Chapter 110

“Shut up!” Justin yelled, enraged. Shirley was dense. Despite the Jones family’s best efforts in recent years to cultivate her, she had achieved nothing. Although she possessed minor design talent, she lacked management skills. Her talent was vastly inferior to Cynthia’s.

The market downturn and the impact of e-commerce made it more difficult to conduct business with tangible products. Justin already felt powerless to manage it. Without Cynthia’s help, the Jones family might go bankrupt.

After being scolded, Shirley remained unreconciled. “But Dad,” she said, “I’ve already signed up for the competition under the company’s name.”

Justin was so shocked he nearly fainted. “What did you say?” he asked, his vision blurring.

Unfazed, Shirley stated, “I signed up yesterday, and the organizing committee approved it. So, this year, I’ll represent Velorix in the Pillere Fashion Design Competition.”

Shirley gave Cynthia a complacent look. “Cynthia, don’t think you’re the only one who can win. I can too. This time, I’ll show the world my design skills.”

Justin was furious. “Shirley, you’re infuriating me!”

Not everyone was eligible for the Pillere Fashion Design Competition. Well-known brands typically sent their own designers, with each brand limited to one entry. Velorix had only one quota. If Shirley participated, Cynthia would have no chance.

Cynthia calmly stated, “Designers who have previously won gold awards can sign up under their studio’s name. If the company needs me, I can sign up through the studio. Of course, if I win, Velorix will own the design work.”

Justin smiled. “Good. You’ll enter the competition. In your acceptance speech, mention that the design is from Velorix.”

With Cynthia in the competition, Justin had nothing to worry about. She had participated numerous times, winning both the international award and the prestigious Golden Pinnacle Award. She was well-known in the design community. Her presence associated Velorix with high-end luxury brands, serving as an advertisement.

Taken aback, Shirley said, “Dad, don’t be fooled. She’s wicked! Her purpose is to acquire 20 percent of the company’s shares. You can’t promise her that!”

Cynthia smiled. “That’s right. I’m entering the competition on the condition of receiving 20 percent of the company’s shares. Why should I work hard for nothing?”

Justin experienced a roller coaster of emotions. He needed to persuade Cynthia to compete and hoped she would return to the Jones family. After so many years, he believed her actions stemmed from anger.

“Come to the office tomorrow and sign the share transfer agreement,” Justin said.

Shirley, furious, smashed a plate. “No! You can’t give her the shares! Dad, how can you do this to me? You said I owned everything in the Jones family! Cynthia means nothing to us! I’m your biological daughter!”

Justin’s chest ached with anger. “Shirley, enough! If you were as capable as Cynthia, I’d trust you to run the company. But look at yourself! You can’t compete with her. What future can you offer the Jones family? What else do you do besides cause me trouble?”

Shirley trembled with rage. Turning to Selena, she pleaded, “Mom, do you agree? You said I’m talented but lacked Cynthia’s learning environment. You said I have great potential and can be trusted. Mom, say something!”

Selena, deeply disappointed and aware of Shirley’s lies, had her guilt collapse after the court case. She avoided eye contact. “Your father is the decision-maker. I have no objection.”

Shirley felt betrayed. Even Mom is wavering. They’re all fooled by Cynthia, she thought.

Refusing to accept defeat, Shirley raged, “Cynthia, I bet you that if I win, you must return your shares and never expect another penny from our family!”

Cynthia calmly asked, “What if you lose?”

Gritting her teeth, Shirley replied, “Then I’ll transfer all my shares to you.”

Cynthia flipped her hair and smiled. “Okay, deal.”

Pamela smiled. “All right then. Our Yates family will witness this. Justin, if you repent later, we’ll defend Cynthia.”

Justin sighed. Shirley is such a fool. He knew her chances of beating Cynthia were slim. But Cynthia’s takeover was ultimately a good thing. He had raised Cynthia and knew her capabilities. Under her leadership, the company could expand significantly. He would ask Cynthia to give Shirley some shares to benefit from dividends. Cynthia’s takeover was preferable to Shirley running his life’s work.

“It’s decided,” Justin said. “Whoever wins the competition receives 20 percent of the other party’s shares.”

Leaving the Hyatt, Cynthia saw Filip smoking near her car—unusual for him. He noticed her and discarded his cigarette.

Cynthia ignored him, unlocked her car, and was about to get in when Filip asked, “Cynthia, can I talk to you?”

Leaning against the car door, Cynthia said, “Sure. What is it?”

Filip attempted to explain. “I know Lilian and I hurt you, but I was deceived.”

Cynthia was unconcerned. “Let’s not revisit the past.”

“Don’t you blame me? Will you forgive me?” Filip asked.

Cynthia said, “It’s over. We owe each other nothing. I won’t blame or forgive you.”

Filip felt pain. If she let it go completely, reconciliation would be impossible. He wished she still harbored some resentment.

“Can we be friends now that we owe each other nothing?” Filip asked. “I have no other intentions. Just friendship, occasional dinners, that’s all.”

Cynthia asked, “If I forced you to give up your first child, would we be friends?”

Filip’s eyes welled with guilt at the thought of the child.