Chapter 269

Cynthia's words shocked everyone, including herself. Her impulsive outburst, born of excitement, quickly morphed into embarrassment as a blush crept onto her cheeks. Ruby, observing her, felt inexplicably drawn to the girl. From the moment their eyes met, Ruby was captivated by Cynthia's radiant beauty—a brightness reminiscent of the midday sun. Her eyes, sparkling like peach blossoms, possessed a purity and clarity that evoked a fresh mountain spring. A strange mix of longing and pain stirred in Ruby's heart; a feeling so profound it brought tears to her eyes. The sheer innocence of Cynthia's gaze was captivating.

Sam, witnessing this exchange, smiled knowingly. Ruby's reaction mirrored his own from years ago; it was a case of instant attraction. He still remembered those eyes, instantly recognizing the baby he'd seen so many years before. Cynthia had grown into the very image he'd envisioned. The resemblance was striking. His happiness intensified with each passing moment.

The ensuing silence was broken by Shirley's sharp voice: "Cynthia, have you no shame? Are you hoping Mr. and Mrs. Xenos will adopt you as their goddaughter? How shameless!"

"Shut up!" Justin interjected, needing Cynthia to help salvage the situation after Shirley's outburst. He couldn't afford another scene.

Shirley, however, remained defiant. "Dad, look at her! She's clearly thinking that way and can't even hide it. She must have rehearsed this a million times!"

"Shirley, one more word, and you're going home!" Justin's anger flared. He knew Shirley's motives—her own damaged reputation fueled her desire to undermine Cynthia, a constant rival.

Cynthia, usually poised and graceful, was unusually flustered. She finally regained her composure and apologized: "I'm sorry, Mrs. Xenos. I was just so excited to see you. You're my idol! Do you remember the famous kindergarten kidnapping case in Roncrity? We met then, and I've dreamed of being like you ever since."

Shirley interrupted again: "Cynthia, you're such a flatterer. Mrs. Xenos, don't trust her. She's just trying to get close to you. She's a great actress."

Ignoring Shirley, Ruby smiled warmly at Cynthia and took her hand. "Did you achieve your dream?"

Cynthia nodded. "I studied media, joined a TV station, and became a reporter. But, due to some special reasons and complicated relationships, I quit a month and a half ago."

Shirley sneered: "Cynthia, you just couldn't survive there. Everyone was against you. You were just so annoying—"

Selena slapped Shirley. "Shirley, stop embarrassing us!"

Shirley, stunned by her mother's unprecedented action—a slap, delivered in front of everyone—stared at Selena with resentment. "Mom! Who exactly—"

"Shut up!" Selena interrupted. Turning to Ruby, she explained, "Mrs. Xenos, this is the child I mentioned. You saved her in kindergarten, and she's always looked up to you. I wanted her to study finance, but she insisted on media, showing how much you influenced her."

Ruby, pleased by this revelation, said to Cynthia, "Those old fools at the station were blinded by their own interests. That's why I left too. I understand completely."

Shirley's plan to discredit Cynthia backfired spectacularly. The two women had forged a connection, leaving Shirley furious.

Cynthia, initially viewing Ruby as merely a role model, now saw a genuinely approachable and easygoing person.

Levi arrived, surprising everyone with his initiative. "Ms. Jones, it's been a long time."

Cynthia recognized him instantly, remembering the righteous figure she'd encountered at Lotus Haven. "Mr. Levi Xenos, it's you!" Her exclamation startled everyone, including Hector. Their connection was unexpected, given Levi's lengthy absence from Roncrity.

Cynthia explained awkwardly that their meeting was unusual, unable to divulge the details surrounding Levi's framing. However, Levi revealed, "In Betrico, I was framed. Ms. Jones warned me and helped me." He extended his hand, "Ms. Jones, I wanted to thank you personally."

Cynthia shook his hand. "It was nothing, Mr. Xenos."

The onlookers buzzed excitedly. Cynthia's unexpected connections to the Xenos family—Sam's initial attraction, Ruby's rescue, a friendship with Hector, and even assistance to Levi—were nothing short of amazing.