Chapter 256

Selena was taken aback. "How do you know about the Xenos family?" They had never mentioned the Xenos family in front of Shirley.

Shirley let out a cold laugh. "You don't need to worry about how I found out. I just know. The Xenos family has invited us to a banquet in two days. This is our last and only chance. If Cynthia won't help, can't you take me instead? It's been twenty-three years. How could Zion Xenos possibly tell whether the baby he saw back then was Cynthia or me?"

Justin was just as surprised. He thought, Who would have thought Shirley knew about events from over twenty years ago? But after a moment, he spoke coldly, "It's not as simple as you imagine. The Xenos family wants to see the child from back then, and the gem pendant they gave at that time. That pendant is with Cynthia. If she doesn't go, it's pointless."

A look of triumph appeared on Shirley's face. She pulled a fancy box from her bag. "Dad, is this what you were talking about?"

Justin took the box and opened it. Inside was a completely transparent pink lucky charm pendant. He looked completely surprised. "How did this pink lucky charm pendant end up with you?"

Selena quickly stood up and walked over. "Shirley, what's going on? Did you really steal Cynthia's lucky charm pendant?"

Shirley's expression changed. If she admitted to stealing it, Selena might make her return it. Shirley lied, "Who said I stole it? I asked Cynthia for it. That pendant should have been mine, right? If we hadn't been switched, wouldn't it belong to me?"

Selena was doubtful. "Cynthia would really give it to you?"

Shirley tried to stir things up. "Cynthia doesn't care. She said if she gave it to me, she wouldn't owe the Jones family anything. Now that she's married into the Bennett family, with their immense wealth, she doesn't care if this gemstone is incredibly valuable."

The light in Selena's eyes faded. It seemed like typical Cynthia behavior. Shirley read her mind. "If you don't believe me, call Cynthia right now." Seeing Shirley's certainty, Selena didn't doubt her.

When Justin saw the pink gemstone, his expression changed. He said, "No matter what, we can't miss this chance. Since you have this gemstone, you should come with us to the Xenos family's banquet the day after tomorrow."

Seeing her goal accomplished, Shirley beamed. "Dad, you're the best."

Still, Justin looked uneasy. "But remember, keep quiet, stay out of trouble, and don't mess up this rare chance to connect with the Xenos family."

"Don't worry, I'll definitely get the Xenos family to like me," Shirley said confidently. Justin nodded. "Liking you isn't enough. If you can become their goddaughter, that'll be even better."

Shirley frowned. "Dad, I don't want to be a goddaughter. Justin looked at her confused. "Do you think you can just become one like that? You're being quite choosy."

Shirley quickly clarified, "Dad, that's not what I meant. Don't you know Shawn Xenos has four sons, none of whom are married, and they are all quite impressive? If I could marry into the Xenos family, our situation would be completely different."

Justin was surprised. He hadn't looked into the Xenos family background in detail, but he had heard about their four remarkable sons.

Shirley's eyes sparkled. The eldest son is Levi. He's 30, but he went to military school from a young age. "They say he's held important positions in the army and is highly valued by senior officials. Just two weeks ago, he was sent to Betrico, where he's about to take on the role of regional chief. This role holds real power, similar to a mayor's, and he'll be the youngest regional chief in Betrico's history. His future career prospects are incredibly bright," she said.

Justin was completely surprised. Shirley continued, "You've probably heard of the second son, Seray Xenos. He's a rising star in the business world. He founded Xenos Tech, which created the most popular social media platform and several globally popular games, making him a fortune. In just a few years, he's risen to fifth place on the global young rich list, right after Jonathan."

Shirley's eyes sparkled. "The most amazing thing is he started his business from the ground up, without relying on the Xenos family's traditional enterprises. Of course, he's managing those now too. To me, he's a true business prodigy, just as impressive as Jonathan."

"The third son is quite mysterious; there's currently no information on him. What we do know is that he's the twin brother of Ethan Xenos, and you might've heard of Ethan—he's a Chinese superstar, the biggest sensation among Asian faces in Starlight Cinema. Just recently, he was nominated for an Oscar. Although he's not building his career domestically, his fan base spans the globe, and his fame in the country even surpasses Ethan's," Shirley introduced.

Shirley had excitement on her face. "Dad, I don't want to be just the Xenos family's goddaughter; I want to be their daughter-in-law. Any of the four sons would do, but Levi is my top choice. Even though he's already thirty, he's the true power holder, and even the Bennett family would have to cater to him. If I could marry Levi, our Jones family would definitely make it big!"

Selena couldn't help but dampen her spirits. "Shirley, get a grip. The Xenos family isn't on the same level as us. Stop fantasizing about it before you become a laughingstock."

Shirley wasn't happy. "If even a fake socialite like Cynthia can marry into the Bennett family, why can't I marry into the Xenos family? Our Jones residence is a respected name in the city too. Mom, you're just biased," she said.

"Shirley, can you be a bit more realistic and stop daydreaming all the time?" Selena said.

Justin sighed. "And as for relationships, sometimes you really can't say for sure. I actually think it's worth a shot. If it works out, we'll all succeed together. If not, it's no big deal."

He instructed Shirley, "Get ready for the Xenos family's banquet the day after tomorrow. Buy some nice clothes and jewelry. If you're short on money, take some from the company's account. I've approved it this time."

Shirley was thrilled. "Dad, I won't let you down this time."

Meanwhile, Cynthia had just hung up the phone when Claude knocked and walked in. He looked serious. But upon seeing Cynthia, he hesitated.

Jonathan seemed to see right through him. "If you have something to say, just say it. My wife is not an outsider."

Claude spoke up. "The Sullivan family couldn't reach you, so they called the office. Nina had a car accident. It's quite serious. She was in the ICU for an entire day and night, but her life was saved. However"