Chapter 281

Hearing Filip's name barely registered with Cynthia. However, news of Pamela's situation caused her immediate concern. "I'll be back later," he said, turning to Jonathan. "I'm going to visit the Yates."

Jonathan nodded and handed Cynthia the car keys. Half an hour later, she arrived at the Yates residence. Evening had already fallen.

"Cynthia, I'm so glad you came," Henry exclaimed. "So much has happened! What the hell does Filip want? He's living with Lilian, fine. But now he wants to bring her home and have a big wedding? Is he insane?" He sighed.

Cynthia calmed Henry before going upstairs to check on Pamela.

When Cynthia entered, Pamela was lying in bed, moaning. At the sound of Cynthia's arrival, she rolled over and, seeing Cynthia, quickly sat up. "Cynthia, what brings you here?" she asked happily.

She paused, as if a thought had struck her. "Who called you? I told them not to bother you."

Cynthia approached her. "I missed you, so I came to visit."

Pamela felt a pang of sadness. "You're doing well now. Why did they tell you this? Just get on with your life."

Cynthia sat on the bed and took Pamela's hand. "No matter what, you shouldn't risk your health. Henry said you haven't eaten or drunk anything for days and couldn't get out of bed. How could I not worry?"

Pamela paused, glancing at the door. "I'm pretending," she whispered.

Cynthia was stunned. Pamela opened the bedside drawer, revealing a stash of snacks.

"Don't you know me well? How could I possibly not eat anything? If I really fell ill, it would make that bitch happy. I'm not a fool," Pamela explained.

Cynthia laughed. "Why are you keeping this from your husband? He was so worried he asked me to persuade you."

Pamela snorted. "I want to make him worried. It's his fault for not being able to handle his own son."

At the mention of Filip, Pamela began wailing again. "Filip is such a brat! If I had known, I wouldn't have given birth to him."

Cynthia laughed aloud. Pamela was quite a character—willful and bossy since childhood. Though outwardly aggressive, vain, and snobbish, she had a kind heart. Her bark was worse than her bite. She was adept at crying and threatening suicide to get what she wanted.

"Don't laugh at me. I don't want to be alive," Pamela said, shooting Cynthia a glance.

"You look fine. That's a relief," Cynthia said.

"I have many worries," Pamela sighed.

"Because Filip's getting married to Lilian?" Cynthia asked.

"Did Henry tell you that?" Pamela asked.

"Yes," Cynthia replied.

Pamela felt furious just thinking about it. "They got their marriage certificate without telling us, fine. But now they want a big wedding! Isn't our family embarrassed enough? The whole town knows he abandoned me at the altar and eloped with Lilian on his wedding day. How dare they ask for a big wedding? Lilian's baby bump is so visible. Are they going to tell all the guests it's a shotgun wedding? They may not care about their reputation, but I do! I don't want to be mocked for the rest of my life. Also, Filip cheated on me with that bitch. I didn't want to throw them a wedding."

Cynthia understood instantly. "Pamela, you're afraid it'll upset me, right?"

Pamela paused and looked up at her. She had always treated Cynthia like a daughter, better even than her own son. Filip and Lilian were legally married. Pamela hadn't made things difficult for them when she learned about their marriage license. She must have a reason for acting this way now that they wanted a wedding. In their circle, everyone knew about Filip's affairs. The Yates family had been mocked for years; Pamela had no reason to feel ashamed now.

Cynthia saw through Pamela's pretense. "I really don't want a wedding for them. I feel sorry for you. But Lilian keeps threatening to abort the child if we don't hold a big wedding."

"The baby is eight months old. After all, he's my grandchild. I can't bear to watch her kill the baby. If we throw a wedding for them, I'm afraid you'll cut ties with us, as you did with the Jones family."

Pamela was on the verge of tears. "I truly see you as my daughter. I'm worried you'll resent me because of this. I cannot tell you how much it would pain me."

Cynthia held Pamela's hand, smiling and replying seriously, "Don't worry, I won't. Filip and I broke up long ago. I'm married now. I won't be unhappy about their wedding. So, you really don't need to worry about how I feel."

Filip and Lilian were legally married, even if Pamela refused to accept it. After all, Filip was her son. She couldn't completely cut ties with him.

Pamela let out a deep sigh. "I really don't want Lilian to be my daughter-in-law. She did so many things to hurt you. Henry and I have decided to move out after the wedding if they don't go Also, we won't help them take care of the kid. When we're old, we'll live with Yasmine. Out of sight, out of mind."

"Fine, fine. You can come live with me in the future," Cynthia reassured her, smiling.

Pamela's mood improved. "It's rare to have you here. Stay for dinner with us. It's just us and Matthew. Filip took Lilian to a business dinner tonight. They won't be back until 10 p.m."

Cynthia wasn't afraid of running into Filip and Lilian. She nodded.