Chapter 271

Cynthia said, "I'm saying yes, not because of the pendant, but because I like you all. I feel like it's fate bringing us together."

Ruby was moved to tears. She wasn't usually a crier, but she felt overwhelmed.

Justin was overjoyed. He had feared his hopes of befriending the Xenos family were dashed, but things had taken a surprising turn. He thought, Cynthia is truly my dear daughter. She always saves the day.

He urged, "Great, great. Cynthia, go through the ritual."

The Xenos family's butler, anticipating Ruby's decision, had already prepared tea. He approached with a tray bearing two cups.

Cynthia poured the tea according to tradition, saying, "Sam, Ruby, please have some tea."

Ruby and Sam happily shared the tea.

After the simple ritual, the four Xenos brothers arrived.

Keith smiled, saying, "When I was little, I always dreamed of having a beautiful sister, and now that dream has come true." He approached Cynthia, saying, "Hello, Cynthia. I'm Keith, your second brother."

Cynthia greeted the other brothers.

Sam felt a mix of emotions. They had had a daughter, but their sons never knew. Ruby had been busy during her pregnancy, and the eldest son attended boarding school early, while the younger three were too young to remember. Their daughter had sadly passed away at birth, a deep sorrow the couple privately grieved. They never told their sons. Over the years, they commemorated their daughter in private.

Seeing the joyful scene, Ruby felt a surge of warmth. She couldn't explain it, but looking at Cynthia brought a wave of tenderness.

Shirley, witnessing Cynthia's acceptance, was consumed by jealousy. Why? Why? Cynthia's just a fake noble lady. Why is everyone treating her so differently? Her anger swelled. If she didn't vent it, she felt she might explode. She felt like a rat compared to Cynthia's success, believing that Cynthia, not herself, deserved that happiness. It's not supposed to be this way! Cynthia should be the dirty rat!

She stormed to the front, pointing at Cynthia. Her expression contorted with jealousy.

"You've all been fooled by her! Cynthia is a leftover, undeserving of this love. She has terrible morals! How can she be part of the Xenos family? You've all been fooled!"

Shirley couldn't bear Cynthia's happiness and success. She married Jonathan; why does she get everything? She resolved to ruin the celebration. With all these nobles here, I'll destroy her reputation. She ruined me; I'll drag her down with me!

Naomi tried to intervene, but Hector stopped her, whispering, "Calm down. Don't hit girls."

Naomi gritted her teeth, saying, "Shirley, what are you talking about? How dare you slander Cynthia? Say another word, and I'll tear your mouth apart!"

Shirley, consumed by rage, continued, "I'm not slandering her! She's an unfaithful slut! I'm determined to ruin her!"

Ruby, her face cold, said, "Shirley, prove your claims. If you can't, our lawyer will sue you for defamation."

Shirley said, "I have evidence. Three years ago, she went to the Dark Horse Club with male models. I have photos."

She produced her phone, showing pictures and a video of Cynthia at the club, appearing intoxicated and engaging in flirtatious behavior with a male model, ultimately going to a hotel room with him. The photos and video were clearly professionally taken, with timestamps from October 31st, three years prior.

Silence fell. Whispers rippled through the room.

"So Ms. Jones was messing around?" "These were taken by a detective." "How did Shirley get them?" "She spent the night with a male model." "Mr. Bennett will be furious!" "It's a divorce, they're married." "Wait, the Dark Horse Club offers that kind of service now?"