Chapter 132
Cynthia sat on the couch, watching a variety show. She glanced at the caller ID: it was Mom. "Preston's mom," she mused. She hadn't planned to answer, but the phone rang persistently. Cynthia picked up Preston's phone, hesitating. "What if it's urgent?" she thought.
Suddenly, the bathroom door opened. Startled, Cynthia accidentally answered the call. Preston, emerging from the bathroom, saw this. His expression changed dramatically. Without a word, he snatched the phone and ended the call. He rushed to the balcony, dialed a number, and said, "Uncle, I need your help. My mom will track me through my phone. Can you change my IP address immediately?"
Cynthia had no idea what was happening, only that she shouldn't have answered. Shortly after, Preston returned. Cynthia apologized, "Sorry, I shouldn't have touched your phone."
Preston smiled brightly. "It's no big deal. I didn't want to answer my mom's call anyway. She's too chatty."
"You mentioned your uncle?" Cynthia asked.
Preston nodded. "Yes, he's in Roncrity, but he's busy and doesn't have time to watch over me. I didn't want to bother him, but now he knows I'm here. He's coming to the bar where I perform tonight. Cynthia, he found out you're taking care of me and wants to treat you to dinner." His face lit up.
"Are you close to this uncle?" Cynthia asked.
Preston said, "He's always been my idol. I've looked up to him since I was a kid. He graduated from a top university and works at a big company. He's really impressive," adding with a hint of pride, "And he's quite handsome, too."
Cynthia chuckled, imagining a sophisticated, charming middle-aged man.
"Cynthia, come to the bar tonight. I'll introduce you to my uncle," Preston said.
Cynthia readily agreed. "Sure, I'll come and support you." To Cynthia, Preston was like a cute younger brother, and she felt responsible for him since he lived alone. Preston performed at LunaSea Club, a quiet bar with a nice atmosphere. Cynthia frequented it; it was conveniently close to the TV station.
At 7:30, Cynthia finished her broadcast and prepared to go to LunaSea Club. Then, she received a call from Naomi.
"Cynthia, I've officially moved to Roncrity! Aren't you surprised?" Naomi exclaimed excitedly. Cynthia was thrilled; Naomi's move had been delayed.
"Where are you now?" Cynthia asked.
"I'm at the airport. Can you pick me up?" Naomi replied.
Cynthia agreed. "Okay, wait for me."
Meanwhile, Preston finished his performance and saw a familiar figure. He ran over to the tall man.
"Uncle," Preston said happily.
"Mr. Sullivan, weren't you in Iugrea?" Claude asked. He'd been tracking Preston, but all clues pointed to Iugrea. Two hours earlier, Jonathan received a call from Preston. He'd accidentally answered Whitney's call, triggering location tracking. He asked Jonathan to block the tracker and change his location, which was quickly done—to Pareveth.
"When did you come to Roncrity, and why didn't you tell me?" Jonathan asked.
Preston scratched his head. "I've been here for a week. Uncle, I'm not here for you this time."
Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "So, is it for the girl who's been taking care of you?"
A blush appeared on Preston's cheeks, but he didn't answer directly. "Uncle, she's coming tonight too. I'll introduce you to her," he said. Then, frowning, he added, "Uncle, just pretend to be a regular company executive, alright? She doesn't like rich people."
Jonathan chuckled. "Are you sure she doesn't know your identity? Or is she just playing hard to get?"
Preston said discontentedly, "Uncle, don't be suspicious. How many people know my real identity?"
Indeed, Preston's status—with Bennett and Sullivan bloodlines, and as the eldest grandson in both families—was invaluable but attracted unwanted attention. For his safety and training, Whitney had him live abroad as an ordinary person, returning only for holidays or family events. He never appeared in the media. Only a few people knew his name. Few in Betrico, and even fewer in Roncrity, knew his identity.
Preston continued, "Besides, she isn't like that."
"Is she older than you?" Jonathan asked.
Preston nodded. "Yeah, a few years older, but she's really beautiful a looker." He seemed shy.
Jonathan looked concerned. "I've told you temptation can be dangerous. Your status is unique. Don't get infatuated. The more beautiful a woman is, the more dangerous she might be. Stay cautious."
Preston scoffed, "Why are you nagging more than my mom?"
"Anyway, when she comes, be nice."
Jonathan remained silent, worried about Preston's apparent infatuation.
They waited, but Cynthia didn't arrive. Preston received a message: "[Sorry, something came up tonight. I can't make it.]"
Disappointment flickered in Preston's eyes. Jonathan saw the message and smirked. If this woman knew Preston's identity, she was formidable.
Jonathan ordered drinks. "Does your mom know you're in a relationship?"
Preston said, "Of course not. Uncle, you have to keep it a secret. Don't tell my mom." He took a sip. "And my crush doesn't even know I like her yet."
"So when do you plan on telling her?" Jonathan asked.
Preston pondered. "I plan to confess here tomorrow. Uncle, I need your help setting up the place."