Chapter 189 (81%)

Preston galloped toward them on horseback. Dismounting, he rushed to Cynthia, not Whitney, mirroring Jonathan's earlier actions.

He grasped her arm, scrutinizing her. "Cynthia, are you okay? Are you hurt?"

Whitney and Jonathan frowned simultaneously at this display.

Cynthia offered a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. No need to worry." She hadn't expected Preston to follow.

Jonathan discreetly separated their hands. "Preston, how did you find us?"

Preston replied, "I closed my eyes and chose a path at random. I never expected to end up here by chance." He then looked at Jonathan with an innocent expression. "Uncle, weren't you chasing Nina? Why are you here?"

Jonathan was speechless.

Whitney's stern, angry voice cut through the air from behind. "Preston, do you even know I've been searching for you in Iugrea for a month?"

Preston had deliberately used his credit card in Iugrea and fabricated stories to mislead her. Unknown to Whitney, he'd returned over a month ago and audaciously joined this reality show. Although she'd arranged the show, she hadn't followed it closely until yesterday, when someone reported Alex missing. They showed her the final video before Alex's disappearance, revealing her son's participation.

Preston, raised abroad with strong privacy measures in place, was virtually unknown, even to Alex. Whitney, noting Preston's infatuation with Cynthia, had flown over immediately.

Preston turned, smiling cheerfully. "Mom, what are you doing here?"

Whitney approached, studying him intently. Glancing at Cynthia, she said pointedly, "If I hadn't come, were you going to let the two of you compete for a woman and embarrass the Bennett family?"

Preston looked annoyed. "Mom, it's not like that." He moved to Cynthia's side, introducing her. "Mom, this is Cynthia. I'm pursuing her. She's amazing. She even saved me in Pillere."

Whitney's tone was sarcastic. "She's really something. Otherwise, she wouldn't have you wrapped around her finger."

This angered Preston, his expression hardening. "Mom, don't talk about Cynthia like that."

Whitney sensed the depth of Preston's feelings for Cynthia, realizing it was more serious than she'd anticipated. She'd met Cynthia before and found her unusual. Cynthia had been with Jonathan for three years without seeking the Bennett family's status or wealth.

Chapter 189 (81%)

Whitney had intended to use Cynthia to break up Jonathan and Nina, disrupting his alliance with the Sullivan family. This failed, instead drawing Preston into the conflict. A new possibility struck her on the plane. Cynthia, a naturally captivating woman, had been groomed by Jonathan to manipulate Preston.

Jonathan's kindness toward Preston was a facade. Whitney believed him to possess "the worst and filthiest genes in the world," suspecting manipulative scheming even during Preston's childhood. She reflected, "Considering my treatment of him, how could he possibly treat my child with genuine kindness?"

Knowing Preston's rebellious nature, Whitney avoided direct confrontation. Smiling, she patted his shoulder. "Alright, you're a mess. Go shower, and I'll have someone prepare a meal."

They returned to the ranch. Nina was unharmed, having been returned by the ranch coach, Jonathan having sent him. Surveillance footage showed both her horse and Cynthia's losing control simultaneously; Jonathan had immediately rushed to Nina. Nina didn't question his return with Cynthia.

Overwhelmed with relief at seeing Jonathan, Nina ran to him, hugging his waist. "Mr. Bennett…"

Nina's tears flowed. "Mr. Bennett, I thought I'd never see you again." Jonathan, relieved, patted her shoulder then gently pushed her away. "You're fine now. Stop crying."

A repaired drone wobbled into view. The live stream, off-air for an hour, resumed.

[Oh my gosh, it’s back.] [Thank goodness, Cynthia and Nina are both okay.] [Seeing Nina crying in Mr. Bennett’s arms broke my heart. Have they finally realized each other’s feelings and gotten together after everything they’ve been through?] [I don’t know why, but I’ve stopped shipping this couple. I feel bad for Cynthia being used just for their drama.] [Cynthia, if it’s really not working out, let’s stop recording.]

Cynthia watched impassively as Nina embraced Jonathan. His immediate response to Nina's distress highlighted her importance to him. Perhaps she should wish them happiness.

"Nina, it's been so long. You've grown so much." A woman's voice echoed behind Jonathan.

Nina stiffened, incredulous.