Chapter 130

Shirley ground her teeth in anger, but she had no choice but to resign herself to fate. Cynthia waved the IOU in front of Shirley, her expression turning serious. "Shirley," she warned, "don't ever try any tricks behind my back again, or the price you'll pay will be much greater than now."

Shirley's heart skipped a beat. She knew this was revenge for sabotaging Cynthia's model's shoes during the competition, nearly preventing her from performing. Shirley hadn't expected Cynthia to be so vengeful. All that high-mindedness and disdain for money had been an act. Furious but powerless, Shirley could only endure.

Cynthia left the hospital. In the parking lot, Selena called out, "Cynthia."

Cynthia stopped. "Mrs. Jones, what's wrong?"

"You're willing to call Justin 'Dad,' but you won't acknowledge me as your mother?" Selena asked.

Cynthia's fingers clenched. She called Justin "Dad" pragmatically; it was a business transaction to gain company shares. Emotionally, however, she had long given up on Justin. But Selena was different. Cynthia couldn't ignore her abandonment, Selena's cruel curses, and the hatred she felt when Selena tried to make Lilian her goddaughter. These things had caused her immeasurable pain. Once, Cynthia had loved her mother more than anything. Only with Selena did Cynthia show any emotional fluctuation.

Cynthia said, "I'm staying with Rachel. I've acknowledged her."

Cynthia hadn't truly acknowledged Rachel. She knew Rachel wasn't her biological mother, but she understood the power of her words. Selena's expression changed dramatically; her eyes swirling with emotion. After a pause, she lowered her gaze. "If you want to acknowledge her, then do it. Disputes between adults shouldn't involve children. It was my mistake."

For years, Cynthia had waited for these words—for Selena to admit fault, to regret her actions, and to face the consequences. But hearing them brought not satisfaction, but deep sadness. Cynthia felt confused. What did she truly want?

Selena continued, "Cynthia, you're Miss Y, aren't you?"

Cynthia's surprise was fleeting. It was only a matter of time before Selena discovered the truth. Selena knew her best.

Selena explained, "When Shirley designed the Four Seasons Garden, it looked familiar. Then I remembered seeing you sketch it in your study years ago." A bitter smile touched Selena's lips. "You're a talented child, in fashion and jewelry design."

Cynthia had loved to draw since childhood, teaching herself fashion design out of interest. This had led to her jewelry design career.

Cynthia looked at Selena steadily. "Since you knew, why didn't you reveal it earlier?"

Selena replied, "You had reasons for keeping it private. And over the years, I've hurt you trying to protect Shirley. I won't do that anymore."

If Shirley discovered Miss Y was Cynthia, and that Cynthia orchestrated the plagiarism accusations, it would create a huge scene. Justin would hold Cynthia responsible, jeopardizing her share acquisition.

Cynthia laughed coldly. "Do you think this will make me forgive you?" Her tone was cold, but deep down, she felt immense sadness.

She was deeply confused. She had everything she wanted—Selena's regret and guilt—yet it wasn't enough. She didn't know what she wanted. Perhaps, she longed for her carefree childhood, a worry-free mother-daughter relationship. But that was impossible.

"It's alright if you don't forgive me, Cynthia. As long as you live well, I'm content," Selena said, tears brimming in her eyes, but she held them back.

"So you regret it now because I'm more useful to Velorix?" Cynthia asked.

Selena looked up, quickly explaining, "Of course not. When I gave you up, it wasn't a calculated decision. I couldn't accept that the daughter I raised was the daughter of my enemy. The relationship between your biological mother and me was a cruel joke of fate. From best friends to bitter enemies, we only created resentment. I've let go of it all. Vengeance breeds vengeance, and I don't want that tragedy to repeat itself in your generation. Cynthia, you're far more outstanding than Shirley. If she falls, don't ruin her completely. Spare her."

Selena had been having dreams of Cynthia and Shirley clashing; Cynthia's attacks ruthless and leaving Shirley vulnerable. Even though she disliked Shirley, she felt responsible for her current state. She couldn't bear the thought of Shirley suffering a tragic fate at Cynthia's hands, especially with Jonathan backing Cynthia. Dealing with someone who crossed Jonathan was easy.

Cynthia said, "Don't worry. As long as she behaves, I won't cause her any trouble." She got into her car and left.

As she drove, tears streamed down her face. After crying, she felt relieved. She finally understood that what was lost could never be regained.

For years, she felt neglected, fixated on her abandonment. Trapped in the memory of that rainy day, she couldn't comprehend her mother's actions. But now, she felt a measure of relief. Human nature was complicated. Selena was no saint; she had experienced heartbreak. And perhaps Cynthia's guilt was genuine too. Cynthia wiped her tears, ready to reconcile with herself.