Chapter 181

Cynthia opened the door to find Jonathan standing there, looking gloomy. He was clearly there to confront her.

Cynthia didn't pretend. In a teasing tone, she asked, "Did you break Nina's heart?"

Jonathan stared at her, his gaze cold and sharp, like a frosty ember about to ignite. Cynthia, however, remained unfazed.

Her room had a wine cabinet. The butler had already told her she could sample any wine. Cynthia opened a bottle of 1985 Sassicaia and poured herself another half glass. She took it to the door, handing it to Jonathan. "I can't tell if you guys are genuinely clueless or just pretending," she scolded. "Nina probably had a crush on you for a long time. It takes a lot of courage for a girl to confess her feelings, only to have them crushed."

Jonathan took the wine but didn't drink it. He looked unhappy. "So, do you want me to accept her?"

Cynthia saw through him. He'd come to see her reaction, but was disappointed. She felt no jealousy, only a nonchalant apathy, even pity for Nina. Her reaction, if anything, was sheer curiosity. Jonathan wondered, Is her indifference so profound that she dismisses Nina's confession as mere gossip?

Cynthia clinked her glass against his, took a leisurely sip, and turned smoothly. "Don't try to provoke me. I have no preference. Whether you accept her or not is between you two; it has nothing to do with me. I'm just curious."

She walked back to the balcony, sipping her wine and enjoying the view.

Jonathan watched her relaxed demeanor, downed his wine in one gulp, and strode toward her. As she sipped her wine, he grabbed her shoulder, spinning her around. One hand encircled her waist, the other cupped the back of her head. He kissed her intensely.

Cynthia felt herself lifted off the ground, her back pressed against the wall. Jonathan kissed her passionately, a familiar, dominant kiss. The scent of wine mingled between their lips. Cynthia looked up at the night sky, but this time, instead of pushing him away, she wrapped her arms around his neck and responded.

Jonathan was genuinely surprised. He'd expected a harsh retaliation, but her response left him momentarily stunned. He couldn't stand her indifference, so he'd kissed her, expecting a reaction, perhaps another shove. But Cynthia's eyes were inviting; she moved toward him willingly, her body warm against his.

Jonathan felt his blood boil. Something felt amiss, but he was too distracted to care. He'd missed her terribly; any temptation was irresistible, especially her passion.

Cynthia pushed against his chest. They stumbled from the balcony to the bedroom, Cynthia steadily unbuttoning his shirt. Her touch ignited sparks. He'd suppressed his urges since their breakup; he couldn't resist her teasing. His body felt on fire.

He was about to pin her to the bed when Cynthia forcefully pushed him into the bathroom and slammed the door shut. "Get in there!" she said, her voice clear and indifferent.

Jonathan's frustrated voice echoed from inside, "Cynthia, are you trying to kill me?"

"A cold shower won't kill you," she replied casually. She cracked the door open slightly. "If nothing else works, you'll have to handle it yourself," she said, slamming and locking the door before he could respond. He saw her head pop in briefly before disappearing again, causing him to punch the wall in frustration. Damn it! I knew she was up to something! he thought. But I never expected her to be this ruthless!

He felt slightly bothered by his lack of self-control. After a few deep breaths, he calmed down and turned on the cold water.

After shutting the door, Cynthia breathed deeply. Jonathan's physique and kissing skills were exceptional. She'd almost lost herself in the moment. Charming devil, she thought. He disrupted my peace of mind.

She felt she couldn't stay; she might not maintain her self-control when he emerged. She needed to… meet some more handsome men to strengthen her resolve. The butler's description of the island bar—all handsome young men in their twenties—caught her attention. Since I'm here, why not enjoy it? she thought.

Before leaving, she paused by the bathroom door, listening. Only the sound of running water was audible. She quietly unlocked the door—she couldn't leave him locked in all night—and walked out.

The butler arranged transport to a mountainside bar, circular in shape and surrounded by greenery. The light from inside shone out like a giant pearl nestled in the mountain gap.

Cynthia entered the spacious, high-end venue combining dining and entertainment.