Chapter 292

Cynthia was initially unaware of Shirley's release. She hadn't contacted Shirley since Jonathan predicted her imprisonment. Jonathan's news of Shirley's acquittal stunned Cynthia. "How did this happen? Who helped her?" she demanded. Shirley couldn't have achieved this alone; someone was clearly manipulating events.

A sarcastic smile touched Cynthia's lips. "Did the Jones family pay off the paparazzo?"

Jonathan remained serious. "The Jones family wasn't involved, and they lack the influence anyway." The evidence against Shirley had been irrefutable, presented by BJ's top legal team. This reversal was inexplicable, a fact Cynthia seemed to grasp.

Jonathan said, "I'm sorry, Cynthia."

Cynthia looked at him. "It was your sister, wasn't it?"

Jonathan nodded. "She bribed several people and hired Ruben Smith, the country's top lawyer."

Ruben Smith is a prominent, undefeated Betrico lawyer representing only high-profile clients. He’s known for bending the truth and exploiting legal loopholes.

Cynthia sneered. "He's driven by power and wealth, devoid of morality. Calling him a defender of justice is an insult."

Jonathan reassured her, "Don't worry. We were caught off guard, but we'll file again. I won't let Shirley get away with this."

Cynthia nodded. "I'm not worried about Shirley; it's your sister that concerns me."

Whitney's actions in Roncrity reignited the conflict. Cynthia mused, "What motivates her to protect Shirley? What's her agenda? Whitney's tactics surpass Shirley's; it's more than simple opposition."

Jonathan, frustrated, explained, "The Bennett Group's annual shareholder meeting is at year's end. She always causes trouble around this time, and this year, my father might announce his successor. This storm will likely be fiercer than any before."

Cynthia embraced Jonathan. "No matter what, I'll face it with you. Honey, you're not alone anymore."

Jonathan felt his throat tighten. Only Cynthia had ever offered him that reassurance. He'd faced past storms alone, battling loneliness and numbness. Cynthia was his light and hope, but he'd selfishly drawn her into this conflict. He wasn't sure if that was a mistake.

He held her tightly. "Sorry for dragging you into this."

"I'm not afraid of facing the storm as long as we're together," Cynthia replied.

Chapter 292

"Cynthia, I'll never let you down. I love you."

Meanwhile, Shirley emerged from the courthouse, squinting in the sunlight. Her prolonged detention had left her gaunt. She'd expected conviction, but the paparazzo's sudden confession and a new lawyer—possibly arranged by Selena—had secured her release.

Dazed, she encountered her defense attorney, Ruben Smith, whom she didn't recognize.

"Ms. Jones, I'm your attorney, Ruben Smith. Contact me if you need assistance." He handed her a business card.

Shirley was stunned to see he was a partner at Betrico's most prestigious firm. "Who are you? Why did you help me? Who sent you? My mother?"

Ruben, impeccably dressed, exuded arrogance. He looked at Shirley with disdain. "Your mother couldn't afford me. I'm Ms. Whitney Bennett's attorney. She secured your freedom."

Shirley was shocked. "Whitney? Jonathan's sister?" She remembered Whitney from the reality show featuring Cynthia and Jonathan.

Whitney, the Bennett Group president, has a strained relationship with Jonathan. Shirley couldn't understand Whitney's intervention. "Mr. Smith, may I meet Ms. Bennett? I want to thank her."

Ruben smiled slightly. "That's unlikely for now. Remember, Ms. Bennett granted you this second chance."

Shirley replied, "I understand. I'm deeply grateful, and I'll repay her kindness."

Ruben nodded, then turned back. "Ms. Bennett said to do whatever you want; we'll handle the consequences." He entered a black Bentley.

Shirley stood there, exhilarated. She'd sought connection with the Xenos family through Jonathan, but they'd dismissed her. Now, Whitney, a powerhouse even Jonathan feared, was her patron. Whitney was vying for the family succession and might become one of the world's richest people.

Shirley's excitement grew. Even Cynthia and Jonathan might bow to her.

She hailed a cab. Resentment simmered; Justin and Selena hadn't visited her during her detention, seemingly abandoning her.

Chapter 292

Shirley arrived home as her family's car pulled in. Justin was discharged from the hospital after nearly twenty days, able to walk again. Logan had warned against further stress; another incident could prove fatal.

As Justin and Selena exited the car, Shirley confronted them. "Is this how you act as parents? You gave birth to me but didn't raise me. You abandoned me. You don't deserve to be parents."