Chapter 180

Just as she finished speaking, Alex and Nina descended the spiral staircase together. Nina was surprised to see Cynthia and Jonathan. She wondered if they had also paired up.

Nina and Alex approached them. Alex teased, "So, you two are a pair, huh?"

Cynthia casually explained, "It's the prize for winning the cooking contest."

Nina felt relieved. However, she had regretted boarding the plane with Alex immediately afterward. She had never disobeyed Jonathan and knew he worried about her. She feared he would withdraw his affection.

"Mr. Bennett," Nina called. "I need to talk to you."

Alex, astutely, said, "Nina, I'll go ahead. Catch up later."

Cynthia turned to the butler and said, "Please take me to my room." She left with him.

Nina took Jonathan to a secluded garden. "Mr. Bennett, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so impulsive," she apologized.

Jonathan's expression was serious. "Nina, you know our situation. This reality show is Whitney's doing. She hasn't acted yet, and I'm unsure of her motives. I must be cautious. I can only keep you safe if you cooperate."

Nina felt increasingly guilty. "I won't do that again, Mr. Bennett. I'll do whatever you need."

Jonathan nodded. "Keep your distance from Alex. He's been overly attentive, and his intentions may not be good."

Nina replied, "I will."

Jonathan's expression softened. "Be careful. Don't give Whitney an opening." He gently patted her head. "You can go now."

Jonathan turned away, but Nina remained. His actions and gentle tone reassured her. He had already walked a few steps away when, summoning her courage, she ran to him and hugged him from behind. Her eyes were tightly shut, and she was trembling with nervousness.

Mustering her courage, she exclaimed, "Mr. Bennett, I like you! I really, really like you! When I was twelve, trapped in Whitney's basement, you rescued me. From that moment, I liked you. Later, when you took a knife for me, I vowed to repay you for life. All these years, I've secretly had a crush on you. Everyone says you've been waiting for me to grow up, and that made me happy. Now that I am, I don't want to hide my feelings anymore. Mr. Bennett, please let me be yours!" She clung to him, trembling uncontrollably.

It was ironic. Everyone assumed they were a couple, but except for the basement incident, they had never even hugged. She always longed for his comforting scent and feeling of safety.

Jonathan stood silently. Nina's heart sank as he gently pried her fingers open one by one. She felt like she was drowning.

After releasing her, he turned away, his voice flat. "Nina, why do you believe others' opinions? I've always told you, I'm just your Mr. Bennett. You should know that by now."

She remembered her eighteen-year-old confession and his identical response. But the whispers made her believe she was the only one he cared for. The more she heard it, the more she wanted to believe it. Maybe she just wanted it to be true. Her arms fell, her head drooped, and tears streamed down her face.

"I've watched you grow," Jonathan said. "I see myself in you. I protect you because I want you to be independent, perhaps even surpass Whitney someday. I don't want you to be consumed by emotions. You have a mission, for yourself and your family. I can't protect you forever."

Nina wasn't listening. "Mr. Bennett, is it Cynthia? Are you pushing me away because of her?" Jonathan's eyes hardened.

Looking up at him, tears welled in her eyes. "I know what Celine said is true. Cynthia was your girlfriend in Roncrity, but you broke up. Why can't you accept me? I like you so much."

"Nina!" Jonathan's voice was firm. "I could never like you. I will never be able to like anyone else."

Am I just someone else? Tears welled in her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips. "You still like Cynthia, don't you?"

"Yes," he answered confidently. "If I ever have a wife, it will be her, and only her."

"What if Cynthia loves someone else?" Nina sensed Cynthia's disinterest in Jonathan. Preston was also pursuing her.

Jonathan answered firmly, "Then I'd remain alone."

Nina hadn't expected that. A glimmer of hope remained, but it quickly vanished. Biting her lip, she said, "I understand, Mr. Bennett," and left.

Watching her go, Jonathan sighed, feeling irritated. He noticed Cynthia on the third-floor balcony, leaning over, seemingly eavesdropping with a gossipy expression.

Cynthia hadn't actually heard anything; the wind was too strong. But she suspected Nina had confessed, and Jonathan had rejected her.

As she leaned back, she saw Jonathan looking up. She felt uneasy but acted nonchalant, picked up her wine, and went inside.

Less than three minutes later, a loud knock came at her door.