Chapter 33

Everyone's jaws dropped in disbelief. They knew Jonathan had never shown interest in Betrico's socialites; he harbored feelings for another woman. For her, he'd even remained a virgin. To avoid the arranged marriage, he'd moved to Roncrity, a small city far from Betrico. He'd lived there for three years—partly for the Paradise Resort project and partly because his father had betrothed him to Celine Sexton, the only daughter of one of Betrico's four major families.

"Girlfriend? How can you have a girlfriend? What about me?" Celine demanded angrily.

Jonathan smiled, his gaze remaining icy. "My dating life is none of your concern."

"Jonathan, I'm your fiancée," she protested.

"I've never acknowledged that," he said nonchalantly.

"You know my family is highly valued by your father. He's already proposed privately; it just hasn't been publicly announced," Celine said.

Jonathan flashed a cold smile. "If it's my father's decision, then he should marry her."

Celine stared at him in disbelief. "Jonathan, you're heartless."

As tensions escalated, Tommy hurried to mediate. "Celine, your engagement isn't definite. Stop causing a scene."

Celine was furious. "Tommy, whose side are you on? Are you letting your brother-in-law have a secret lover?" Brother-in-law? Tommy thought. I wouldn't dare think of Jonathan as my brother-in-law. He stepped in front of Jonathan. "Jon, she's my sister. Please, don't hold this against her."

He then turned to Cynthia, his eyes lighting up. "Oh, Ms. Jones! We met at the Royal Golf Field."

Cynthia responded graciously. "Mr. Sexton, I happened to be here for dinner, and Jon mentioned your birthday, so I came to wish you a happy birthday."

Tommy seemed pleased. "It's an honor to have you here."

Jonathan's childhood friends exchanged meaningful glances, speculating about his intentions. Is he just tired of Celine's harassment, or has he truly moved on from Naomi? they wondered. Regardless, this woman, acknowledged as his girlfriend, is ensured a life of luxury.

But Celine seethed with anger. At Susanna's birthday party, Jonathan had ignored her. She'd even forgone studying abroad to see him, only to find him with another woman, openly introduced as his girlfriend. She'd been utterly humiliated. The Betrico socialites would surely laugh.

Celine sat on the sofa, her eyes fixed on Cynthia, who was playing poker with a group of men, smiling charmingly. Jonathan sat beside her, showing her affection—even peeling fruit for her, something he'd never done before.

Jealousy and rage burned in Celine's heart. When Jonathan stepped outside for a call, she grabbed a piece of cake and approached Cynthia. Everyone was preoccupied. Celine crept up, ready to smash the cake in Cynthia's face.

But Cynthia, seemingly with eyes in the back of her head, stood up just as the cake descended, her shoulder colliding with Celine's elbow. The cake landed squarely on Celine's face.

Celine screamed, "Bitch, you did that on purpose!" She lunged for Cynthia's hair. However, Cynthia, a practiced boxer, easily evaded her, causing Celine to crash into the table and fall over a wine bottle.

The poker players watched silently. One was the birthday boy's sister; the other was Jonathan's girlfriend. Helping either would offend the other. Since Celine was known for being domineering, they enjoyed the show.

Celine was clearly no match for Cynthia. Cynthia's evasive maneuvers were elegant, while Celine's attacks were clumsy, resulting in a bruised forehead and a cut knee.

Jonathan entered. Cynthia hid behind him, feigning grievance. "Jon, Ms. Sexton seems drunk." Her soft, flirtatious tone softened those nearby.

This only enraged Celine further. "Bitch, who are you to call him Jon? I'll tear your mouth apart!"

Celine lunged to slap Cynthia, but Jonathan caught her arm. "Celine, don't go too far. You'll humiliate your brother."

The atmosphere froze. Celine trembled, pointing to her injuries. But Jonathan only asked Cynthia, "Did you get hurt?"

Cynthia shook her head innocently. "I'm so scared; I want to go home."

Jonathan took her hand. "Let's go." He led her out, leaving Celine crying on the floor.

Tommy shook his head. He'd stayed out of it, but Celine was no match for Cynthia, intellectually or physically. Cynthia had clearly toyed with her. She wasn't a simple woman.

Once outside, Cynthia tossed her curls and glanced at Jonathan. "How was my performance?"

Jonathan chuckled. "You almost ruined the birthday party, and you ask me how I liked it?"

Cynthia tutted. "You're the wicked one. You couldn't just dismiss your friend's wealthy sister, so you needed someone else to take the blame for the broken engagement, someone to disappoint her. "

The powerful families' interests were intertwined; appearances had to be maintained. If Jonathan wanted to break the engagement, he needed a scapegoat. Cynthia was perfect. Any resentment would be directed at her, not Jonathan.

Jonathan chuckled, thinking she was overthinking it.