Chapter 238

"Cynthia was as stupid as a pig," Shirley thought. "How could she leave something so precious in this rundown house? She probably did it to outsmart me—to prevent me from finding it at her place. The most dangerous place is the safest place." Shirley felt incredibly smug. Thank goodness she'd been more perceptive and pieced together the clues from Cynthia's scattered words.

Shirley's uncontrollable laughter caught Rachel's attention. Seeing the brocade box in Shirley's hand, Rachel's face darkened. "Shirley, what are you holding?"

Quickly stuffing the box into her Hermès bag, Shirley snapped, "None of your business!" She tried to push past, but Rachel blocked her way.

"Shirley, that's Cynthia's stuff. You can't take it," Rachel said, reaching for the bag. Shirley shoved her to the ground.

"Mom, I'm still willing to call you that, but I advise you not to meddle. This belongs to the Jones family and should be mine. Cynthia is just a usurper," Shirley spat, her eyes flashing with defiance.

"No, you can't take it. How did I raise you? We can be poor, but we must never lose our integrity. We don't steal," Rachel insisted.

Shirley was furious. "What right do you have to talk about upbringing? Did you give me the same environment as Cynthia? My whole life, I've been following you, living in constant fear, hiding everywhere. Do you know how much scorn I've endured? If I were really your child, I would accept being poor, but I was born to be a privileged daughter, a true heiress. Why should I suffer for Cynthia? You all love Cynthia, but if she had grown up in this kind of family, do you think she would still be the elegant lady she is today? Besides, this item was always mine. Taking it is just returning it to its rightful owner."

"Shirley, you can't do this. I've done everything in my power to give you the best," Rachel pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. Facing Shirley's accusations, Rachel felt utterly helpless. She had poured her entire life into raising Shirley, but couldn't understand why it had come to this.

Shirley looked at her coldly. "Mom, considering what you did for me, I'll still acknowledge you. Once I marry into a top-tier family, I won't mistreat you. But you need to know when to stop. Don't be the stumbling block in my climb to the top. I've had enough of this dark and damp bottom. I will become someone of high status, and I will trample all those who once looked down on me, including Cynthia."

With that, Shirley left. Rachel felt a deep pain in her heart. Knowing she couldn't get the item back, she called Cynthia.

After explaining the situation, Cynthia remained calm. "Let her take it. Don't worry; I'll handle it myself."

Rachel was uneasy. "But isn't that thing priceless?"

Cynthia smiled. "Whether it's priceless or not depends on who holds it." After hanging up, Cynthia's lips curled into a sly smile.

Chapter 239

From the day Pamela gave her the item, Cynthia had anticipated Shirley's attempt to claim it. So, she had a replica made using ordinary pink glass—utterly worthless. She'd said those words on purpose. If Shirley was so fixated on it, let her have it. It would save Cynthia the trouble of constant bother. Whatever Shirley planned to do with it would ultimately be a joke. Cynthia looked forward to the show.

However, some things in Shirley's words puzzled Cynthia. When Pamela gave her the pendant, she couldn't clearly explain its origin, only saying it was a gift from a prominent figure when Cynthia was born. Shirley had mentioned the Xenos family. Which Xenos family? Cynthia wondered. She was curious but didn't dwell on it.

Shirley's mention of the Xenos family made Cynthia think of Hector. She realized her sleeping pills were running out and she needed a new prescription. Cynthia suffered from insomnia and regularly visited Hector for medication. Actually, her insomnia had improved lately. After being completely exhausted each day, she fell asleep in Jonathan's arms and managed to sleep for three hours straight. A few times, she even slept until the sun was high. Maybe soon she could stop taking medication.

Soon, Cynthia arrived at Hector's clinic. He seemed genuinely pleased to see her. "You look well," he said with a smile.

Cynthia relaxed onto the sofa. "I've been in a good mood lately."

"Really planning to get married, then?" Hector asked.

Cynthia nodded. "I'll send you an invitation when the time comes."

"I'll definitely be there for your wedding," Hector replied.

They chatted like old friends. Perhaps because he was her doctor, Cynthia felt a strange sense of ease around him. She had natural trust in him, even when they weren't talking.

Mid-conversation, Hector took a phone call, his tone soft and gentle. After hanging up, a curious Cynthia asked, "Girlfriend?"

Hector chuckled. "Just a female client. I don't have a girlfriend."

Cynthia shrugged. "Too bad my network is limited; otherwise, I'd definitely introduce you to someone."

Hector was warm and gentle, refined, and courteous. Most importantly, he was handsome—the kind most women would find attractive. The first person Cynthia thought of was Naomi.

Naomi had recently moved to Roncrity. She used to manage the Sullivan family's car factory, but lately, she'd been busy setting up her own bar, opening in a couple of days.

Although Naomi was Cynthia's best friend, pairing her with Hector didn't seem right. Naomi had a tomboyish personality and dressed like a boy, leading many to assume she was a lesbian. But Cynthia knew Naomi wasn't a lesbian. She was straight, incredibly straight, and liked tough, rugged, macho types. This secret was known only to Cynthia. Hector, with his gentle and scholarly demeanor, was definitely not Naomi's type. So, Cynthia didn't plan to play matchmaker.

Coincidentally, Cynthia received a call from Naomi, inviting her to her new bar. She mentioned lots of hot guys and girls would be there.

Cynthia stood up and casually asked, "Dr. Xenos, my friend is opening a bar. Do you want to come for a drink?"

Hector shook his head. "The mansion on Azuregaze Mountain is under renovation. I've been quite busy in the evenings, so I need to go there and supervise. You go ahead without me."

Cynthia hadn't expected him to come, so she left.

However, Naomi stood her up. "Cyn, I'm so sorry. Ivy said her chest hurts, and I need to go back to the old mansion to check on her."

"Go ahead, don't worry about me," Cynthia replied.

Ivy Lane had been Naomi's nanny since childhood and had followed her when she returned to the Sullivan family. Now that Naomi was back in Roncrity, Ivy had come with her. To Naomi, Ivy was like family. They were currently living in the villa on Azuregaze Mountain, where Naomi had grown up.