Preston was also shocked. Heartbreak followed the initial shock, and he turned away, unable to bear the sight.

Chapter 201

Nina watched the scene unfold, her heart shattering. A moment before, she’d thought Jonathan's open-armed hug was for her. She'd been fooling herself, overestimating her importance.

She thought, "From beginning to end, the one Jonathan truly likes, the one he wants close even in tough times, is Cynthia." Nina couldn't describe her feelings. It was like a dream she'd woven being ruthlessly burst, or like holding a sincere heart, only to have it crushed.

She started to run, but Jessie grabbed her arm. "Nina, you can't just run off. What if something happens again?" Nina was held back; she couldn't even leave.

The drone buzzed excitedly overhead, capturing their kiss from every angle and streaming it live.

[I just went to the bathroom, what did I miss? How are they kissing already?] [I’m a bit hesitant to root for them after being let down this morning.] [But this kiss… who understands… this is the kind of couple adults should be rooting for!] [I don’t care! I’m gonna root for them.] [Is this something I can watch for free! It’s so sweet and warm!]

No one knew how much time had passed when Jonathan finally released Cynthia. She looked dazed. It wasn't the first time Jonathan had kissed her forcefully, but it always caught her off guard.

Cynthia glared fiercely. Unfazed, Jonathan took her hand. "Let's head back." Cynthia yanked her hand away and got into a car.

Cynthia's mind was in turmoil. Part was lingering fear from the close call; the other part was disbelief that she hadn't pushed Jonathan away during the live stream kiss.

On the way back, Jessie pulled Nina into Cynthia's car. Jessie was gossipy but dared not ask anything. Everyone knew about Nina and Jonathan's relationship, but Jonathan had just kissed Cynthia in public—not Nina. It was enough to make anyone wonder.

Jessie mused, "So, what's the real deal between these three?" Nina sat silently. To break the silence, Jessie racked her brain for a topic.

"Cynthia," Jessie asked, "where did you get that gun?"

Cynthia calmly replied, "I picked it up from the storeroom. This wildlife park also offers hunting experiences." Cynthia wasn't lying; the old butler had mentioned it. Neither Jessie nor Nina doubted the story.

Jessie looked at Cynthia in admiration. "Cynthia, how did you get so good at shooting? Did you take lessons?"

Cynthia casually said, "I occasionally play with airsoft guns; I'm not usually this accurate. I was just nervous today—a total coincidence!" She couldn't tell them her mentor, Shiloh, was a former assassin with amazing shooting skills who'd won Olympic gold medals, made a fortune, and retired gracefully. No one would believe that.

Jessie nodded. "Luckily, you were there today, or Nina and Mr. Bennett would have been in danger." She glanced at Nina.

Honestly, Cynthia had saved them all. Yet, Nina seemed oblivious. She should be thankful, but she couldn't bring herself to express it; her heart felt heavy and troubled.

Soon, everyone arrived at the villa and went to their rooms. Just as Preston was about to head to his room, Jonathan stopped him. "From now on, stay with Cynthia at all times."

Preston, still upset about the kiss, resisted angrily. "Why should I listen to your arrangements?"

Jonathan replied, "Because your mother wants to kill her."

Preston furrowed his brow. "Jonathan, why are you slandering my mom?"

Jonathan said, "Preston, before, we wanted to protect you. But now you need to face reality: your mother is cruel. She's attempted to assassinate me thirteen times—twice herself."

Preston stared in disbelief, but Jonathan's face remained calm.

"Jonathan, I don't believe it. My mom isn't like that," Preston retorted.

Jonathan replied calmly, "Today, the gun in Cynthia's hand was given by your mother to kill Nina. She saved her instead. Do you think your mother would let that slide?"

"From the beginning of the island visit, Nina and Cynthia kept getting into trouble. Do you really think it was all coincidence?" Jonathan added.

Preston had found things suspicious, but couldn't believe Whitney would commit murder. In the end, he agreed with Jonathan.

Jonathan didn't go to his room. He planned to negotiate with Whitney, though he didn't know where she was. He found the butler, who also claimed ignorance. Jonathan handed over a box. "Please give this to my sister, Whitney."

By dinner, Whitney hadn't shown up. Given everything, no one felt like going out. Everyone went to their rooms.

Cynthia thought, 'Once the show ends, will Whitney let us leave?'

The production team announced an approaching typhoon, delaying filming.

'How could it be such a coincidence?' Cynthia wondered, feeling heavy-hearted.

Since dinner, Preston had been in Cynthia's room. Usually loud and talkative, he was lost in thought, lying on the sofa with his back to Cynthia.

Cynthia didn't ask him to leave; she knew he was her protection.

The sea breeze rustled the windows. A typhoon might be coming. Cynthia went to the balcony, hoping to see the storm.

Suddenly, a dark figure jumped down, pressing a chloroform-soaked cloth over her mouth. She struggled briefly before passing out.

Preston thought he heard something. Turning around, he saw nothing. He got up and called, "Cynthia, where are you?"

Mon, Nov