Chapter 311
Lilian Yates's funeral was a grand affair, drawing city-wide attention. The matriarch of the Yates family had been shot at her own wedding and, despite days of treatment, succumbed to her injuries.
News of her death rippled through Roncrity, shocking the nation and making headlines across various news outlets. Rumors swirled: revenge, a crime of passion, a contract killing, even that Lilian was a scapegoat. However, the authorities remained silent, and the Yates family offered no explanation, focusing solely on Lilian's funeral arrangements.
Adding to the tragedy, Lilian was nine months pregnant. Reports confirmed the safe delivery of her child, but the strain of childbirth proved too much, and she passed away. While the baby's survival offered a small comfort, widespread sympathy was felt for the infant, orphaned at birth.
Filip, Lilian's husband, remained conspicuously absent from the funeral, his grief profound. Despite his typically low profile, the public still remembered his past scandal—eloping with a mistress years ago. However, the "other woman" narrative surrounding Lilian's rise to prominence had faded, replaced by a surge of public sympathy for both her and Filip.
Cynthia attended the funeral, managing most arrangements herself while Filip was devastated and Henry and Pamela focused on their grandchild. A surprising incident occurred when Sarah created a scene, demanding the return of her daughter. She was ultimately silenced with a $600,000 cash payment.
Sarah's initial display of grief morphed into jubilant celebration upon receiving the money, a stark contrast that didn't go unnoticed. Cynthia, suspecting Sarah's involvement in Lilian's emotional turmoil, hired a film student to sing "Only Mother is Good in This World" outside Sarah's residence nightly for a month, initially planning a shorter stint but extending it due to the student's reasonable request for a full month's payment of $3,000.
Following the funeral, Cynthia slept for three days and nights, waking refreshed and elegantly dressed in a black velvet gown—a striking departure from her usual attire. The dress accentuated her figure without appearing somber, instead projecting strength and sophistication. She was applying makeup, her hair styled in cascading waves, and her lips painted a bold red.
Jonathan, her husband, found her at the vanity.
"Are you going out?" he asked.
"I'm going to the Jones residence," Cynthia replied, adding, "There are some things that need to be sorted out."
Jonathan understood she was referring to Shirley, whom Cynthia suspected of conspiring with Luke to kill her (Lilian having taken the intended bullet). Jonathan's own investigation had uncovered evidence of Shirley and Luke's close relationship and substantial financial transactions, though not enough to definitively prove murder. However, he unearthed damaging information about Shirley's past: expulsion for theft, and bullying that led to a classmate's suicide. This could ruin her, especially the suicide case, which could be reopened.
Shirley's real protection lay in her connection to Whitney, who was linked to Ruben, creating a potential power struggle between Jonathan and Whitney should these issues surface. Cynthia, however, favored a different approach.
Jonathan drove Cynthia to the Jones residence, surprising Justin and Selena, who were dining. Justin was conflicted about selling their shares in Velorix to Whitney, who was offering a significantly inflated price. Selena, while previously open to selling, was against selling to Whitney due to the rivalry with Jonathan. Shirley, however, urged the sale, emphasizing the financial gains and the potential loss if they waited. Justin was tempted by the $300 million offer for his twenty percent stake. Selena reminded Justin that Velorix was an Edwards family asset.