Chapter 242
Cynthia laughed. “Naomi was a childhood leader; Dr. Xenos called her ‘big boss.’ She wanted to maintain that strong image and didn't want him to see her as just a girl. She still wants to be the big boss.”
Cynthia found Naomi a bit childish. “Anyway, she’s always had a boyish personality in a girl’s body.”
Jonathan’s smile faded. “Does Naomi see herself as a man or a woman?”
Cynthia chuckled. “Why do you care? It’s her choice.”
Jonathan’s eyes grew serious. “I don’t care, I just want to know if she has feelings for you.”
He hadn’t considered this before. He’d been careful, but hadn’t thought about his girlfriend’s best friend. If Naomi truly saw herself as a man, and with her behavior around Cynthia—hanging out, hugging, sometimes even kissing—it was a concern.
Seeing Jonathan’s intensity, Cynthia understood. “Don’t worry. Despite how she dresses, Naomi is a girl. She likes men, not women.”
“Really?” Jonathan was uncertain.
“Of course! Didn’t you notice the boxing ring in her bar? She put it there to admire muscular men. Naomi loves tough guys, fighters even better than herself.”
Cynthia had spilled Naomi’s secrets. She knew Jonathan could be terrifying if she didn’t clarify things.
Jonathan was relieved. “Your best friend has interesting hobbies. I’ll send some professional boxers over someday.”
Cynthia was delighted. “Do they all have eight-pack abs? Are they handsome? Who’s better, them or you?” Jonathan tightened his grip on her waist. “You’d better not go there often, got it?”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Cynthia, swept away, agreed to his demand. He murmured, “This office is really inconvenient.”
Jonathan had been swamped with work, getting home very late. Sometimes, Cynthia waited for him in his office. After a long kiss, he coaxed, “Have lunch with me tomorrow.”
Cynthia’s eyes were misty. “I have something to do tomorrow.”
“What?”
“I need to investigate some things. I’ll tell you when I have results.”
Jonathan knew Cynthia had her own matters and didn’t press further. He scooped her into his arms and carried her toward the lounge. “Then stay for a late-night snack tonight.”
The next day, Cynthia woke to the sun high in the sky. It was rare for her to sleep so soundly. She’d been exhausted and slept in the lounge.
She got up, walking barefoot on the carpet. Jonathan was already working, engaged in an international video conference.
Not wanting to disturb him, she turned back. She noticed a complete set of new clothes laid out by the bed. She smiled; even in his busy schedule, he thought of everything.
Wednesday, November…
Chapter 242
Because of her torn shirt, Cynthia showered and changed. Jonathan had just finished his video conference when she came out.
He patted his lap gently. “Come here.”
Cynthia sat sideways on his lap, hooking her arms around his neck. She pecked his lips. “Good morning, Mr. Sullivan.”
Jonathan wasn’t satisfied. “Call me hubby.”
Cynthia teased, “Nope.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’re not my husband yet.”
“We’re getting our marriage certificate on Monday. Let me enjoy this privilege a couple of days early.”
“We’ll see after Monday.”
“Say it. I want to hear it.”
Jonathan buried his face in her neck and acted cutesy. “I want to hear it.”
Cynthia found it speechless. Acting cutesy was one of Jonathan’s specialties. Unable to resist, she whispered, “Hubby.”
Jonathan’s body stiffened.
Just as he was about to respond, Cynthia added, “Hubbby…”
Jonathan’s face darkened. “That’s not what I meant.”
Cynthia quickly got up. “Bye hubby. Have a good day at work!”
The drawn-out “Hubbby” sounded like a playful jab, infuriating Jonathan. But something more frustrating caught his attention.
The online meeting room was still open! Thousands of domestic and international clients and employees had witnessed the entire scene! Key attendees included all the heads of the Paradise Resort project, several of Jonathan’s friends and childhood buddies. The chat window was exploding with comments:
“[Is this the Mr. Bennett who just chewed us out?]” “[Mr. Bennett is being cute again, he’s so adorable when he’s being cute.]” “[Mr. Bennett being cute is like a little puppy.]” “[Oh, oh oh, ‘calling him hubby,’ can you believe Jon said it?]” “[Hahaha, Hubbby, Cynthia is amazing!]” “[Jon is no match for Cynthia at all. This is what it means to be completely under her control.]” “[Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Bennett are such a great couple. I’ve been shipping them since their variety show, didn’t expect there to be an after-sales service.]”
10:16 Wednesday, November 13
Chapter 242
“[Early morning meeting, no, early morning shipping my favorite CP, yes.]” “[I’m full of dog food, now I have more energy to work.]”
Jonathan watched the comments, his face expressionless, but his ears were burning with embarrassment. He’d told Bruce and the others to close the meeting, but they’d deliberately left it open.
Fortunately, nothing too outrageous had happened. He was frustrated and considering how to deal with them when he noticed Filip’s profile picture in the chat.
Filip, the Paradise Resort project manager, hadn’t said anything, but his profile picture remained. Seeing that, Jonathan’s mood inexplicably improved.
He wasn’t angry at Bruce and the others anymore. He even felt like inviting them for drinks. With a neutral expression, Jonathan closed the meeting window, feeling surprisingly content.
Cynthia was unaware she had become the subject of much discussion. After leaving the BJ Building, she headed to Northbridge Secondary School. The school was celebrating its 20th anniversary and was open to the public.
Northbridge Secondary School stood on the site of the former Harmonious Maternity Hospital, which had gone bankrupt twenty-three years ago. Within three years, the land was cleared and the school constructed. Before construction, a major fire had erased all traces and records of the hospital. Cynthia had recently been investigating her origins.
She didn’t expect to find anything significant at the school; twenty years could erase almost everything. However, this visit would yield unexpected results.
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