Chapter 260

Jonathan nodded. “I’ll make sure this gets done. Also, I’m transferring five percent of the Bennett Group shares to Nina. The dividends will ensure her a life of wealth and prosperity.”

Yuliana was genuinely surprised. Five percent of the Bennett Group shares was a significant amount. “You and Nina…”

Jonathan said, “I only feel guilty toward Nina, nothing else. Please make this clear to her. I don’t want her to have any false hope. Over the years, aside from our agreement, I’ve also used her identity to protect my wife. Tell her I’m sorry.” Jonathan left the hospital room.

Yuliana was shocked. Not only by Jonathan’s generosity, but also by his confession. For years, he had publicly presented himself as Nina’s potential husband while secretly using her as a decoy for Whitney. This explained why everyone in Betrico believed Jonathan would marry Nina. He publicly courted her while secretly protecting his true love.

Anger flared in Yuliana, but she reconsidered. Jonathan had, in fact, protected Nina very well. She sighed. Ultimately, they would still depend on him. Offering Nina five percent of the shares was remarkably generous. Yuliana turned to Nina, who lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her expression numb, tears silently tracing paths down her cheeks.

Yuliana panicked, rushing to her daughter’s side. Gently stroking Nina’s hair, she whispered, “Nina, you’re awake. When did you wake up?” Nina remained silent, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. Yuliana knew she had overheard their conversation. Worried—Nina had just lost a leg—Yuliana wasn’t sure if she could handle this news.

“Nina, listen to me…”

“Mom, since I was twelve, he’s protected me because you used the Sullivan family heirloom to bargain with him, right?”

“Yes… but…”

“Not only did he take our family heirloom, but he also used me as a cover for his secret relationship with Whitney for three years.” During those three years, Whitney plotted against her repeatedly. Jonathan’s connections kept her safe, but the fear and helplessness remained etched in Nina’s memory.

Yuliana understood. “What he did was unfair, but he gave you five percent of the Bennett Group shares—half the Sullivan family’s wealth.”

Nina’s tears flowed freely. “So all these years, he never truly cared about me…”

(Time stamp removed as it's not part of the narrative)

Chapter 260

Yuliana looked at her heartbroken daughter, unsure what to say. “Nina, it’s over now. Let him go. Even with one leg, your wealth will allow you to choose from the best men in the world. No one will dare look down on you.”

Nina’s crying escalated into laughter, her emotions overflowing. “I’m going to make them all pay! Celine, Whitney, Cynthia, and Jonathan—all of you who treated me like this, I’m going to make you pay!”

Meanwhile, Cynthia received a call from Naomi at three in the afternoon.

“It’s my birthday tonight; don’t forget to come early!” Naomi said.

Cynthia, shopping for Naomi’s gift, replied, “I won’t forget. This is the third time you’ve reminded me today.”

Naomi laughed. “I worry about your poor memory. I’ll hang up and remind the others.”

Naomi loved a bustling social life. In just a month in Roncrity, she’d made friends from all walks of life. Her club, Naomi’s Pledge, had quickly become a favorite among the city’s wealthy young people. For her birthday, she planned a grand party at Azuregaze Mountain and was busy contacting everyone. She almost forgot Hector, her next-door neighbor, but decided to call him anyway.

Hector was driving home with his family after a family tradition. His phone lit up. He initially ignored it, but seeing “Kiddo” on the screen, he answered. Before he could speak, Naomi’s loud voice boomed, “Hey Hector, want to come to my place tonight?”

Hector smiled. “I have plans tonight; we have guests.”

Naomi was disappointed. “It’s my birthday! I’m having a party, and I hoped you’d come. I wanted to introduce you to some of the city’s most beautiful women. You’re missing out, buddy. Alright, bye!” She hung up. Hector felt slightly dazed.

A clear male voice said, “Who was that? Such an annoying voice.”

Hector glanced in the rearview mirror at his casually dressed brother, Ethan. Ethan was impeccably groomed, with stylish hair and a relaxed, noble air. He was playing a game on his phone.

(Time stamp removed)

Chapter 260

NOV 14

Hector said sarcastically, “Oh, superstar, you can listen to music, play games, and still hear my phone call?”

Ethan smirked. “You’re my brother; of course, I care. Hector, are you seeing someone?”

Hector retorted, “Ethan, have you forgotten basic math after all these years abroad? I’m the older twin.”

“We’re twins. Just because you were born first doesn’t make you older. Maybe I was conceived first.”

“I won’t argue. As the older brother, I’ll let the younger one win.”

Their bickering annoyed Keith, in the passenger seat. “Will you two ever grow up? You’ve been squabbling for twenty-five years.”

Harvey removed his headphones. “Keith, I think Hector is dating someone. I saw him smiling at his phone several times last night, just like now. I should tell Mom and Dad,” Harvey said.

Hector hummed. “Go ahead. She’s a guy.”

Harvey was shocked. “The person who called was a guy?”

Hector nodded. “What did you think?”

“I thought the voice was feminine, but there aren’t many women with such a rough voice.” He returned to his game. “So boring.”

Hector chuckled. “Do you remember Naomi?”

Harvey’s hand instinctively went to his behind. “The one who always pulled my pants down when we were kids?”

(The final character appears to be a musical note and is not included.)