate. Recent events had nearly made her confess her love for Jonathan. Fortunately, she'd witnessed a revealing scene that day, and Jonathan had inadvertently provided the answer himself.
After weighing the pros and cons, he decided to deny any closeness between them. Cynthia, of course, didn't create a scene or reveal Jonathan's disguise. Instead, she helped him—not only by removing Celine, who was stirring up trouble, but also by maintaining his facade with Nina. Cynthia felt Jonathan should be grateful for her assistance. She'd acted as she did because of her unpleasant breakup with Filip, and she didn't want a repeat.
The next day, Cynthia and Freddie returned to Betrico City Broadcasting. As expected, they encountered Whitney. Only Cynthia and Whitney were in the spacious conference room.
“Cynthia, I’m somewhat disappointed in your actions yesterday,” Whitney said. Professionally and elegantly dressed, she sat in a leather office chair, her gaze oppressive.
Cynthia replied respectfully, “What did you expect, Ms. Bennett? That I declared myself Jonathan’s girlfriend and argued with Ms. Sullivan? Or that Ms. Sullivan suffered an asthma attack from the lilies and was hospitalized?”
Whitney smiled, admiration in her eyes. “You truly impress me, Cynthia. I prefer you to Nina. Perhaps you’re the one to marry into our family.”
Cynthia replied, “I wouldn’t dare, Ms. Bennett. I know you’re using me as a pawn. You dislike Nina and want to separate her from Jonathan, but I refuse to be your tool.”
Whitney’s gaze sharpened. “Many would welcome that role.”
Cynthia replied, “I’m not interested.”
Whitney said, “But my brother chose you. I didn’t realize you'd been together for over three years.”
Cynthia thought, My study visit to Betrico was arranged by Whitney. She's been secretly interfering in my life! Fixing her gaze on Whitney, she felt the woman's aura was terrifying.
“Mr. Bennett and I are merely having a fling. We’re using each other, seeking happiness. There’s no love. Using me is a waste of time. Besides, Mr. Bennett and I broke up last night,” Cynthia said with a smile.
Whitney looked at Cynthia admiringly. “I like your personality, but I don’t force people. If you change your mind, you’re welcome to contact me.”
“That day will never come,” Cynthia replied bluntly and left.
Whitney watched Cynthia go, a meaningful smile on her face. She picked up her phone. “Have you drafted the RNN acquisition agreement?” she asked.
That afternoon, Cynthia asked Freddie for leave. She wanted nothing to do with Whitney and wouldn’t return to BCB for two days.
Fortunately, Naomi kept Cynthia company. They went to Royal Club, one of Betrico's most luxurious clubs. Naomi offered to find some handsome models for Cynthia.
Cynthia leaned back, rolling her eyes. “Stop joking. Remember how I met Jonathan? He was a model you found.”
Naomi tapped her head, recalling when Filip had taken Lilian abroad after marrying Cynthia. Naomi had taken Cynthia to Ocean Club for a drink, arranging for the most handsome model to join them. She hadn't expected…
Cynthia scoffed, “Aren’t you rich too?”
The Sullivan family was one of Betrico’s most prestigious, primarily involved in automobile manufacturing. Naomi had studied automotive design abroad for several years.
“As a rich person, my hobby is quite normal. I like escorts,” Naomi retorted.
Without further ado, she summoned the club’s general manager. Soon, four handsome models appeared.
Cynthia was speechless. “Naomi, are you serious?”
Naomi put her arm around Cynthia. “These are different. They’re university students—sports and performing arts—working here. I only asked them to drink and play.”
Cynthia looked at them, thinking, Indeed, they’re young and innocent.
Naomi leaned in. “Nina is here tonight to meet a famous director. Jonathan used his connections to help her. Their car is downstairs; they’ll be up soon.”
Cynthia was startled. She realized Naomi had chosen the most prominent booth—the only route upstairs, with access to the private room. If Jonathan and Nina came, they would see them.
Cynthia sighed inwardly. Naomi had been fiercely protective and vindictive since childhood. She’d been the first to defend Cynthia after Filip and Lilian’s betrayal.
Cynthia had slapped Lilian; Naomi had punched Filip, causing a concussion and two weeks in the hospital. Naomi faced the consequences—severe school punishment and several days of detention after Filip pressed assault charges. Pamela ultimately resolved the matter.
Cynthia usually avoided involving Naomi. That's why she hadn't told her everything.
Then, a commotion at the entrance. Jonathan and Nina arrived, surrounded by a group of people.
Nina wore a pink dress and white leather shoes, a pink diamond necklace—the “Heart of Cherry Blossom”—around her neck. Jonathan, in a formal suit, exuded a cold aura. Next to Nina, he seemed more mature than ever, different from how he'd been with Cynthia.
Both came from prestigious families. One was calm and experienced; the other, innocent. With an eight-year age difference, Jonathan cared for her well.
The sight of the couple almost made Cynthia ship them.