Chapter 196

They walked, one behind the other, at a moderate pace. Jonathan finally slowed, quietly sighing in relief. He had regained his composure by the time he reached them. Whitney saw Jonathan and Preston and asked, "Why are you two here?"

Preston, sighing in relief, replied, "We couldn't find Cynthia and thought she was missing. We didn't expect her to be with you."

Cynthia spoke up, "I got lost after leaving the restroom and happened to run into Ms. Bennett. She invited me to watch a play with her, so I agreed."

Preston felt relieved. Things weren't as Jonathan had suspected. He looked at Jonathan and said, "Jonathan, I told you Cynthia just got lost, but you were worried she might be in danger."

Jonathan remained silent, but his gaze fell upon Cynthia's neck. He noticed red finger marks. His fingers clenched as his eyes moved to her hands, where she held a bag. In a calm voice, he asked, "What are you holding?"

Cynthia replied, "This is a gift from Ms. Bennett, a token of her hospitality."

Preston also noticed the bag. He recognized it as a rare, custom-made bag Whitney had ordered the previous year. The bag itself was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, but the large ruby on it was valued at sixty million dollars. It was Whitney's favorite purse; she had jokingly said last year it would be a gift for her future daughter-in-law. He never expected she'd actually give it to Cynthia.

Overjoyed, Preston wondered if this meant his mother didn't object to his feelings for Cynthia. He concealed his elation. Whitney said, "I'm tired and would like a break. Preston, show Ms. Jones around; there are plenty of fun places here. If Ms. Jones needs anything, let me know."

Preston playfully saluted. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

Whitney smiled. Soon, surrounded by bodyguards, she entered a black car. Cynthia, Preston, and Jonathan also got in. Throughout the journey, Preston, excited, frequently glanced at Cynthia's bag.

He asked, his ears reddening, "Cynthia, did my mother say anything when she gave you this bag?"

Cynthia, however, seemed oblivious to his excitement. She held the bag tightly, looking serious.

Jonathan suddenly stopped the car. "Preston, get out. I need to speak to Ms. Jones."

Preston complained, "What is it? Why can't I hear?"

Jonathan commanded, "Get out."

Preston, though dissatisfied, obeyed. He'd always listened to his uncle.

Chapter 190 (Note: This appears to be a continuation, not a separate chapter)

However, just as Preston exited and closed the door, Jonathan sped off.

Realizing what happened, Preston shouted, "Jonathan, how could you leave me?! You're too much!"

As the car accelerated, Preston disappeared from the rearview mirror. Only then did Jonathan speak, "What did my sister say to you?"

Cynthia seemed stunned, still processing her refusal of Whitney's demand to kill Nina. Whitney had then instructed her to go on stage.

The heavy curtain slowly opened again, revealing the previous actor's lifeless body, drenched in blood. The stage was crimson.

Cynthia was shocked, unsure if it was a convincing performance or reality. After a moment, she rushed to check the body. It was cold.

She recoiled in fear, nearly falling off the stage. Bodyguards then removed the body, emotionless, as if it were a prop.

Cynthia's voice trembled. "Why did you kill him?"

Whitney smiled. "He sacrificed for art. Such performances are truly moving, making them great and eternal, wouldn't you agree?"

Cynthia was terrified. This felt like hell. Half an hour ago, the actor was alive; now, he was dead. Whitney was clearly a psychopath.

"He was meant to live and die for the theater. His first rehearsal established his destiny. Having Ms. Jones here made the day unforgettable."

Cynthia's fingers clenched.

Whitney continued, "Ms. Jones, don't feel bad for him. His sacrifice brings his family generations of wealth. Of course, disobedience has consequences for his family."

Cynthia pointed out, "My parents disowned me long ago. Ms. Bennett knows this."

Whitney said, "The Jones family may not, but what about Rachel?"

Cynthia trembled. "What are you planning?"

"Kill Nina, and you survive. I'll ensure your birth mother enjoys a luxurious afterlife, far surpassing Selena's. You'll appreciate what I've done."

Whitney produced a golden pistol in a custom-made bag with a 101-carat ruby. "Kill Nina, and it's yours."

"What if I refuse?" Cynthia asked.

Whitney replied, "Then there's no…" (The passage cuts off here)