Chapter 139

Preston looked up and saw Cynthia walking away. He hurried after her.

“Cynthia…” His voice was cautious, lacking its usual cheerfulness.

“Mr. Sullivan, is there something you need?” Cynthia’s tone was neutral, similar to how Claude and the others addressed her. But being called "Mr. Sullivan" made him uncomfortable.

“Cynthia, are you still mad at me?” Preston asked.

“Can I apologize? I shouldn't have kept my identity a secret, or deceived you. I hid it because it's… special. If I told everyone I met that I'm Preston, they'd either try to exploit my status or avoid me out of fear.”

“I never meant to deceive you. I just wanted a genuine friend, someone who likes me—Preston—not my last name or my mother, Whitney.”

“I didn’t pretend to be poor to trick you. In Friyx, I was broke. My mother took away my ID and credit cards because I was rebellious. I had to use a fake identity for low-paying jobs.”

“When I returned, I used my savings to get legal papers. I was penniless. I truly didn't mean to deceive you.”

Cynthia looked at him. When they first met, his smile had been bright and warm. Now, his eyes, though still clear and sincere, seemed clouded with gloom.

Ultimately, compassion won. She knew his deception wasn't intentional. Her change of heart wasn't about his hidden identity, but the complications it presented.

She’d always vowed to stay out of the game, to avoid entanglement with the Bennett family's affairs. She’d broken things off with Jonathan. Yet, inevitably, she’d encountered Whitney’s son, Preston.

Cynthia couldn't imagine the chaos if Whitney discovered her son had been staying at her house. It would be endless drama.

Cynthia sighed. “Preston, I’m really not upset with you, truly.”

The sound of her saying his name again brought a sparkle to his eyes. “Really? Cynthia, does that mean I can move to Splendid Garden?”

“No,” Cynthia flatly refused.

Preston’s eyelids drooped. “You’re still mad at me.”

“Preston, I recently met your mother in Betrico. She didn’t seem to like me. If she finds out we’re friends, especially that you came from Friyx to see me, she’ll assume I have ulterior motives. I don’t want Ms. Bennett to misunderstand.”

Preston was surprised. “You’ve met my mother?”

“Yes. So, Preston, I don’t dislike you, and I’m not mad. I think you’re a nice person, but I’m being selfish. I won’t risk offending your mother because of you.”

“Besides, we’ve only known each other a few days. Ending things now is best for both of us.” Cynthia’s honesty startled Preston.

Chapter 139 (continued)

“Is it just because of my mother that you’re looking down on me? Just because I was born into the Bennett family, do I not deserve genuine friendships?” Preston’s tone was hurt.

“You deserve them, but you should seek friends on your social level, not try to find a diamond in the rough. It’s not about looking down on ourselves, but ordinary people can’t afford to offend someone as powerful as your mother. Keeping a low profile isn't wrong,” Cynthia said.

Preston tried to persuade her. “My mom isn’t a demon. I don’t believe she would interfere if I made a friend.”

“She might not with others, but she definitely would with me. If you don’t believe it, ask your mom,” Cynthia said calmly.

Cynthia said no more. She walked to Preston, patted his shoulder, and said, “Fate is fair. Being born into wealth gives you what most dream of, but it comes with a price.”

“My advice is to relax and enjoy your life as a rich kid. Stop obsessing over hard-to-get things, like so-called true love. Maybe it doesn’t even exist—parents abandon kids, couples become enemies, hearts change. Nothing is truly permanent.”

“I’m a practical person, and not worth your trouble. Meeting was destiny, but when it’s over, let’s part calmly. Preston, take care.”

Cynthia left. Preston seemed lost in thought.

Cynthia drove to the parking lot. As she passed the TV station entrance, Preston finally seemed to realize what he was doing.

He ran and stopped in front of her car.

Cynthia slammed on the brakes, narrowly avoiding hitting him. Shaken, and unusually angry, she threw open the car door and confronted him.

With a loud bang, she slapped him. “Preston, are you trying to get yourself killed? How many lives do you think you have to block cars like that?”

“Do you think I couldn’t hit the gas and send you to the ICU? Use your brain! Think before you act! If you’re looking for trouble, don’t drag me into it!”

Cynthia was furious. The slap wasn't hard, but a lesson. Impulsiveness is one thing, risking your life is stupid. She might have been seriously injured.

After being scolded, Preston was confused. He hadn’t thought it through. He just wanted one last chance to talk to her.

Preston stood before her, upset, tears welling. “Cynthia, I like you!”

“It doesn’t matter if you like me, I’ll still yell at you!” Cynthia was still angry. Then she realized, “Wait, what did you say?”

With a pitiful expression, Preston said, “Cynthia, I’ve liked you since I first saw you. Since you left for Friyx, I’ve thought about you constantly. I came here for you. I don’t just want to be friends; I want to be your boyfriend.”