Chapter 228

Midway through the meal, Justin suddenly said, “Cynthia, I got a call from Mr. Stewart today. He said you quit your job. Is that true?”

Cynthia calmly took a sip of her soup. “Yes, I did.”

Selena looked at Cynthia in surprise. She couldn’t believe Cynthia had actually quit. She had initially wanted Cynthia to study design or business management, but Cynthia insisted on majoring in Media and Communication, claiming that being a reporter was her dream. Even after facing numerous challenges, she chose to pursue that career.

Selena hadn’t expected Cynthia to give up a dream she’d held onto for so many years so easily. Worried, she thought, “Did something happen?” but remained silent, sighing and lowering her head.

Shirley, however, was pleased. With Cynthia no longer a prominent prime-time hostess, she was now just an ordinary person, like herself.

Justin continued, “You should have quit that job long ago. It wasn’t helping the family business anyway. Now that you’re free, come work at my company. I’ve kept the design director position open for you.”

Shirley immediately protested, “That’s not fair, Dad! That position is mine!”

“Shut up! After everything that’s happened, do you still think you can be the design director? Everyone knows your previous work was plagiarized from Miss Y! Because of your plagiarism, the company is in a slump, and how dare you ask for that position?”

Shirley’s face flushed with anger. Cynthia, however, replied casually, “I just want a break; I’m not looking for work right now.”

Justin quickly reassured her, “I know you just quit and probably want some time off. Go ahead and enjoy yourself. When you’re ready, you can come work for my company. I’ll keep the position open.”

Cynthia shrugged. “We’ll see.”

Cynthia’s indifferent attitude made Shirley jealous. Cynthia treated everything Shirley desperately craved as insignificant. Shirley believed Cynthia was deliberately flaunting her indifference.

Shirley nearly broke her spoon in frustration, but then a thought occurred to her: Cynthia working at Justin’s company was preferable to her going to Jonathan’s; they wouldn’t see each other often.

Shirley then announced, “That’s not fair, Dad. Since there’s no position for me at the company, can you arrange a job for me with Jonathan? I’ve been stuck at home for a month and I’m bored.”

Cynthia looked at Shirley with a cold gaze, recognizing her scheme.

Jonathan was also aware. He calmly wiped his mouth with a napkin and said, “You probably won’t be able to handle the work I have.”

Shirley, sensing an opportunity, replied, “I can do anything, Jonathan. Just give me any task—serving tea, cleaning the office—I can handle it all.”

Shirley believed her intentions were clear: she wanted to be his secretary, even if it meant menial tasks.

Jonathan replied, “Having you do those tasks would be too much of a demotion.”

Shirley was ecstatic; Jonathan clearly cared for her.

“Not at all! Just being able to work at BJ is an honor. I can do any dirty or hard work,” Shirley insisted.

Jonathan nodded. “If that’s how you feel, go to the HR department tomorrow to get started.”

Shirley couldn’t have been happier. The first step of her plan had gone smoothly. She believed that becoming Jonathan’s secretary would make winning him over a matter of time.

Cynthia knew Jonathan couldn’t be that kind. He winked at her.

Cynthia remained silent, sipping her soup and feeling a tinge of pity for Shirley’s naiveté.

However, Shirley interpreted Cynthia’s silence as swallowed pride. Jonathan was clearly interested in her, regardless of Cynthia’s feelings.

Justin then turned to Jonathan. “Actually, the situation with Velorix right now…”

Jonathan interrupted, “Do you also need my help with something?”

Before Justin could respond, Jonathan continued, “It’s alright, please speak up. I’ll do my best to help.” He then turned to Cynthia, gently squeezing her hand. “Cynthia said we just came home for a simple dinner. I didn’t expect everyone to be asking for favors, but I understand. I have to reciprocate.”

He sighed, making it sound casual. Then, looking at Justin sincerely, he said, “What were you going to say, Justin?”

Justin was speechless. He’d been considering Velorix’s potential entry into the World of Elegance. Such an association would significantly elevate Velorix’s brand. While there might be skepticism, with Cynthia as design director, she could create stunning work.

However, Shirley’s request had ruined this opportunity. Had Justin brought it up first, Jonathan might have agreed. But presenting so many requests on Jonathan’s first visit made the Jones family appear opportunistic.

Justin feared Jonathan might blame Cynthia, jeopardizing their relationship and harming their family business.

He decided to wait. Once they were married, he’d have more opportunities.

Smiling, Justin said, “I have no demands. I’m just grateful you take good care of my daughter, Jonathan.” He raised his glass. “To you!”

Jonathan returned a light smile as they clinked glasses. “It’s nothing.”

After dinner, Justin suggested, “It’s getting late. Why don’t you stay tonight?”

Cynthia refused. “We’ll just get my driver’s license and head back.”

“Right, your license,” Justin quickly added. “Selena, get Cynthia’s driver’s license. We don’t want to delay them.”

Selena retrieved the license, but her expression was grim.