Chapter 120

The livestream went viral, and "Sands of Time" instantly became a trending topic. Cynthia's name topped search trends. Industry professionals were impressed, and the public admired her striking designs.

Justin and Selena also watched. When Selena saw Cynthia's grit skirt gradually fall, she nearly burst into tears. Overjoyed by Cynthia's outstanding work, she felt immense pride as Cynthia's mother.

However, this pride was followed by sadness. Selena wondered if Cynthia still considered her her mother, as Cynthia seemed unwilling to acknowledge their family relationship. Selena reflected on the actions she'd taken over the past three years to appease Shirley, actions that had hurt Cynthia. Seeing Shirley's true nature, Selena regretted her efforts, realizing it was all for naught.

Meanwhile, Justin's hands trembled with excitement. He thought, "Cynthia designed such an astonishing work! As expected of a Jones. She truly is my daughter. Velorix's future lies in handing it over to a design genius like her. Perhaps one day, it will become a global brand."

The more Justin thought about it, the more excited he became. He was pleasantly surprised by both his daughters—one a genius, the other a genius among geniuses. Grabbing Selena's hand, he exclaimed, "Selena, did you see that? Both their designs will definitely win! The same brand winning two grand awards—that only happens to us! Maybe from today onward, Velorix will be famous worldwide! The company's stock price will hit the limit tomorrow!"

In the CEO's office of BJ Building, Jonathan stared dazedly at the livestream on his computer. Claude had been waiting. He entered just as Cynthia's segment ended, so he didn't interrupt. Once Cynthia was backstage, Claude remarked, "I didn't expect Ms. Jones to be such a design genius."

Jonathan frowned. "Claude, did you notice the model beside her?"

Claude considered. "Very professional and elegant. What's the matter, Mr. Bennett?"

Jonathan replied, "Don't you think his eyes looked familiar?"

Most of the camera shots focused on the grit skirts; few close-ups of the models' faces were shown. But Jonathan saw the eyes—they resembled Preston's. Unfortunately, the livestream lacked a playback function, making it impossible to confirm his speculation.

Claude asked, "Like who? He was wearing a mask. I didn't see clearly."

Jonathan was silent. "Haven't you found Preston's whereabouts yet?"

Claude immediately understood. "Do you think that model looked like Mr. Sullivan?" He quickly added, "It can't be Mr. Sullivan. While we don't know his exact location, we're sure he's in Lugrea." Claude had investigated Preston's family credit cards. A few days prior, Preston purchased a ticket to Lugrea, made several large purchases there, and didn't buy a return ticket. His school also held a study tour in Lugrea.

Jonathan agreed that it was too much of a coincidence. He closed his laptop and pinched the bridge of his nose. "What are you doing here?" It was lunchtime, and Claude usually wouldn't come in then.

Claude replied, "Ms. Sullivan was looking for you. She called, but you didn't answer, so she called me."

Jonathan checked his phone; two missed calls from Nina. "Got it. You can leave now."

After Claude left, Jonathan returned Nina's call. "What can I do for you?" His voice was calm and gentle.

"Mr. Bennett, there's something I want to tell you. Please don't be angry," Nina said, worried.

"What's the matter? Tell me, I won't be angry."

"I don't want to join the famous director's cast," Nina answered.

Jonathan said calmly, "It's okay if you don't want to."

Nina was relieved. "I thought you'd be angry. You helped me get the opportunity, and I turned it down."

Jonathan smiled. "Silly girl, I just thought it was a good opportunity. But if you don't want to go, you can refuse. Your happiness is most important; I'll never force you."

Nina's voice was happy. "Thank you, Mr. Bennett. You're so nice to me."

Chelsea then spoke. "Mr. Bennett, can I join a variety show produced by another company? It's Mr. Lowe's new show, and I'm optimistic about it."

Jonathan said, "Mr. Lowe is famous for producing popular variety shows. You can collaborate with him. But why don't I know what kind of show he's preparing?" Jonathan personally filtered Nina's work to protect her from Whitney, who controlled much of the entertainment industry's resources.

Nina said cheerfully, "Mr. Bennett, don't ask. It may be a surprise."

Jonathan didn't press further. His mind was still on Cynthia and the model.

After hanging up, he returned to his desk, his gaze falling on a photo frame of a four- or five-year-old girl. He remembered Cynthia's first reaction upon seeing the picture—asking if it was his daughter. He laughed, remembering how she didn't recognize her five-year-old self. He first met Cynthia when she was five, and he was ten. It was near Betrico Hospital, by the river, late at night. A lonely, ten-year-old Jonathan stood at the river's edge, about to jump, when a child's voice called out, "Big brother, are you going to jump into the river?" He looked up to see a little girl with pigtails sitting in a parasol tree, lollipop in hand.