Chapter 112

Earlier, Rachel had prepared a room for Cynthia. After Cynthia entered, she found the room completely transformed. Everything in the house seemed freshly cleaned; even the curtains were spotless. The small, wilted plants on the balcony had been replaced with new ones, and the yard, cleared of weeds, looked tidy and clean. Only the small wind chime on the balcony remained, tinkling softly in the breeze, creating a soothing, forest-like sound. Cynthia stood in the yard for a while before returning inside.

Rachel brought over a bowl of pumpkin soup. “I just made this. I plan to sell breakfast by the school entrance tomorrow. Try it!”

Cynthia, having eaten little at the Hyatt, sat down. After a sip, she exclaimed, “This is really good!”

Rachel’s face lit up. “If you like it, have more! I also have green pea soup and granola bowls.”

“Then save me a granola bowl for tomorrow morning; I love them,” Cynthia said.

“Sure,” replied Rachel.

That night, Cynthia slept at Splendid Garden. The room was small, and the bedding simple. She was particular; she was used to high-end bedding—a $600,000 mattress, silk comforter worth tens of thousands, and expensive latex pillows—yet still slept poorly. But tonight, the new, pure cotton sheets and pillowcases, washed and sun-dried, smelled lovely. She felt an unexpected wave of sleepiness and slept soundly for seven hours—her best sleep in three years. She woke refreshed and invigorated.

Stepping out, Cynthia found Rachel had already left, but breakfast awaited: a granola bowl, quinoa cakes, scrambled eggs, churros, and savory pancakes. Rachel had thoughtfully set aside one of each. A warm feeling welled up in Cynthia’s heart.

After eating, Cynthia decided to leave. Before doing so, she opened Rachel’s bedroom door. Her gaze fell upon a small vanity in the corner. The vanity held only a wooden comb and a moisturizer. Cynthia picked up the comb, noticing two or three strands of hair. She collected them in a plastic bag.

Leaving Splendid Garden, Cynthia went to Hector’s private hospital. She placed the two plastic bags on his desk. “Please help me with a DNA test,” she said.

Though not large, Hector’s private hospital catered to wealthy clients and had genetic testing technology.

Chapter 112

Hector glanced at the bags. “Have you discovered Mr. Bennett’s illegitimate child?”

Cynthia chuckled. “I broke up with him long ago.”

Hector was surprised. After their last counseling session, he’d thought Cynthia would reconcile with Jonathan, not break up with him. “Does he really have an illegitimate child?”

Cynthia seemed unconcerned. “No. Don’t ask. Just test if these two people are related.”

Although Hector knew much about Cynthia, including her swap with Shirley, the situation seemed more complicated than expected. Even Cynthia couldn't guess what was happening, so she wouldn't share.

Seeing Cynthia’s reluctance, Hector didn’t press her. “I have limited staff, so it will take at least two days. Come back then.”

Cynthia said, “I’m going to Pillere for a week tomorrow. I’ll return after that.”

That afternoon, Cynthia informed Freddie she would take her ten days of annual leave. Having promised it, Freddie couldn’t refuse.

That evening, Cynthia went to Greenfield Villa to pack. The lights were on.

Entering, she saw Claude descending the stairs. He greeted her respectfully, “Ms. Jones.”

Cynthia nodded politely. “Mr. Gaston, are you here to help Mr. Bennett with his luggage?”

Claude looked embarrassed. “No, Mr. Bennett got drunk and insisted on coming here…”

Cynthia frowned.

Noticing her displeasure, Claude tried a sympathetic approach. “Mr. Bennett hasn’t been himself lately. He’s overworked, barely eats or sleeps. His stomach problems have flared up. He had IV treatment this afternoon, and now he’s socializing. He’ll have stomach pain tomorrow.”

Cynthia wasn’t fooled. “With his status, what social event can’t he skip? Who in the government would force him to drink?”

Claude’s embarrassment deepened. He awkwardly scratched his head. “True, but he’s been in a bad mood, so he drank more.”

Fearing he’d reveal too much, Claude hurried to leave. “Ms. Jones, I’ll go. Thank you for looking after Mr. Bennett.”

Cynthia replied lightly, “I’m leaving soon too. I just came to pack. I haven’t been staying here.”

Claude didn’t know what to say.

As Cynthia walked upstairs, she said, “Since you’re here, take Mr. Bennett’s things from the storage room. Also, tell him I’ll be changing the password and locks in a few days. If he drinks too much again, he won’t get in.”

Claude watched her go, thinking that a resolute woman could be ruthless.

He hadn’t lied. Jonathan had been a changed man, neglecting sleep and food while working frantically.

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Chapter 112

Claude understood. Jonathan missed Cynthia so much that he feared any downtime would lead him to seek her out. After Whitney received the leaked news, she flew to Lugrea. That night, Jonathan got drunk and kept calling Cynthia’s name, giving Claude the courage to bring him to Greenfield Villa.

Claude sighed, resigned, and went to the storage room. After finishing, he left.

Cynthia went to the third floor and began packing. Halfway through, she saw Jonathan standing at the door.