Chapter 26

Jonathan turned to Cynthia after hearing the question. "Ms. Jones, what do you think?"

Cynthia feigned surprise. "Mr. Bennett, I don't know who your beloved is. How could I? But I'm sure she must be extraordinary."

Jonathan nodded. "She has an army of admirers."

Cynthia was curious. She guessed Jonathan's beloved was one of Betrico's top socialites. She thought she saw a spark in his eyes when he mentioned her.

Meanwhile, the livestream viewers buzzed with comments:

[I never expected Jonathan to admire someone secretly.] [Even the most powerful people are careful and uncertain in love.] [I don't think any woman would turn down a handsome guy like Jonathan, let alone his status.] [Does that lucky woman even know Jonathan loves her secretly?]

Cynthia then asked the question everyone wanted answered. "So, you have no idea if your beloved likes you?"

Jonathan smiled. "I'm just one of her army. I only hope she doesn't keep me waiting too long."

His humor lightened the mood. Cynthia teased, "Fortune favors the bold. Why not court her? You might win her heart."

Turning to the camera, Cynthia concluded the interview. "Thank you, Mr. Bennett. Let's all wish him success in winning his lady soon."

As the interview ended and the team left the conference room, Cynthia stood to leave. Jonathan grabbed her arm. "Trying to run off after using me—is that your style?"

Cynthia saw everyone had left. "I have to get back to the station. It's still work hours," she explained.

Jonathan checked his watch. "Your station is still working at 11:30? Have lunch with me first."

With no other option, Cynthia invented an excuse about preparing a resort feature and needing to discuss questions. She told the team to leave without her.

Lunch, as usual, was delivered by Claude. In his suite's dining room, they ate at the dining table.

Suddenly, Cynthia chuckled.

"What's so funny?" Jonathan asked, picking at a shrimp.

Cynthia replied, "We've known each other for three years, and this is the first time we're having lunch together."

It was true. They'd known each other for three years, mostly meeting in the evenings. Occasionally, they'd have dinner, but never lunch.

Jonathan placed a peeled shrimp in Cynthia's bowl. "That's because you've only ever treated me as a… bed warmer."

Cynthia, mid-sip of soup, almost choked. The atmosphere turned awkward. "Mr. Bennett, let's not bring up the past," she said.

"Fine, we can forget the past, but what about last night? You came over and forced yourself on me. What was that about?" He spoke slowly, seriously, as if discussing something important.

Cynthia choked again, scrambling for a napkin.

Regaining her composure, she said, "I'm sorry. I was shaken up last night. I promise it won't happen again."

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "Then I didn't get any benefit."

Cynthia paused, caught off guard. "What?"

"Cynthia, will you be my girlfriend?" he asked.

"I'm married," she blurted.

"You call that a marriage? Is it even legal?" Jonathan sneered.

Cynthia was stunned. "You know about that?"

It wasn't surprising. Given his status, he'd likely uncovered her secrets.

Jonathan was silent. "Filip doesn't love you, and you know it. Instead of wasting time on someone who won't return, choose someone else. I think we're a good match."

His intense gaze made her heart race. "At least in that area, we're compatible," he added, raising an eyebrow, breaking the tension.

Cynthia rolled her eyes. "What, no longer waiting for your beloved to notice you?"

A glimmer appeared in Jonathan's eyes. "Are you jealous?"

Cynthia smiled coyly. "Are we even that close?"

After lunch, Cynthia put down her fork. "Mr. Bennett, honestly, you're quite skilled in bed."

Jonathan frowned. Of all my qualities, that's the only one she remembers?

Cynthia continued, "We can keep seeing each other, but there's a condition."

"What condition?"

"No business talk, no feelings—just fun. No ties, no interference in each other's lives," Cynthia stated.

Jonathan seemed displeased. "So, you just want to sleep with me, but not be my girlfriend?"

Cynthia nodded. "Relationships are too complicated. Once feelings develop, greed follows. We were fine before, fulfilling each other's needs."

She knew they were attracted; otherwise, they wouldn't have been entangled for three years. But the gap in their statuses was too wide. And she had too many secrets. She'd long stopped believing in undying love. She and Pop had gone from childhood sweethearts to barely tolerating each other in over twenty years. She wouldn't give anyone else a chance to hurt her.

Jonathan seemed dissatisfied, his brow furrowed. Cynthia smiled calmly. "If you don't agree, then forget it."

"Fine. But first, move into Greenfield Villa," Jonathan said.

Cynthia didn't expect such easy agreement. "I need to take care of some things first. Then I'll move in."

Jonathan said nothing more.

That afternoon, Cynthia napped in Jonathan's bedroom, leaving at 2 p.m. to arrive at the TV station. Freddie greeted her enthusiastically.

"Cynthia, you're our star! The interview response was incredible! Ratings hit an all-time high, advertisers want to invest, and the BCB team called for advice! Alison's going to reward you!"

Cynthia smiled. "I was just doing my job."

A crowd gathered.

"Cynthia, you're amazing! The news department's phones are blowing up! The first issue of The Elites was a hit. Now elites are reaching out to us, some offering money for interviews!"

"The first issue was successful. Being featured with Jonathan Bennett puts them in the same league. Of course, they want to be in it."

"Cynthia, how did you convince Jonathan?"

Everyone eagerly awaited her answer. Lilian watched quietly.