Chapter 334

Shirley felt amazing, like she was the center of the universe. The euphoria soothed insecurities she'd long suppressed, reaching a thrilling peak. She looked at Cynthia with utter disdain and provocation.

But Cynthia didn't place the jewelry in Shirley's hand. Instead, she closed the sandalwood box and handed it to Simon.

Shirley's face darkened. "Cynthia, what are you doing? Give me back my jewelry!" she demanded, her voice laced with anger and impatience. To her, the $300 million jewelry represented glamour, fame, and entry into high society.

She thought, What is Cynthia doing? If she causes trouble, I'll tear her apart!

Cynthia remained calm, but her voice was cold. "I won't let a murderer taint my design." The word "murderer" shocked everyone.

Shirley's face went ghostly pale. Her heart pounded; a buried secret felt exposed. Panic and confusion washed over her, but a thread of rationality remained. Cynthia can't possibly know. How could she know I killed someone? she thought. Even if she did, she has no proof. Maybe she's suspicious, or wants to ruin my happiness.

Feeling slightly calmer, though fear remained etched on her pale face, Shirley pointed at Cynthia. "You bitch! How dare you slander me?! I'll sue you!" she shrieked, trying to project toughness. But her panic was evident, especially under Cynthia's calm gaze—a gaze that always foreshadowed trouble. What is she doing? she wondered. I won't let her succeed.

Shirley spotted Whitney on stage, her current biggest supporter. Hurrying over, she said, "Ms. Bennett, she insulted and slandered me, disrespecting you. You can't let her get away with it!"

Whitney regretted bringing Shirley. Shirley was embarrassing and potentially problematic. Whitney didn't know if Shirley was a murderer, but she knew Shirley hated Cynthia intensely. Driven by jealousy and hatred, Shirley was capable of anything—a fact Whitney had exploited. Shirley was now dependent on Whitney for support, and could ruin her reputation. To everyone, however, Shirley was Whitney's protégé, especially after the $300 million jewelry display. Their closeness made Whitney vulnerable. If Shirley was a murderer, Whitney couldn't escape the blame. This might be a trap.

Sensing danger, Whitney distanced herself. "Ms. Shirley Jones, your sisterly issues are none of my business."

Shirley was stunned. Whitney won't support me? Will she still give me the jewelry?

Whitney then turned to Cynthia. "Ms. Cynthia Jones, be more forgiving. You have no proof to call her a murderer. Your words could burden her for life. Be kinder."

Whitney couldn't ignore Shirley completely; it would be admitting defeat. Her 'person' wasn't a punching bag.

Cynthia remained silent, but a video began playing on the large screen behind them, revealing Shirley's voice:

"Give me the video, and we're even."

"Video? What video?"

"I was curious. I saw you stabbing Dad. I was shocked, couldn't film. I lied."

Shirley froze, utterly stunned. The screen showed a conversation between her and Luke, after he shot Lilian and took Shirley hostage—an incident that had dominated headlines.

The live stream erupted:

[Isn't that the guy who shot at Mrs. Yates' wedding?] [Yes! I saw his picture. He killed himself out of guilt.] [Why was Shirley with him? They had a deal.] [I was a guest! He escaped using Shirley as a hostage!] [Holy shit! Accomplices?]

The video continued, showing Luke revealing a suitcase full of fake money, leading to an argument with Shirley. Shirley was dumbfounded. How did Cynthia get this? I killed Luke, set a fire, leaving only ashes. How does she have this clear video?

The video showed the argument escalating. Knowing what came next, Shirley lunged at Cynthia, but Jonathan and Simon intervened, each grabbing an arm. A crack, a thud, and then a gunshot—all captured on screen.