Chapter 216

Whitney knew Clifford was a man of his word. Once he'd decided on something, there was no changing his mind. Throwing a fit would be utterly useless. She had anticipated this; Clifford would revoke some of her powers as punishment. But she didn't expect to lose her position as general manager outright. Even reluctant, Whitney didn't dare resist. She silently sat back down.

Clifford continued, "Secondly, since Jon and Cynthia have strong feelings for each other and have secretly pledged their future together, they are now considered family. Anyone who dares to give Cynthia a hard time will answer to me."

This announcement surprised everyone. Cynthia, a girl from a small town with no background or status, was widely known as a fake heiress. Rumors of a previous marriage circulated. The Bennett family had already discovered this information.

Originally, everyone assumed Clifford would never approve of Jonathan marrying someone like her, regardless of their feelings. But, to everyone's surprise, Clifford seemed to have a special fondness for Cynthia.

Everyone looked at Cynthia with renewed curiosity. They wondered what abilities Ms. Jones possessed to gain Clifford's approval and favor at their first meeting.

Isabella chuckled and said, "From now on, Ms. Jones will be our fourth sister. We won't have time to bully her; we'll be too busy protecting her."

Clifford continued, "Thirdly, I will transfer five percent of the company's shares to Cynthia."

The first two announcements were surprising, but the third stunned everyone. They couldn't fathom Clifford's reasoning. Five percent of the Bennett Group's shares was significant, making Cynthia a major shareholder, like Isabella and Amelia. This represented billions in value. Clifford's generous gift at their first meeting left everyone speechless. The younger generation of the Bennett family, including Preston, didn't even own a single share.

Bryson and Cheyanne looked unhappy, but as juniors, they remained silent.

Cynthia was utterly shocked. "What is Clifford doing, offering shares at our first meeting?" she thought. Her shock was evident as she looked at Jonathan.

Jonathan shook his head, signaling her silence. The shares were essentially for him; that was likely Clifford's intention.

Others thought the same. As a couple, giving shares to Cynthia was the same as giving them to Jonathan.

Whitney was so upset she almost crushed her wine glass, but she controlled her emotions. She and Jonathan each held twenty percent of the shares. Clifford clearly aimed to balance power between them.

Isabella, guessing Clifford's intentions, removed a golden bracelet. She walked to Cynthia, saying, "Congratulations, Cynthia. I don't have much, but this bracelet has been with me for years. Consider it a gift."

Jonathan interjected, "Isabella, this bracelet is your favorite, worth a lot of money. Are you sure?"

Isabella replied, "Jonathan, she's your wife. It's a small gift. When you marry, I'll give a bigger one."

Jonathan chuckled. "I'll remember this, Isabella. Thank you."

Cynthia, recognizing the bracelet's worth, hesitated. "Isabella, this is too expensive. I can't accept it."

Isabella smiled, slipping the bracelet onto Cynthia's wrist. "We're family. Take it. I have plenty more."

Jonathan added, "Since it's from Isabella, accept it."

Cynthia felt it inappropriate to accept such a costly gift at their first meeting, but she accepted after Jonathan's encouragement. "Thank you, Isabella. This bracelet is beautiful," she said with poise.

Amelia, watching Isabella, remarked sarcastically, "Isabella, are you already sucking up to the future head lady, assuming Jonathan will inherit? I've never mastered your skill at charming everyone."

Isabella's smile faltered. "I like Cynthia. Why make it sound so bad?" she said, secretly gritting her teeth.

Amelia enjoyed undermining people, but she wasn't entirely wrong. Clifford's actions – removing Whitney and giving shares to Cynthia – hinted at future changes. The Bennett Group's leadership would likely pass to Jonathan. Isabella, having a lukewarm relationship with him, used this opportunity to show support and win him over.

After dinner, Cynthia felt queasy, having experienced firsthand the art of concealing malice behind a smile.

Finally, the meal ended. Susanna said, "Cynthia, come with me."

Cynthia followed Susanna to her room. Susanna retrieved something from a safe: a beautifully ornate brocade box. Cynthia felt she'd seen it before.

Susanna said, "This is a Bennett family heirloom. I intended to give it to Jon, but since you're marrying, I'll leave it in your care."

At "family heirloom," Cynthia's heart skipped a beat. The box felt heavy. "Mrs. Bennett…"

Susanna said, "Open it."

Inside was a flawless pink diamond pendant. Cynthia remembered a similar pendant Pamela had given her. They seemed identical in materials and craftsmanship. Pamela had said it was a gift to Justin on his birth day from an influential person—a life-changing moment. Cynthia wondered if it was related to the Bennett family.

Cynthia said, "Mrs. Bennett, since it's a family heirloom, it's inappropriate for me to have it before Jon and I marry."

Susanna waved her hand. "Take it. Sooner or later, it will be yours anyway."

Cynthia accepted, planning to give it to Jonathan.

Leaving Susanna's room, she ran into Preston on the stairs. He glanced at her, pretended not to know her, and went upstairs.

Cynthia felt a pang of pain, not because he ignored her, but because of his lifeless eyes.

"Preston…" she called.

He paused but didn't turn.

Cynthia said, "Preston, don't be like this. Your mother's issues aren't your fault. Don't punish yourself for her mistakes."

Preston, head down, wept uncontrollably. "But she almost killed you, and Jonathan."

Preston still couldn't accept his mother's actions. She had repeatedly tried to kill Jonathan. He had grown up in a dark environment, unaware for years. He'd been hiding his feelings.

Cynthia gently touched his hair. "Preston, you shouldn't feel guilty. She's just the one who brought you into this world. Everyone is responsible for their actions. Your mother has her own life, and none of that is your fault."

"Jonathan said you're a sunflower. Keep shining brightly. Don't let his efforts to protect your innocence go to waste. He wanted you to be happy."

Preston leaned on Cynthia's shoulder, sobbing, "Cynthia, I'll never be happy again."