Chapter 312

Justin’s anger flared. “Do you think I want to sell? For years, I’ve protected this business! I’ve devoted half my life to it, supported you, and allowed you to live comfortably. Now you say it can’t be sold, and that’s it?”

Selena retorted, “Justin, why are you saying this now? I didn't even marry you formally, yet our child carries your surname. You handle the business; I manage the home and raise Cynthia. Doesn't that require time and effort?”

“When you socialize with those women,” Justin countered, “aren’t you furthering the Jones family’s interests? I’ve given everything to this company and family, and now you claim you support me?”

Selena found the situation absurd. After her parents died, she’d overseen the company under her uncle's guidance. Her father's betrayal of her mother, and her mother's subsequent depression, made the Velorix situation deeply ironic. The brand was originally her father's declaration of love to her mother.

When she met Justin, she’d sensed his ambition. However, she’d subtly and overtly assisted him—facilitating business connections and networking among socialites. She mused, How many deals did he secure through the women he belittled at their afternoon teas? In that moment, Selena felt the full extent of Justin's coldness and selfishness.

Justin, equally enraged, had long tolerated Selena and her actions. He’d reached his limit. At their age, she still behaved like a spoiled child.

He slammed his hand on the table. “I’m selling these shares, and nothing you say will change that. I’m the head of this family, and you have no say.”

As tensions escalated, Cynthia entered. Calmly placing her handbag on the table, she stated, “I do not agree to the sale.”

Cynthia had overheard the argument. Justin’s selfishness and coldness disgusted her. Regarding Selena, she felt conflicted. Selena was genuinely trying to atone for past actions, and Cynthia had made peace with her past, holding no grudges. Yet, things could never fully return to normal. A pang of sympathy tugged at Cynthia's heart.

Shirley, upon seeing Cynthia, reacted with outrage. “Cynthia, you ungrateful wretch! If it weren’t for your indifference, would Velorix be selling stocks? That was Dad’s life’s work! You didn’t help, and now you presume to interfere?”

Cynthia met Shirley’s gaze with a cold, piercing stare, silencing her instantly. Shirley sensed malice, a chilling fear gripping her.

Jonathan entered, standing beside Cynthia. His icy stare, even without words, instilled terror in Shirley. She always found Jonathan’s coldness more terrifying than Cynthia's—a silent, lethal power. Despite everything, Shirley harbored a deep, unspoken longing for Jonathan. Among all she'd met, including Levi Xeon, Jonathan remained her favorite. His captivating face, however, had led only to regret. Despite her attempts, he remained unmoved, even having her arrested previously. A month in detention had hardened her heart. She vowed revenge, to one day force both him and Cynthia to kneel.

Selena asked cautiously, “Cynthia, why didn’t you tell us you were coming?”

Cynthia replied, “I came to check on you. What's happening? Why are you selling the shares?”

Justin’s expression was grim. “You’ve seen Velorix’s plummeting stock. Backed by the Bennetts, you now disdain the Jones family's assets. I don’t blame you.”

He continued, “If Ms. Bennett offers five times market price for all shares, I’ll sell. Shirley’s right; if you won’t help, at least don’t interfere.”

Justin was disappointed. He’d hoped Cynthia would revitalize the company, but she’d refused to return, unwilling even to design for the business. Her marriage to Jonathan and her connection to the Xenos family should have been advantageous, but he felt he’d gained nothing. Without tangible benefit, she held little value to him; only cash mattered.

Selena pointed out, “As a major shareholder, you can't sell arbitrarily. You need consent from other major shareholders.”

This regulation existed because of Shirley, who’d once sold twenty percent of the company's shares without warning, infuriating Justin. The company now required a shareholders' meeting and approval for sales exceeding ten percent, with severe penalties for violations. Only Cynthia held more than ten percent. The rule was specifically designed to prevent her from secretly selling shares. Now, it hampered Justin.

Justin scoffed, “I know. It requires approval from major shareholders—you, me, and a mysterious absentee.”

“But I recently acquired three percent more, totaling twenty-three percent. I’m the largest shareholder, and I have the right to sell.”

Shirley added fuel to the fire. “Cynthia, even with twenty percent, you can’t stop us. We can sell and become wealthy, while your shares become worthless.” She wanted to hurt Cynthia, to see Whitney gain power over her. She hoped Cynthia would throw away her shares.

Cynthia smiled. “Dad, how do you know I only hold twenty percent?”