Chapter 223

Levi Xenos frowned, staring at Cynthia for a moment. He reached out to take the teacup she offered. As his fingers brushed hers, she smoothly slipped a small note into his palm—a well-practiced maneuver. Instinctively skilled in such message-passing from his military background, Levi calmly took the note and concealed it. They exchanged a glance; their subtle exchange went unnoticed under the watchful eyes of the others.

She couldn't tell him directly that someone was plotting against him for two reasons: first, she wasn't familiar with Mr. Xenos and could only offer a subtle hint; second, she wasn't sure if any accomplices were present.

Having delivered the message, Cynthia prepared to leave, but Edward stopped her. "Why leave so soon? It's rare for Mr. Xenos to enjoy your tea. Stay and chat with him."

Cynthia gave him a cold look. "Sorry, I entered the wrong room." She turned to leave.

Tommy, knowing Cynthia's identity, teased, "Edward, let her go. She might have a class."

Edward, with his preference for youthful college students, had mistaken Cynthia. Ms. Jones, alluring with makeup, appeared innocent without it. Clearly, he'd mistaken her for someone else. Impatiently, he grabbed her arm. "Didn't I tell you to take a day off? Stay, and I'll call your school."

Cynthia's voice was cold. "Let go of me. I told you, I entered the wrong room."

Edward disbelieved her. Wrong room? Then why did she serve Levi tea? His displeasure was evident. "Stop playing hard to get. Serving tea is the least you can do for all the money I've given you. Don't pretend to be so high and mighty. Sit down." He pulled her back.

Seeing this, Levi stood, ready to intervene, but the door opened, and Jonathan entered.

Jonathan's arrival silenced the room, which had been abuzz with the commotion. Mr. Bennett, the first to react, plastered on a smile. "What brings you here, Mr. Bennett?"

Jonathan's eyes fixed on Edward's hand holding Cynthia. Cynthia considered flipping Edward over her shoulder. Jonathan's voice was calm. "Edward, what's going on here?"

Edward glanced at Cynthia. "The newcomer doesn't know the rules. I was teaching her a lesson."

Jonathan replied indifferently, "Oh? And how do you plan to punish her?"

Edward, noticing Jonathan's interest in Cynthia, felt a surge of satisfaction. Even he found the college student captivating.

Wanting to impress Jonathan, Edward suggested, "How about she takes off her clothes and dances?"

The crowd erupted. Edward didn't notice Jonathan's gaze turn icy. Tommy gasped, shocked by Edward's audacity. He secretly enjoyed the impending trouble for Edward.

Levi, about to intervene, was stopped by Tommy's whispered, "No need, just watch."

Jonathan spoke. "Edward, I wasn't asking you."

Edward was taken aback. Jonathan repeated, "So, how are you planning to punish her?"

The realization dawned: Jonathan addressed the "college student." Everyone looked at each other, clueless, except Tommy, who enjoyed the spectacle.

Cynthia shook off Edward's hand. "Since this gentleman likes watching people undress and dance, he should do a striptease in every room!"

Edward was stunned, his composure shattering. "You bitch, what did you say?!"

Smack! A loud slap sent Edward staggering. Blood appeared at his mouth. He looked at Jonathan in shock. "Why did you hit me?"

"I hit you for your language. Otherwise, I'll have someone tear your mouth apart," Jonathan replied.

Jonathan commanded respect. Edward wouldn't yield. "Mr. Bennett, are you sure you want to fall out with me and the Edward family over an insignificant woman?"

Jonathan laughed—a chilling sound. "Edward, who do you and your family think you are?"

Edward's fingers clenched. The Edward family's businesses relied on the Bennetts. He couldn't afford to offend Jonathan.

Edward remained confused. He was a high-ranking member of Betrico, yet Jonathan publicly humiliated him over a woman.

Tommy intervened. "Edward, do you not know who Ms. Jones is?"

Edward sneered. "Who is she? An ordinary girl, or a goddess? What makes her so important?"

Jonathan held Cynthia's hand. "Edward, open your eyes. She's my fiancée."