Chapter 134

“But… but…” Rachel stammered.

“Rachel, do you think I’m not good enough for her?” Preston asked.

“It’s not that you’re not good; it’s just… I don’t think you two are a good match,” Rachel said.

“Why not?” Preston raised his arm, flexing his muscles. “My physique and looks aren’t that bad, are they?”

Rachel chuckled at his childishness. “I just think Cynthia doesn’t see you as a man.” Anyone could see that Cynthia saw him only as a younger brother, or even a little boy.

Preston felt instantly deflated. After spending a week together, he’d noticed Cynthia didn’t see him as a man at all. Sometimes, when she came home, he’d deliberately walk out of the shower, shirtless. He was lean, with eight-pack abs. Even when he purposely showed off his muscles, she wouldn’t bat an eye. She showed zero interest and would even remind him to put on clothes quickly because the air conditioner was cold.

That’s why Preston decided to confess his feelings. He didn’t have much time left; his mother could discover his whereabouts at any moment. If Cynthia didn’t start seeing him as a man, there would be no chance for them. So, he decided to confess his love—not necessarily to succeed, but to let her know he was pursuing her as a man, not to remain a little brother forever.

After returning home, Preston called Cynthia. “Cynthia, do you have time tonight?”

“Yeah, what’s up, Preston?” she replied.

Preston asked, “Could you come watch my performance tonight? You’ve helped me so much, and I have a gift for you.” Cynthia’s voice was soft and pleasant. “Oh, come on, what gift? I didn’t help you for a gift.” Then she added, “What’s the gift?” Preston laughed, “You’ll find out when you come tonight.”

“You’re keeping me in suspense. Fine, I’ll bring a friend along tonight and introduce her to you.”

Cynthia liked Preston a lot. Although they hadn’t known each other long, she felt a strange sense of familiarity with him. Plus, he had a warmth and cleanliness about him, like the rising sun, but his independence also made her feel protective of him. She didn’t mind looking out for him.

Chapter 131

At 4 PM, in the CEO’s office at BJ Building, Claude hurried in. He placed the quarterly financial report from the finance department on Jonathan’s desk. “Mr. Bennett, here’s the report you requested.”

But Jonathan didn’t immediately open it. He looked up and asked, “How are the preparations for Preston going?”

Claude replied, “The venue is all set. First, Mr. Sullivan will perform, then he’ll hide inside a gift box, and have it pushed to the girl he likes, so she can open it herself.”

“After that, Mr. Sullivan will appear holding a bouquet of flowers and confess his feelings. At the same time, flowers and balloons will fall from the second floor, creating a romantic atmosphere,” Claude added, a bit proudly. “Mr. Bennett, rest assured, you can count on me. I doubt any girl could resist such a romantic gesture.”

Though Claude usually seemed somewhat dull, Jonathan knew that in their university days, Claude was a pro at chasing girls. Jonathan and Claude had been college classmates. At that time, Claude was into racing, and his passengers changed frequently—he was a typical playboy. However, after meeting Luna, he suddenly became serious. He was so smitten with Luna that he proposed to her. Even though Luna didn’t like him and turned him down many times, Claude remained devoted to her. After Luna’s death, Claude’s personality changed dramatically. He went from a rebellious playboy to the calm and composed man he is now. Despite being the eldest grandson of a wealthy, powerful family, Claude was willing to serve as Jonathan’s secretary. This wasn’t just because he didn’t want to take over his family’s business, but also because he wanted to avenge Luna’s death. They both had a common enemy: Whitney.

Jonathan closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I always thought Preston was still a child. I didn’t expect him to be at the age for love already.”

Claude sighed, “It’s a shame he has a mother like that. This love of his is bound to end in failure.”

Jonathan responded calmly, “Every life experience is part of growing up. At least he’s happy for now.”

Preston’s performance was set for 9 PM. Cynthia kept her word and showed up on time, bringing Naomi along. Preston was delighted to see Cynthia from the stage and raised his hand to greet her. Cynthia smiled and waved back. This scene was seen by Jonathan, who was sitting in a booth on the second floor. From the moment Cynthia arrived, he had a sudden bad feeling. He reassured himself it must be a coincidence. But the moment Preston’s beaming face interacted with Cynthia, Jonathan felt as if a hand had gripped his throat. He thought, ‘How could it be Cynthia? Could the girl Preston likes really be Cynthia?’

Chapter 131 (continued)

At that moment, everything seemed to fall into place. Preston hadn’t gone to Lugrea during this period; instead, he stayed in Friyx. Not long ago, Cynthia had traveled to Pillere to participate in the Pillere Fashion Design Competition. That model wearing the mask and the dazzling gravel dress at the competition was Preston. When Jonathan first saw the model, he had a sense of familiarity, but back then, he thought it couldn’t be Cynthia. Or perhaps, he thought there couldn’t be such a coincidence. In a city as vast as Pillere, with millions of people, how could two unrelated individuals meet so easily? But now, all those assumptions seemed to crumble. Not only did they know each other, but Preston had also fallen for Cynthia. Jonathan had done everything he could to keep Cynthia out of Whitney’s sight, even at the cost of breaking up with her. Yet now, Cynthia had thrown herself right into this dangerous trap. Jonathan closed his eyes, overwhelmed by a deep sense of helplessness. He thought, “God, is this some kind of joke?” But when he opened his eyes again, all the complex, turbulent emotions were replaced by cold calmness. He had to stop this.

Claude, standing next to Jonathan, was also stunned. After a long silence, he finally spoke. “Mr. Bennett, could it be that the girl Mr. Sullivan plans to confess his feelings to tonight is Ms. Jones?”

Jonathan’s expression darkened. His voice turned icy. “Claude, I need you to take care of something for me.”

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