Chapter 316

Naomi, nonchalant and flashing a mischievous grin, pulled a slim cigarette from her blazer pocket and twirled a lighter between her fingers. She exuded boldness and style.

The girls at a nearby table were captivated, some even letting out a small shriek. Naomi winked and teased them, causing them to blush and lower their heads.

Turning her head with a mischievous smile, Naomi lit her cigarette. Cynthia snatched it away. "You should cut back on smoking; it's not good for you."

Naomi, craving a cigarette, clung to Cynthia's arm. "Just one, okay? Just one?"

Cynthia ignored her, adding vegetables to Naomi's plate. "Eat more veggies; it'll keep you healthy."

Naomi scratched her head in frustration. Cynthia calmly said, "Quit smoking, and I'll get you a Lamborghini Veneno."

The Sullivan family's involvement in car manufacturing had fueled Naomi's fervent passion for collecting luxury vehicles. She spent every cent on cars, yet couldn't acquire a Lamborghini Veneno—a limited-edition model snapped up by billionaires long ago. She adored it immensely.

Naomi asked excitedly, "You have this car?"

"No, but I can get one."

Three years ago, Simon had given Cynthia a Lamborghini Veneno for her birthday, but she hadn't accepted it. It had remained in his garage. He'd recently asked her to take it due to lack of space.

Cynthia agreed, planning to give it to Naomi. She wasn't interested in flashy sports cars.

Naomi was thrilled, giving Cynthia a quick peck on the cheek. "I quit! I quit! Just get that car for me. I love you, babe!"

Jonathan and Hector frowned. Jonathan finally spoke, "Naomi, I know you two grew up together, but could you please be more mindful of boundaries? There are limits to closeness without causing misunderstandings."

Jonathan was aware of Cynthia and Naomi's relationship. Though Cynthia had said Naomi was straight and liked tough guys, Naomi's masculine, cool style had led to speculation that Cynthia was her girlfriend. Jonathan felt uneasy, especially after his experience with Lilian. He mused, "Who says women can't be interested in other women?"

Naomi leaned back, casually crossing her legs with an arm resting on Cynthia's seat, appearing unconcerned.

"Boundaries? When Cyn and I were practically infants, we were inseparable. Where were you then, Jonathan? If Cyn didn't have a thing for you, she'd be by my side forever. You took my person away, and now you bring up boundaries? If you dare mistreat Cyn, I'll make sure you pay."

Jonathan chuckled, accepting the situation. "Alright, alright, you two are best sisters. It's my fault, okay?"

Jonathan wasn't seriously bothered; he trusted Naomi's character. Though rough around the edges, she genuinely cared for Cynthia. He also knew their relationship was purely sisterly, unlike Lilian and Cynthia's. His earlier comment had been a joke.

Hector frowned at the mention of "sisters." Naomi, short and frail, was often teased for her somewhat feminine appearance. He felt Jonathan was insulting Naomi by implying she was a girl.

Hector said, "Mr. Bennett, I respect you, but such insinuations are unfair. Naomi and Cynthia have a decades-long friendship, so his actions, while excessive, are understandable. We shouldn't comment on it, and you shouldn't question his integrity."

Jonathan was taken aback, speechless. He thought, 'It's been a long time. Does this clueless guy still not know Naomi is a girl? He's an expert psychologist! How could he not realize it? Absurd!'

Cynthia was equally shocked. She thought, 'What's wrong with these two? I thought they were a couple! So Hector still doesn't know Naomi is a girl?'

Naomi felt guilty. She kept her head down, eating quietly. She hadn't told Hector she was a girl; there'd never been a chance or reason. He'd simply assumed she was a guy. Telling him now might make her seem strange, and she feared losing her credibility and their friendship. It wasn't intentional deception; it was simply a misunderstanding.

At the mall, Naomi emerged from the women's restroom. Hector, unsuspectingly, scolded her for being careless.

Naomi rolled her eyes, not bothering to explain. Cynthia was about to speak, but Hector, already standing, took Naomi by the arm. "Stop eating. Let's go."

Hector seemed genuinely upset. Naomi grabbed Cynthia's orange juice on the way out, further angering Hector. He thought, 'Humph! He likes Cynthia very much. Normally, he'd fight back, but after Jonathan called him Cynthia's sister, he didn't dare get mad. To maintain his relationship with Cynthia, he'd put up with anything.'

After Naomi and Hector left, Cynthia and Jonathan looked at each other and burst into laughter.

"How can someone as skilled as Dr. Xenos not realize Naomi is a girl? And he's an Ivy League graduate?"

"It's ridiculous. He thought you were mocking Naomi."

"But he's strange. Naomi didn't even get angry, yet he was the one upset first."

Jonathan smiled, his eyes glinting. "Not strange at all. I guess he's confused about liking men. His anger's not directed at others, but at himself."