Chapter 220

Jonathan said, “It’s Whitney. She’s here too. She saw us when we parked earlier.” Cynthia sipped her soup. “So what does she want with you?”

Jonathan replied, “Tim’s going to her room for a bit. You keep…”

Cynthia put down her fork. “I’ll go with you.”

Jonathan reassuringly patted Cynthia’s shoulder. “No need. Keep eating. I’ll be back soon.”

“Don’t worry, this is my turf; she can’t do anything,” Jonathan said, his eyes cold and sharp. “I won’t make the same mistake twice.”

Cynthia trusted Jonathan. Plus, Mr. Bennett had harshly punished Whitney yesterday. She definitely wouldn't act now.

Jonathan left the room and took the elevator to suite 8 on the next floor. Inside, only Whitney was there.

“Whitney, do you need something from me?” Jonathan stood in the doorway, looking tall and imposing.

Whitney turned to him. “Jonathan, your work at Lotus Haven is really improving. It’s almost as impressive as… sadly, Luna never got to enjoy the results of her efforts. She worked so hard alongside you during the toughest times, yet she’s not here to see all this splendor.”

When Luna was mentioned, Jonathan’s face turned cold. “Luna is watching from above, and she’ll see what happens to those who caused her death.”

Whitney laughed. “I wasn’t the one who caused Luna’s death. During the big fire, I was the one who sent people in to save her first. Unfortunately, it was too late. You can’t blame me for that.”

Luna had been Lotus Haven’s legal representative, helping Jonathan immensely. She created Betrico’s entire intelligence network. But she died in a mysterious explosion.

Everyone knew who was behind it, but there was no evidence. That’s what made Whitney so clever.

Over the years, she’d done countless bad things, yet no one could find evidence against her. She was reckless when wild, but clear-headed when composed.

Jonathan said, “Whitney, are you sure there’s nothing else you need from me today?”

Whitney poured herself a drink. “Of course there is. Where have you hidden Alex?”

Jonathan knew Whitney would come looking for him. She was willing to trade Cynthia or Nina’s life for Alex’s, showing her lover held some weight in her heart.

Jonathan’s voice was cold. “Somewhere you’ll never find him.”

Whitney remained calm but commanding. “Let him go.”

“What’s in it for me?” Jonathan asked. Both understood nothing came for free.

“What do you want?” Whitney asked.

“That depends on how much Alex means to you,” Jonathan replied.

Whitney sneered. “I assume you’ve already looked into our relationship. He’s just an actor, entertainment. Do you really think I’d spend a fortune on him?”

“If he’s not important, then you shouldn’t waste any thought or money on him. Alex is an orphan with no social connections. If he disappeared, no one would question it,” Jonathan replied.

Whitney tightened her grip on her wine glass. “What do you plan to do with him?”

Jonathan said, “Didn’t you call me a ‘bad seed’? The way I deal with people is what I’ve learned. Compared to you, I’m not as ruthless.”

Whitney sneered. “You really are a devil at heart.”

Jonathan replied, “If that’s what you think, then I am. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have met all the training and expectations you’ve had for me.”

“What exactly do you want to do with Alex?” Whitney asked.

“Relax, I won’t kill him. I’m a businessman, so I’ll make sure to get the most out of his value,” Jonathan said.

Whitney couldn’t figure out what Jonathan was thinking. Their eyes met, and Whitney finally gave in. “Alright, state your conditions.”

Jonathan was straightforward. “I want the World of Elegance.”

The World of Elegance was a luxury shopping mall owned by the Bennett Group. It was the only members-only mall in the country and one of Whitney’s top assets. While it might not have the highest financial value, it connected to the broadest range of fields.

Whitney laughed. “You’re really making a big demand. Do you know that when the World of Elegance was given to me, it was a total mess? I’ve made it into one of the world’s top malls. It’s like my child. Do you think I’d just hand it over for an actor?”

Jonathan stayed calm. “If you can’t bear to let it go, that’s okay. I don’t like to force anyone. Cynthia is still waiting for me, so I’ll head out now.”

Jonathan was about to leave when Whitney called out, “Stop!”

Jonathan paused but didn’t turn around. Whitney, her voice trembling with anger, said, “Fine, have your lawyer come over tomorrow. I’ll transfer the World of Elegance to you. From tomorrow on, it’s yours.”

Jonathan smiled slightly but didn’t turn around. “Thanks, Whitney. After we sign the transfer agreement tomorrow, I’ll have someone bring Alex to the entrance of the Opulence Club. Just make sure to pick him up.”

With that, Jonathan left. He had only taken a few steps when he heard glasses clinking and things being knocked over inside.

Claude approached Jonathan. “Boss, the eldest son of the Xenos family is here. Do you want to go and say hello?” Claude leaned closer. “I heard he’s back for a special reason.”

Jonathan furrowed his brows. “The Bennett and Xenos families have always kept to themselves. Besides, the Bennett elders have been living abroad for many years. I’m known to be at odds with the second Xenos son. If I approach them now, it might seem like I’m trying to curry favor, and that self-righteous Xenos elder won’t appreciate it at all.”

Jonathan said casually, “Make sure he’s well entertained. I won’t be going.” Claude nodded and left.

Jonathan was about to return to the private room when he spotted Nina at the end of the hallway. She was exquisitely dressed in a sundress with a small bag, looking perfectly elegant.

(Note: The final line, "2/3," suggests this is part of a larger text. I have cleaned up the provided section.)