Chapter 215

After Clifford spoke, Cynthia sat down between him and Jonathan. Although comfortably seated, she felt the weight of everyone's scrutinizing gazes.

Cynthia glanced around the large Bennett family gathering; over a dozen people filled the table. Jonathan began introducing her to his relatives. Cynthia politely greeted each one.

Several familiar faces were present, including Susanna, Preston, and Yvette—the latter of whom Cynthia remembered from Susanna's birthday party. Yvette had lent Cynthia a dress after Shirley had deliberately spilled red wine on her own.

Smiling at Yvette, Cynthia received a playful remark: "Last time I called you Cynthia, but now I have to call you Auntie Cynthia!" Cheyanne and Bryson chimed in, "Yeah, Auntie Cynthia, you're so young and beautiful! It's almost embarrassing to meet you outside."

Bryson subtly nudged Preston, who sat quietly, almost unnoticed, a stark contrast to his former lively self. Though his blonde hair and features remained the same, his once bright and innocent demeanor had vanished. Preston remained silent, a glimmer of satisfaction in Bryson's eyes.

Cynthia frowned. Footsteps approached the entrance. Everyone turned as Whitney entered.

Whitney immediately noticed Cynthia in her seat. With an air of superiority, she declared, "Ms. Jones, coming from a small town, did your parents teach you to sit in the host's chair when visiting others' homes?"

Cynthia realized she had taken Whitney's seat. The unfamiliar setting prompted caution. She was about to move when Jonathan intervened, holding her arm. He stood, then turned to Whitney with a cold look.

"There's no name carved on this seat, Whitney," he stated. "It's first come, first served. You should find a different place to sit."

"Is she already trying to act like she's in charge before she's even married into the family?" Whitney retorted. "I've been in this house for forty years, and I've sat in this seat for forty years. If we're talking about who came first, then Ms. Jones should be the one to get up."

This wasn't just any seat; it was strategically positioned near the center of power. Yielding would embolden her sisters to challenge her authority.

Isabella interjected, "Whitney, it's just a seat. Ms. Jones is visiting for the first time. Why not let her have it?"

"Shut up! Since when is it your turn to interrupt when I'm speaking?" Whitney snapped, her frustration directed at Isabella. Isabella's smile faltered, her husband gently persuading her to sit down.

Clifford intervened, his voice calm yet authoritative, silencing the room. "Okay, stop arguing, Whitney. If you want to eat, find yourself a seat. If you don't want to eat, go to the chapel for some reflection. Cynthia is sitting here at my invitation, and from now on, whenever she visits, this seat is hers."

The unexpected gesture surprised everyone. Clifford, known for his reserved nature and perceived favoritism towards Whitney, had just defied expectations.

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People believed Jonathan was the sole heir to the Bennett family fortune and the future leader of the Bennett Group. In reality, Clifford treated sons and daughters equally, having long ago declared that each would stand on their own merits. The second and third branches of the family had already failed in their bids for succession, leaving Whitney and Jonathan as the most likely heirs.

Whitney's chances were stronger until the deserted island incident. The Bennett family knew Whitney had used Cynthia and Nina to threaten Jonathan, forcing him to relinquish 15% of his shares, an act that nearly cost Jonathan his life during a typhoon. Clifford was furious and had gone to great lengths to rectify the situation.

Whitney was taken aback by Clifford's defense of Cynthia. His fury stemmed from Jonathan's near-death experience.

Whitney remained silent, finding a seat. The delicious food was tasteless to Cynthia, who remained on edge, observing the family's carefully constructed politeness that masked their hidden agendas and inscrutable expressions.

Midway through the meal, Clifford announced, "It's rare that everyone is here today. I have something to say." Everyone paused, listening intently.

He looked at Whitney. "I usually turn a blind eye to your battles, but you should know my limit. If anyone tries to harm others for inheritance, I will not stand by and do nothing."

Everyone outwardly maintained composure, secretly amused by the unfolding drama. Isabella and Amelia, long overshadowed by Whitney, were particularly pleased. Clifford's bias towards Whitney had always been apparent, and her uncontrolled behavior had finally reached its breaking point. They hoped for a severe reprimand.

"I have three matters to announce," Clifford continued, his words silencing the room.

"First," he declared, "Whitney made a serious mistake and must be punished. Starting tomorrow, she will be removed from her position as general manager at the Bennett Group."

Whitney was visibly shocked. "Dad, how can you do this to me?"

Whitney held numerous prestigious titles, including Chairwoman of Betrico Multimedia and a major shareholder in several public companies. However, her role as general manager of the Bennett Group, the cornerstone of the family's business empire, was the most powerful. Her removal elated Isabella and Amelia.

Clifford's tone sharpened. "Sit down. This is just a warning. If you dare to act recklessly again, I'll reclaim every single share from you without hesitation."