Chapter 184

Nina was having a nightmare, her hands flailing. Jonathan held her hand, reassuring her, "Nina, don't be scared. I'm here." She immediately calmed down.

Jonathan saw her tears, feeling a mix of emotions. Over the years, he'd considered Nina a little sister, caring for and protecting her. Besides their shared struggles, another significant reason existed: an agreement between Nina's mother and himself.

He anticipated a future inheritance battle with Whitney. As one of Betrico's four leading families, the Sullivans' support would significantly improve his chances. Aaron and Yuliana, distant relatives, held no sway within the family business.

Arthur Bennett favored Preston as his successor. When Whitney and Aaron divorced, Arthur insisted Preston retain his surname and that they hand over leadership to him.

Yuliana, though unimportant within the Sullivan family, held a trump card: Jonathan's promise to protect Nina. In reality, Jonathan seemed to exploit Nina for his own gain.

He wasn't oblivious to her feelings or the rumors. His inaction was partly to protect her; his guardianship deterred Whitney's allies. It also provided cover for Cynthia. Nina's Sullivan connection, and Preston's delayed takeover, forced Whitney to consider their familial ties.

Arthur's fondness for the younger generation was well-known, but Cynthia's background didn't concern Whitney. For three years, Jonathan longed for Cynthia but hid his identity. His relationship with Nina served as convenient cover, allowing him three years of open enjoyment in Roncrity. He did, however, feel guilty towards Nina.

Jonathan left the room, called Jason, whose overly enthusiastic response was, "Sir, what can I do for you?"

Jason's variety show was produced and invested in by Betrico Multimedia. They provided a guest list, excluding Preston. Originally, a non-celebrity, Filip, was invited and had agreed to participate. However, Preston, to whom Jason owed a favor, requested to appear the day before recording. They secretly replaced Filip with Preston without informing Betrico Multimedia. Jason, as chief director, felt justified in making the change, given Betrico's lack of specific requirements.

Jonathan received special treatment as the young Mr. Bennett. His reasons for participating remained unclear, though Jason knew Jonathan and Whitney were openly and secretly at odds, making the show another stage for their rivalry. Jason remained neutral, only concerned with ratings.

Jonathan calmly instructed, "Send a helicopter, and announce Alex's withdrawal tomorrow."

Jason, surprised, asked "Why?"

Jonathan remained silent. Jason understood and replied, "No problem. Whatever you say goes."

The helicopter arrived, piloted by Claude, who met briefly with Jonathan. Claude then described Alex: an orphan discovered by opera master John Anderson, raised as a son, who rose to fame after a Hamlet performance at seventeen. However, a month later, his mentorship ended abruptly. He entered the entertainment industry, becoming a popular actor, earning the title "the most handsome man in period dramas."

Jonathan asked, "What's his relationship with my sister, Whitney?"

Claude felt guilty. Jonathan had initially asked him to investigate any connection between Alex and Whitney; the investigation yielded nothing. Alex wasn't signed with Betrico Multimedia, and few of his projects received Betrico investment. Whitney, heiress to a trillion-dollar group, disliked showbiz and rarely interacted with its members. Claude believed Alex's appearance was unrelated to Whitney.

This made Jonathan careless. However, reviewing footage of Alex's performance, he noticed Whitney's presence that day. He tracked down the reclusive John, uncovering a shocking secret.

"What did you say? Are you saying Alex is Whitney's lover?" Jonathan was incredulous.

Whitney, despite her fame, maintained a private life, expertly controlling the media. She had various public personas, but her personal life remained unreported. She spent much time abroad, keeping Jonathan uninformed.

Claude nodded, adding, "She was involved with John as well."

Jonathan fell silent, understanding the fallout between Alex and John. Alex, only three years older than Preston, had been with Whitney since he was seventeen—a seven-year relationship.

Jonathan sneered, "She never ceases to impress."

Claude asked, "Boss, how should we handle Alex?"

Jonathan glared at the injured Alex. "He's hurt badly. Take him to Blossom Care. Someone will treat him. Remember, no hospitals."

Claude left.

The next morning, Nina woke sore and confused, remembering only confessing to Jonathan, his rejection, going to a bar, meeting Alex, and then nothing. The room was unfamiliar—not the show crew's accommodation. In the bathroom, she saw red marks on her neck.