Chapter 107

Despite the turmoil within, Cynthia remained outwardly calm. After a moment of silence, she asked, "Can I have a room here?"

Rachel, initially stunned, her face lit up with joy. "Of course! Of course! I'll get a room ready for you immediately."

The unit had three bedrooms: the master bedroom, Shirley's room, and a guest room. Rachel quickly cleaned the guest room and said, "Ms. Jones, this room is yours from now on. Please feel free to ask me to cook for you anytime."

Cynthia nodded and said, "Thank you."

After leaving Splendid Garden, Cynthia received a call from Justin. "Cynthia, come home for dinner tonight. Your mother misses you terribly. Julia made your favorite blueberry custard tart. It's been too long."

This was the first time Justin had called since she severed ties with the Jones family. His voice was gentle, almost pleading.

Cynthia's reply, however, was unexpectedly calm. "Mr. Jones, we are no longer related. Please don't call me again."

"Cynthia, why are you so stubborn? It was so long ago. I know I wronged you on your birthday, but is that sufficient reason to cut ties? You were raised with our love. Think about it—how did we treat you all these years? Can't parents make mistakes?"

He continued, "Besides, we didn't adopt Lilian as our goddaughter, and Shirley even apologized. What more do you want? Don't be willful. Come home tonight. I have something to tell you."

Cynthia hung up immediately. She anticipated what Justin wanted to say.

The registration for the Pillere Designer Competition was closing soon. Every year around this time, Cynthia, under the name "Velorix," participated as a designer, even after leaving the Jones family three years prior. Justin sought her out annually. She knew he wouldn't give up easily.

After all, Velorix hadn't had a significant hit in years. Their annual success depended on Cynthia winning international awards to gain exposure and boost their reputation. She remembered how Velorix's stock would soar after each of her wins.

The next day, Henry called, inviting Cynthia to dinner in a private room at the Hyatt Hotel. It was his and Pamela's wedding anniversary. Cynthia accepted and prepared a gift.

However, upon arrival, she found not only Henry and Pamela, but also Justin's family, including Filip.

Over two weeks had passed since she last saw Filip. He appeared thinner and tanned, sitting quietly. He glanced up briefly when she entered but quickly looked away, a deep weariness etched on his brow.

Filip's presence wasn't surprising, given it was his parents' anniversary. But with Justin, Pamela, and Shirley present, Cynthia understood the situation.

Henry stood up, saying, "Cynthia, it's wonderful to see you! I invited your parents as well. Join us."

Pamela rolled her eyes at Henry but remained silent. The Yates and Jones families had longstanding connections; Henry and Justin had grown up together. Justin had personally asked Henry to help reconcile with Cynthia, a request Henry couldn't refuse.

(Time stamp removed)

Chapter 107 (Continued)

Cynthia had anticipated this. She walked over gracefully, saying, "Henry, Pamela, happy anniversary." She presented her gift to Pamela.

Pamela opened it, exclaiming, "This is a custom-made QUEEN bracelet, a globally limited edition! Even Mr. Leach, a QUEEN VIP, couldn't get one. How did you?"

The bracelet, while not exorbitantly expensive, required being among QUEEN's top 100 VIPs based on annual spending, and securing it immediately upon release. Even as a VIP, the odds were one in ten. The design was a statement of exclusivity, signifying membership among QUEEN's top 100 clients, with annual spending in the millions.

Pamela was delighted but confused. "Only a super VIP could get this. I've never seen you buy QUEEN jewelry before."

Shirley sneered, "Cynthia, did you give Mrs. Yates a fake bracelet to make her happy? She'll be the laughingstock if she wears it out."

Pamela was instantly displeased. "What are you saying? I've bought jewelry for years. I know the difference between real and fake. QUEEN uses a unique cutting technique. This is genuine."

Shirley remained unhappy. "Even if she's wealthy, there's no way Cynthia is a QUEEN super VIP. Where did she get it?"

QUEEN jewelry wasn't easily accessible; it was outrageously expensive and rare. Shirley had struggled to buy an entry-level necklace for Susanna, spending $3 million plus hundreds of thousands more to qualify. If she couldn't acquire high-end pieces, how could Cynthia?

Pamela, protective of Cynthia, said, "Even if it were fake, it's priceless to me, coming from Cynthia."

Pamela knew it was genuine but also knew Cynthia couldn't be a QUEEN super VIP. To avoid conflict, she said, "I'm sure it's fine."

Cynthia smiled. "I'm friends with Miss Y, a QUEEN designer. She helped me get this bracelet."

The world was obsessed with QUEEN, yet it was only three years old. QUEEN reportedly employed few designers, all mysterious, known only by their initials—X, Y, and Z—the brand's top designers and partners.

Miss Y, in particular, had a unique, understated style with a devoted aristocratic following. Her designs consistently commanded the highest prices.

Shirley refused to believe it, sneering, "Everyone knows QUEEN's headquarters are in Betrico. How could you, from Roncrity, be friends with Miss Y? She's a globally renowned genius. How shameless!"

(SEND GIFT removed as it's not part of the text)