Chapter 144

Jonathan, impeccably dressed in a tailored black shirt buttoned to the top, possessed a sharp, commanding presence. His chiseled features, particularly his deep blue eyes, exuded power, drawing both admiration and intimidation. He stood beside Nina, who wore a pink dress, her long blonde hair cascading down, adorned with pearls and immaculate makeup—a picture of elegance.

“Jonathan, everyone’s here. Let’s go,” Nina chirped, her voice sweet and excited.

“Okay, let’s go,” Jonathan replied softly.

(Nina's direct address suggests an unusual relationship. However, given the long-standing intermarriage between the four major Betrico families, it's unsurprising.)

Mr. Bennett's gentle demeanor and subtle smile were captivating.

Nina and Jonathan joined the group. Ethan and Jonathan shook hands; Jesse offered a polite but formal greeting. Alex's gaze lingered momentarily on Nina. Abby, squeezing in, linked arms with Nina. "Nina, it's me, Abby! We were at that fashion gala together," she said.

Nina, unsure if she remembered from the hundreds of attendees, politely agreed. Abby, thrilled, turned to Jonathan. "Nina and I are the same age. May I call you Jonathan?" she asked, extending her hand.

Jonathan's cold gaze shot at her. "Who permitted you to address me so familiarly?" His sharp tone stunned Abby.

(Abby's attempt at familiarity backfired spectacularly.)

(A businessman is not easily manipulated.)

(Perhaps Abby's intentions weren't entirely innocent.)

(It seems harsh to judge Abby so quickly. Jonathan's arrogance is apparent.)

(Abby's familiarity is a clear attempt to ingratiate herself.)

Jonathan's gaze swept the room, settling on Cynthia and Preston.

Jonathan, uniquely aware of the guest list, noticed Cynthia's presence and felt a heavy weight settle on her heart. This wasn't a coincidence; her participation felt orchestrated, much like her scholarship to BCBT. Suspecting Freddie as Whitney's son, Cynthia wondered if Whitney had deliberately placed her there to sabotage Nina and Jonathan's appearance. Was Preston also involved? A chill ran down her spine; she was caught in Whitney's game.

Preston was surprised to see Jonathan and Nina. Nina, his half-sister, was someone he barely knew, despite sharing a family name due to Gunther's promise of inheritance. Growing up with the Bennetts, he hadn't had much contact with her.

As their eyes met, Nina showed a flicker of fear, instinctively hiding behind Jonathan. Her fear stemmed from Whitney, whose name conjured nightmares. Jonathan's protection had been her lifeline.

Jonathan approached Preston and Cynthia. "Isn't Cynthia too busy for variety shows? Is RNN's pay insufficient?" he asked, his tone neutral yet loaded. He suspected Whitney's involvement.

Cynthia could explain, but chose not to. "Mr. Bennett, this ocean view is perfect for a house," she replied smoothly.

Jonathan was speechless. The onlookers' curiosity piqued.

(What was she implying?)

(Bold move. She’s deflecting.)

(Hilarious evasion.)

(A clear undercurrent of tension.)

Preston, sensing the awkwardness and knowing Jonathan's distrust of Cynthia, interjected, "The original guest couldn't make it; Cynthia filled in at the last minute."

Jonathan's gaze deepened. He turned to Preston. "And you?"

Preston, unexpectedly, confessed his feelings to Cynthia, much to her chagrin.

"Cynthia, even though you rejected my confession, I'm a man, not a child. You have the right to reject me, and I have the right to pursue you. I like you."

Cynthia's embarrassment was palpable; Preston's innocent puppy-dog eyes only deepened her frustration. Jonathan remained silent, stunned by the sudden turn of events.