Chapter 229

Justin noticed Selena's pale face, a bad feeling creeping into his mind. "What's wrong? Why do you look so terrible?"

Selena handed him the license. "Just take a look."

Justin examined the license, finding it stained with coffee; the writing was completely illegible. He exploded in anger, hurling the license at Shirley's face. "Explain this!"

Cynthia and Jonathan had anticipated the scene. Cynthia remained calm—Shirley's behavior was typical. Jonathan, however, was furious, the air in the room freezing. Cynthia rarely saw Jonathan so angry.

Shirley rubbed her eye, protesting, "You hit my eye, Dad! What if I go blind? Would that make you happy?"

Justin's chest ached with anger. "You'd be better off blind! Just tell me, what did you do?"

Shirley picked up the license. "It's just a bit wet. I spilled coffee on it because my hand shook. No big deal," she shrugged nonchalantly. "It just needs remaking. Chill out, I didn't mean it."

Justin fumed. He knew high-society marriages were fragile. Cynthia and Jonathan had recently overcome a difficult trial, strengthening their bond, but the possibility of a future breakup always existed. The Jones family, after all, was socially ambitious.

"You idiot!" Justin sputtered, furious. Shirley's actions prevented him from discussing Velorix's entry into World of Elegance with Jonathan, and now she'd made things worse.

Shirley felt no guilt. With a playful smile, she approached Jonathan. "You wouldn't hold this little thing against me, right, Jonathan?"

Jonathan's stern expression revealed his anger and impatience. A chill ran down Shirley's spine. She assumed Jonathan, having recently appointed her his secretary, wouldn't turn against her over such a trifle. Reaching out to touch his arm, she was blocked by Cynthia.

"If you don't want serious trouble, disappear now," Cynthia warned.

Shirley knew Cynthia was keeping her away from Jonathan, but their close working relationship increased the risk of a developing relationship.

Shirley smiled. "It was an accident. Why can't you let it go, Cynthia? I'll apologize if you want."

Selena, finally losing patience, scolded Shirley. "Get back to your room! How could you be so foolish? Can't you see Jonathan's losing patience?"

Selena felt guilty, regretting her inability to protect Shirley and for bringing her into a world she couldn't properly raise her in. Shirley's rudeness deepened her guilt.

Selena had hoped her patience would change Shirley, but it only emboldened her arrogance.

Shirley huffed, reluctantly leaving the dining room. Selena picked up the license and approached Cynthia. "I'm sorry. I failed to take care of it."

Cynthia replied indifferently, "I'll reapply for the license, and I won't be back often."

Jonathan was about to leave when Cynthia said, "I need to get something from my bedroom."

Cynthia led Jonathan to her room; his face remained cold. Once the door closed, Cynthia comforted him. "Alright, don't be mad anymore. You look less handsome when you're mad." She playfully scratched his chin.

Jonathan sighed. "I was going to get the marriage certificate with you on Monday."

"I know," Cynthia replied.

Jonathan continued, "I even got the coolest shirt, shipped overnight from Lugrea."

"I know," she said.

Jonathan added, "I posted on Instagram, and Bruce and Charles said they'd celebrate with us Monday night."

"Well, I really didn't know that," Cynthia admitted.

Jonathan slumped onto the bed. "I even mocked them about still being single. If they find out I didn't get the certificate, they'll laugh at me!"

"Why were you mocking them for being single in the first place?" Cynthia asked.

Jonathan, his ears reddening, muttered, "They mocked me for being a house husband."

Cynthia was speechless. Jonathan sulked, but Cynthia found it amusing. His public persona differed greatly from his behavior with her, especially when angry. She sat beside him, wrapping her arms around his shoulder. "Alright, it's only a week late."

Jonathan looked at Cynthia's sparkling eyes, and smiled. "It's fine to reapply the license. Soon, you and I will have a happy family together."

Cynthia nodded. "You're right."

They shared a gentle kiss, devoid of lust, witnessed by Shirley.

Watching the surveillance footage on her phone, Shirley was furious. Why is the dignified heir acting this way with Cynthia? Why her? She realized he wasn't the unapproachable person rumored. With Cynthia, he was docile.

Their sweet kiss deeply irritated Shirley. She stormed out and knocked on Cynthia's door.

Cynthia heard the knocks and raised an eyebrow. She ignored the persistent knocking until finally gently pushing Jonathan away.

Jonathan, recognizing the knocks, felt disgust. What on earth is she trying to do?

Cynthia smiled. "I need to handle something. Wait for me in the car; I'll be downstairs soon."

Jonathan nodded. "I'll wait for you." He stood to open the door.

"Cynthia, you son of a bitch!" someone shouted.

(The final sentence seems incomplete and out of context.)