Chapter 127

Cynthia was unaware of Justin's hospitalization. She drove to Peace Hospital. Justin was in the VIP ward; the entire floor was quiet.

Cynthia walked down the long corridor and reached Justin's ward. The door was ajar, and she heard Justin's angry voice. "Shirley, you idiot! Millions were watching that competition, and you dared to plagiarize? I'd rather you came in last than lose face after being the center of attention!"

He continued, "Do you know Velorix's situation? The stock has plummeted, and the internet is boycotting us. You've single-handedly destroyed decades of my hard work!"

Justin pointed at Shirley, fuming. "The biggest disgrace in my life is having a daughter like you. You're here to collect our family's debt, you scoundrel! If you were even one-tenth as good as Cynthia, the Jones family wouldn't be facing this! Why do I have you as my biological daughter, not Cynthia?"

His voice trailed off, almost a lament. Shirley, however, heard him. She could accept his other criticisms, but the mention of Cynthia ignited her.

She retorted, "Exactly! Why isn't Cynthia your biological daughter? Why me? Why did you have me and then abandon me? If I'd grown up in this family, received a good education, if Dennis hadn't abused me, and if I hadn't lacked for anything, I would have been as good as Cynthia. That's your responsibility. You owe me that."

Justin's fingers trembled. "Shirley, you're a stubborn fool," he said.

Shirley rebuked, "Dad, do you really think Cynthia is a good daughter? If she were, she wouldn't have exposed me during the competition. If she were a good daughter, she would have prioritized the family's interests and reputation instead of involving me in a plagiarism scandal. Didn't she know I represented Velorix's reputation?"

Justin fell silent. After a while, he sighed. "Yeah. Why couldn't she see the bigger picture?"

Cynthia, hearing this from outside, was furious. She scoffed inwardly, Ridiculous! I thought Dad had finally learned his lesson. He's still as selfish as ever. He doesn't care about me or Shirley; he only cares about his reputation!

Cynthia pushed open the door and entered. "You think you're justified after plagiarizing, Shirley? Besides, what does it have to do with me? Didn't I do my best to defend Velorix and save its reputation at the competition? You did something despicable and shameless, and you're blaming me!"

Justin's senses returned. He said to Shirley, "That's right. Both Cynthia and you were at the competition, and Cynthia didn't report you. How could you blame her?"

Resentment filled Shirley's face. She pointed at Cynthia. "How dare you say this has nothing to do with you? Don't you know Miss Y? Aren't you friends? Would she have exposed me without your instigation? She's the chief jewelry designer for Queen Jewelry. She's retired from fashion design—why did she accuse me of plagiarism?"

Shirley's tone was firm. "You stood in my way. You didn't want me to win first prize and bring honor to our family. You're so selfish! For your own reputation and to get Velorix's shares, you ruined Velorix's future. You're a selfish woman, Cynthia!"

Cynthia scoffed. "Yeah, I'm so selfish that I won two awards and saved Velorix's reputation. I'm so selfish that I registered my work under my studio's name but still credited it to Velorix. I'm so selfish that, even after being kicked out of the family, I voluntarily helped Velorix for its future. And you're not selfish when you plagiarized for vanity? You're not selfish when you sabotaged my model's heels, almost ruining my work? You're not selfish when, after the truth came out, you blamed others even though you brought Velorix to its knees, right?"

Shirley was speechless.

Justin caught something Cynthia said. He asked, "Shirley, you tampered with the competition and almost prevented Cynthia from competing?"

Guilt flashed across Shirley's eyes, but she denied it. "Dad, don't believe her. She set me up because she couldn't bear to see me do well. She wanted the Jones family's property."

Seeing Shirley's expression, Justin knew Cynthia was telling the truth. "Shut up, you scoundrel!" he shouted, grabbing the water cup from the bedside table and throwing it at Shirley.

Shirley had tried to ruin Cynthia's work. If Cynthia hadn't won two awards under Velorix's name, Velorix would have been ruined. Justin hated to think what would have happened if Cynthia hadn't entered the contest and Shirley had been caught plagiarizing.

Shirley's hatred raged, but even Selena remained silent. Selena poured Justin a glass of water. "All right, the doctor said you shouldn't get too emotional."

Justin calmed down. "Cynthia, I asked you here because I need a favor." Cynthia remained expressionless, anticipating his request.

Justin continued, "Can you talk to Miss Y? The lawyer's letter accusing Velorix of infringement arrived yesterday. If this goes to court, Velorix is finished."

Cynthia frowned. "Miss Y and I have only met a few times. We have similar design concepts, but we're not close," she said.

Justin said, "I know it's not easy, but can you negotiate? We'll agree to anything reasonable."

Cynthia remained silent.

Justin added, "I've never asked you for anything, Cynthia. There's no other way."

Cynthia said casually, "This isn't simple. Of course, I can help, but first, fulfill your promise and transfer twenty percent of Shirley's shares to me, Dad."