Chapter 13

Fiona hung up the phone, her face a mix of confusion and shock.

“Who was that?” someone asked.

“It was… Mr. Bennett.”

Jonathan was known for being extremely low-key, rarely giving interviews. Outside the company, little was known about him. However, the front desk staff—often idle and somewhat nosy—had a pretty good idea who he was. So, it was no surprise Fiona recognized his voice immediately.

Fiona glanced at Cynthia, envy in her gaze. “What is this woman’s connection to Mr. Bennett? Why did he call the front desk for her personally? Was her earlier call for him?”

“The CEO’s office is on the 32nd floor,” Fiona said, reluctance in her voice.

Cynthia smiled and thanked her before heading to the elevators. The doors opened quickly to the 32nd floor. As she walked down the corridor, she paused at the CEO’s office door. Without hesitation, she knocked softly.

The door swung open to reveal a tall man with gold-rimmed glasses and a polite smile. “I’m Claude Gaston, Mr. Bennett’s secretary. He’s in a meeting; you can wait here for a moment.”

“I would prefer to wait in the guest room,” Cynthia replied politely.

“Given your connection with Mr. Bennett, make yourself at home,” Claude said with a knowing grin.

Cynthia paused, her cheeks warming, then smiled back. “Alright, thank you.” It was clear Claude knew about her relationship with Jonathan, so there was no need for pretense.

After pouring Cynthia a glass of water, Claude left her alone.

Cynthia settled onto the large sofa, taking in her surroundings. The office was massive, almost a fancy suite, with closed doors leading to other rooms.

What caught Cynthia’s eye was the floor-to-ceiling window behind the desk. She stood and walked to it. The view was stunning, a sweeping panorama of the city below. Cars traveled along the elevated highways, bustling like veins in the urban landscape.

After a moment, Cynthia turned back to the office and noticed a large desk covered in neatly organized files. Among them, a crystal frame caught her attention.

Inside the frame was a photo of a little girl, around four or five years old, dressed in a pink tutu. With adorable pigtails and a fluffy bunny, she radiated joy.

The photo was faded, like an old picture. The girl’s face was blurry, but her bright smile lit up the room.

Though Cynthia didn’t recognize the girl, she felt a strange familiarity and was about to pick up the frame for a closer look when the door opened, and Jonathan appeared. Their eyes met.

He noticed her studying the photo, and his brow furrowed. He didn’t enter, seemingly waiting for her to speak.

Smiling, Cynthia waved the photo slightly and asked casually, “Is this your daughter?”

Chapter 13 (Continued)

“Bullshit.” Jonathan’s brow furrowed deeper as he approached, speechless. He snatched the photo and put it back in place.

“Here you are, a big shot from Betrico, using foul language?” Cynthia retorted. Yet, something oddly comforting was in their back-and-forth; it reminded her of how they used to talk—honestly and unfiltered.

Jonathan met her gaze, but his expression was coldly indifferent. “What do you want?”

For three years, Cynthia had never seen him like this. In her memories, he had always been passionate, charming, and perhaps a little eager for her affection. But now, he seemed distant, making her wonder which version was the real one.

Cynthia adopted a professional tone. “Can we keep our personal issues out of Yates Construction? It’s one of the top ten construction firms in the country, and I believe Bennett Group shouldn’t deny it a fair chance to bid.”

Jonathan leaned back, picking up a document. His voice remained cool and distant. “No. Filip sent you here?”

“I came on my own,” Cynthia reassured him. “I know I messed up, but I believe someone like you can separate personal feelings from business.”

Jonathan looked up, a faint smile playing on his lips, giving him a devilishly charming air. “Mrs. Yates, no need to flatter me. I’m quite good at mixing business with pleasure.”

“What will it take for you to give Yates Construction a fair shot?” Frustration crossed Cynthia’s face.

Jonathan patted his lap. “Come here.”

Cynthia walked over and, almost automatically, sat on his lap. His eyes darkened slightly, recalling the nights that had begun this way. She knew this would always affect him.

With a chuckle, he grasped her chin and leaned in for a kiss. She had never been this compliant. Normally, she was in control, relishing the chase. But today, she was focused on pleasing him, and he was getting lost in the moment.

Noticing his glazed eyes, Cynthia pulled back to whisper in his ear, her voice soft and enticing. “What do you say you get the bid document sent out for Yates Construction, huh?”

‘We got so close, and she could still think about that?’ Jonathan’s gaze intensified, the haze clearing as he pulled back slightly. He held her chin, locking eyes with her, his gaze sharp. “The beauty trick won’t work on me during the day.”

Cynthia jumped off his lap. “You could have said that sooner. I was playing along.”

Jonathan’s expression tightened. This woman is heartless. She has no qualms about ditching me when I’m not useful. Just a moment ago, I felt myself fading, only for her to reveal it was all a game?

“Is there really no way to work this out?” Cynthia pressed.

Jonathan locked eyes with her; he saw a flicker of defeat. He knew if he said yes, she would leave and never look back—she had little patience for him. Finally, he spoke. “You agree to one condition, and I’ll give Yates Construction a chance.”

“What’s the condition?”

“Move out of the Yates residence and into Greenfield Villa.”

Greenfield Villa belonged to Cynthia, but she had recently given it to Jonathan after their breakup.

Without hesitation, she replied, “Fine. Just send out the bid documents for Yates Construction now.”