Chapter 280

Rich people often sought to be godparents. Cynthia had never liked the custom, but she felt fortunate to be Ruby's goddaughter—a dream come true, as Ruby was her idol. Sam, her godfather, possessed a commanding presence; everyone respected and feared him, yet Cynthia found him approachable, especially after his defense of her earlier that day. This contrasted sharply with Justin, who always treated her as a mere source of income; his pride superseded all else.

Their first meeting, and yet Sam had defended her against slander. Cynthia was deeply moved. Looking at the shadows outside, she suddenly asked, "Oh, right. What's Keith's screen name?"

Jonathan smiled faintly. "It's Eat-Sleep-Love."

Two hours earlier, Shirley had been arrested. After Selena and Justin emerged from the police station, they followed the police car. Justin and Selena sat in the back. Justin hadn't anticipated the day's events. Shirley had fooled everyone by shifting blame, resulting in the Xenos family's scorn and her imprisonment. While Shirley had cultivated a relationship with the Xenos family, Sam had only accepted Cynthia as his goddaughter, even declaring he would sever ties with the Jones family. This fueled Justin's anger, causing a sharp chest pain that led to his collapsing against the car window. Selena, intending to instruct the driver to follow closely, heard a thud—Justin's head hitting the window. He slumped over, clutching his chest, his face pale and lips blue. Justin had a history of heart problems; a previous heart attack had been triggered by Shirley. Selena, fearing another attack, urgently told the driver, "Jack, take us to Peace Hospital immediately!"

The next day at noon, Cynthia received an anxious call from Selena: "Cynthia, I know I shouldn't call, but your father had a heart attack. He needs surgery immediately. Dr. Thompson says only Logan Zane, the director of Holyoke Hospital, can perform it, but we don't know anyone in Betrico."

Cynthia's face fell. "Don't worry. I'll handle it. I'll be right there."

The Jones family, powerful in Roncrity, lacked connections in Betrico. Cynthia immediately called Jonathan. Ten minutes later, Selena learned Logan would arrive that afternoon to operate on Justin, a development that surprised her. She had planned to transfer Justin to Holyoke Hospital if Jonathan could contact Logan, the country's top cardiothoracic surgeon, whose services were highly sought after. She hadn't expected Logan to travel to Roncrity for the surgery, reportedly arriving on the Bennett family's private jet.

8:15 Fri, Nov 15 Chapter 280

For the first time, Selena realized the stark difference between the wealthy and the super-wealthy; families like the Bennetts wielded not just financial power, but the power to manipulate systems.

Cynthia arrived quickly, easing Selena's anxiety. Tears streamed down Selena's face as Jonathan arrived with Cynthia. He informed Selena of Logan's perfect success rate. Despite her strained relationship with Justin, Cynthia wouldn't stand idly by.

Logan arrived at 1 p.m., greeted Jonathan politely, and conferred with Dr. Thompson. The surgery, commencing promptly, lasted two hours and was successful. Selena breathed a sigh of relief, turning to Cynthia with tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Cynthia."

"Never mind," Cynthia replied politely.

Selena noted Cynthia's worry during the surgery. Though estranged, Cynthia's kindness remained, a testament to their twenty years together. "Sorry, Cynthia. I've hurt you these past three years. I'm truly sorry. I didn't know Shirley would do such crazy things," Selena confessed, consumed by guilt and longing for their happier past.

"Shirley drugged me. It had nothing to do with you. I won't blame you," Cynthia said calmly.

While Selena felt happy, Cynthia's detached tone saddened her. Since accepting Rachel as her mother, Cynthia had changed. Selena asked cautiously, "Cynthia, do you still see me as your mother?"

"Of course. I'll look after you when you're older. If you get sick like Dad, I'll do my best to save you. That's all," Cynthia replied.

Cynthia's emotions were complex. No child truly hates their mother. Selena's shift in affection towards Shirley had been devastating for Cynthia, a pain she had processed and moved beyond. Cynthia reflected, 'Human beings are complex.' She acknowledged the genuineness of Selena's past love, hatred, and current guilt, particularly after Shirley's accusations. She'd chosen to let go, but the scars of Selena's past cruelty—the accusations, the expulsion from the house—remained. Cynthia no longer harbored hatred or blame, understanding that while time heals, it leaves its mark. She didn't seek reconciliation or further conflict. "That's it," she thought.

8:15 Fri, Nov 15 Chapter 280

Selena felt terrible, aware of the cost of her choices. Three years ago, she'd chosen Shirley, abandoning Cynthia; she deserved the consequences.

After the surgery, Cynthia didn't linger. Due to Jonathan's meeting at the BJ Building, she accompanied him. As they reached the parking lot, her phone rang—Henry, Filip's father. He'd heard about Justin's hospitalization and expressed concern.

"Cynthia, visit your godmother tonight. She's distraught, refusing food and drink. I'm worried. I told her to leave Filip alone, but she won't listen. She loves you most. Please persuade her."

Cynthia was puzzled. "Why's she refusing to eat?"

Henry sighed. "Filip's brought Lilian home. They're planning a large wedding…"