Chapter 18

Cynthia spotted Jonathan, too. Honestly, in the three years they’d been together, she had rarely seen him dressed like this. Running into him at Susanna’s birthday party was shocking.

What truly caught her off guard wasn't only his elevated status but also how much he'd changed. He'd morphed from a carefree playboy into a refined gentleman, and frankly, she wasn't used to it.

Tommy Sexton, standing beside Jonathan and wearing gold-rimmed glasses, grinned and added, "So, Roncrity really is a wonderland where polygamy is allowed. No wonder Jonathan couldn't bring himself to leave for Betrico three years ago."

Laughter erupted. "Tommy, are you really joking about Jonathan? Don't forget, we came all the way from Betrico just to work for him!"

"Still, the customs here are something else. I envy Mr. Yates. A stunning wife like that and a cute little gem on the side? That kind of life would make anyone green with envy."

Wallace glanced between the two silent women, feeling a headache coming on.

Lilian felt the crowd's stares but bit her lip. She was about to become a high-profile host and couldn't afford this embarrassment.

She knew Cynthia well. Back in school, Cynthia never fought her, always letting her win—whether it was over clothes, bags, scholarships, or study abroad spots. Lilian had taken much from Cynthia, including Filip. They had been together for three years, and Cynthia hadn't said a word.

Cynthia wasn't nearly as strong and dominant as she appeared. Her stunning looks conveyed an air of superiority, but in reality, she was far from competitive. She simply didn't care enough to fight.

Lilian hoped Cynthia would step back, but things weren't going as planned. With a smirk, Cynthia observed Lilian silently, refusing to back down. She seemed to be waiting for Lilian to make the first move.

Just then, a man beside Jonathan broke the awkward silence. "Didn't Mr. and Mrs. Yates attend Mrs. Susanna Bennett's birthday party together? You should know who the real Mrs. Yates is, right, Jonathan?"

Instantly, all eyes, including Cynthia's and Lilian's, shifted to Jonathan.

Lilian's heart skipped a beat. Anxiety fluttered in her stomach. So, this is Jonathan? The man I'm supposed to interview? Filip had mentioned attending Susanna's party with Cynthia, but he'd also said there were a hundred tables, with only two from Roncrity. Compared to the top politicians and elite families, they were minor players. With so many people, Jonathan probably wouldn't remember who was who. But Cynthia was stunning—the kind of beauty one doesn't easily forget. Jonathan should remember her, right? If her true identity came out, the exclusive interview would surely go to Cynthia.

Cynthia, too, turned her gaze to Jonathan. Given that they'd been sleeping together for three years, she assumed a little help wouldn't be too much to ask.

Wallace stepped beside Jonathan, waiting for him to speak.

Jonathan glanced at Cynthia and replied coolly, "I don't know any Mr. or Mrs. Yates. If you want to find out who the real Mrs. Yates is, give Mr. Yates a video call. I'm sure he wouldn't forget his own wife."

"That's right. How silly of me! Good thing we have Mr. Bennett's wisdom. I'll call Mr. Yates right away," Wallace replied, immediately making the call.

Chapter 18 (continued)

Cynthia's heart sank. She noticed Jonathan's brow furrowing slightly and knew it was intentional—he was setting her up.

Soon, the video call connected. "Wallace, what's going on?" Filip's voice crackled.

Wallace responded warmly, "Sorry to bother you, Mr. Yates. You mentioned Mrs. Yates would be here, but now we have two. Can you help us figure out who your real wife is?" As he spoke, the camera panned between Cynthia and Lilian.

Filip frowned. He hadn't expected Cynthia. She must have heard Lilian was coming and decided to come too. It looks like she just cannot stop competing with Lilian.

Without missing a beat, Filip said, "The one in the white dress is my wife." Lilian wore an elegant white dress; Cynthia wore a casual pink tracksuit.

"Got it. I won't keep you any longer, Mr. Yates. I'll take care of the situation—Mrs. Yates will be treated like royalty," Wallace replied with a grin before hanging up.

The crowd buzzed with whispers, especially the high-society women. "Why even bother showing up if she can't meet the standards? Getting caught pretending to be someone's wife in public? So embarrassing!" "Maybe she's just here to snag a wealthy husband. She's definitely giving off a vixen vibe." "She could be Mr. Yates's side piece, showing up to provoke the real deal. Why else would she come on the same day as Mrs. Yates?"

Three years ago, Cynthia and Filip had a small wedding. While the people in Roncrity knew Filip was married, they didn't know who his wife was.

Caught in the gossip, Cynthia seemed unfazed.

Wallace approached her, dropping the pretense of friendliness. "Miss, you're not a member here. Please leave."

With a casual gesture, Cynthia pulled a card from her bag. "How about I sign up for a membership right now? That should let me in, right?"

The room fell silent. Wallace looked taken aback. "Well, yes… but our membership fee is—"

Cynthia interrupted, "Six hundred thousand dollars, right? Just swipe my card."

Everyone was stunned. The women who had mocked Cynthia were shocked. Most had entered using their husbands' or fathers' memberships, not their own.

Wallace's expression shifted dramatically; he smiled wider than ever. He even forgot about Lilian and asked the receptionist to escort Cynthia inside, guiding her to the VIP room to handle her membership.

The men around Jonathan perked up. "That card looks like a Cheetah Black Gold Card. There are only 500 in the world, accepted by all major banks. It gives access to VIP services at seven-star hotels—a real status symbol." "Jonathan has one, too. I've heard fewer than twenty people in Clusia have this card, and none are average folks." "Who exactly is Ms. Jones? What's her story?"

Those who had derided Cynthia widened their eyes. Six hundred thousand dollars might not be much for some, but that card was rare. Not just anyone could get one. Even royal families usually had fewer than three. Cynthia's possession left them wondering about her true identity.

Cynthia knew nothing of this. The card was a salary card from her senior, Simon Adams. QUEEN had been depositing her dividends into that account, which held three hundred million dollars. Six hundred thousand was nothing to her.