Chapter 31

Jonathan continued, "I've also figured out who this person is—Vivian Smith, one of your colleagues from the news department. She used to be a host on Morning News Express. Do you have any history with her?"

Cynthia showed no surprise. "Yes."

She looked at the figure in the video and smirked. "But there's someone behind her."

Jonathan focused on Cynthia's profile. "You mean she's being manipulated?"

Cynthia's gaze turned chilling. "Yes, and I know who the manipulator is."

Jonathan lowered his voice. "What's your plan? Do you need my help?"

Cynthia paused, then closed the laptop. She cupped Jonathan's face in her hands. "No need; I can handle it myself. Don't worry about this, Mr. Bennett."

Hearing "Mr. Bennett," Jonathan's brow furrowed slightly, though he maintained a neutral expression.

Cynthia leaned in, her voice sultry. "How about tonight in my room?"

Jonathan couldn't refuse. Cynthia felt he was especially gentle that day, soothing her emotions. She appreciated it; her foul mood lifted, and she sank into a haven of tenderness. But he only kissed and teased her, without going further.

Cynthia, feeling a surge of desire, arched her body, craving more. "Give it to me…"

"Call me…" he murmured softly in her ear.

"Darling," she said.

"Not that," Jonathan said.

"Baby," she said.

"That's not what I want to hear," he taunted.

Cynthia's mind felt hazy, her heart fluttering. She had always called him that before and didn't know what he wanted now.

"Mr. Bennett?" Her voice was soft and sultry.

Jonathan still held back. "Cynthia, call my name."

Cynthia opened her eyes, her gaze clouded with desire. Her lips were devilishly enticing. "Jonathan…"

Her voice was mesmerizing. Jonathan was pushed to the brink of restraint. Their bodies intertwined, lost in pleasure.

The next day, Cynthia called Vivian.

Vivian remained arrogant. "Sorry, the CEO of Fashion Glamour invited me for an interview today. I'm afraid I'm not free."

Vivian knew Cynthia had lost her prime-time hosting position and been forcibly put on leave by Freddie—a "vacation," but more like a freeze-out. She'd lost her prime-time slot and might even lose her position on Midday News Insight.

Vivian reveled in Cynthia's misfortune, but Cynthia's voice remained calm. "If you're busy during the day, how about we meet at night? Let's go to Cloudtop Restaurant. I'll treat you."

Cloudtop Restaurant was one of the finest in Roncrity. After considering, Vivian agreed.

She knew it was likely a trap—Cynthia must have learned about the situation and wanted to confront her. But Vivian wasn't afraid.

For a long time, everyone at RNN considered Cynthia a Roncrity socialite, always dressed in designer clothes, exuding nobility and elegance. They feared her powerful family and dared not offend her. Little did they know about her humble beginnings. Vivian believed that even if Cynthia knew about the posts, she could do nothing.

That evening, Vivian arrived an hour late. Cynthia was still waiting, seated in a prime spot with a stunning river view. Her beauty drew attention.

Vivian's eyes flashed with jealousy.

"Freddie is ruthless. You've almost secured all the advertising contracts at RNN this year, and just like that, he told you to leave. It's heartbreaking," Vivian said.

Vivian sat across from Cynthia. "I just interviewed for the editor position at Fashion Glamour, and I need an assistant editor. Why don't you resign and come work for me? It's better than being isolated at RNN."

Vivian's gaze was filled with mockery. Having worked at RNN for five years, she'd been outshone by Cynthia, who'd only been there for a year. Now she could vent her frustrations.

Cynthia smiled faintly. "Thank you for your kind offer, but I'm not considering a job change."

Vivian sneered. "I just want to help you. Instead of waiting to be fired, resign and keep some dignity. Do you really think Freddie would keep a murderer's daughter around to tarnish RNN's reputation? Even if he wants to let you stay, Alison wouldn't agree."

Cynthia was straightforward. "Isn't my current predicament all thanks to you?"

Vivian feigned innocence. "Cynthia, you dug your own grave, so don't blame me. If I had dirt on you, I wouldn't have waited until now to use it."

Cynthia played a video on her phone. After watching it, Vivian's face went pale. She hadn't anticipated the video of her posting in the internet café would be found.

Panic flickered across her face, but she regained her composure. "Yes, I posted that. So what? I didn't slander you. Your mother is a murderer, and that's a fact."

"Vivian, I didn't come here to settle scores. You're right: if you had dirt on me, you wouldn't have waited. I just want to know who gave you this information," said Cynthia.

Chapter 31 (Continued)

Although Cynthia already had an answer, she wanted confirmation. Lilian had paid Vivian well, so Vivian wouldn't divulge anything. Cynthia was alone and her reputation was in tatters, making Vivian bolder.

"Nobody gave me anything, Cynthia. I've been investigating you. You always act so high and mighty," she scoffed. "At first, I thought you were a genuine socialite, but it turns out you're just another loser from a shitty family. Your designer clothes are a façade."

"You look down on me for finding a sugar daddy, but you're not better than me. You're just as hypocritical, just as vain. Who gives you the nerve to look down on me?" Vivian laughed.

Cynthia frowned.

Chapter 32 (begins)

I removed the extraneous text at the end ("色 SEND GIFT COMMENT 13:19 Fri, Nov 1"). It appears to be unrelated to the story. I also italicized the names of television shows for clarity.