Chapter 340

Cynthia chuckled. "I wouldn't dare compare myself to you, Ms. Bennett. I never treat anyone like a toy," she said.

Whitney's expression remained unchanged, her eyes hardening slightly. She gestured for Cynthia to sit, and Cynthia settled onto the sofa opposite her. "Have some coffee," Whitney offered.

Cynthia placed her bag down and produced a delicate box. "I won't have any coffee today. I came to return the Queen's Tears to its rightful owner. It's worth $300 million, so take good care of it, Whitney." She opened the box, placed it on the coffee table, and slid it toward Whitney.

Whitney's fingers paled as she gripped her coffee cup, her gaze fixed on the jewelry. Her company's stocks had plummeted—all because of this jewelry. Cynthia's mention of the jewelry's $300 million value was a pointed jab at Betrico Multimedia's plummeting billions in market value. Conversely, due to Cynthia's influence as Miss Y, the BJ Group, founded by Jonathan, had surged since that morning, hitting its limit-up just as Cynthia arrived.

Whitney sipped her coffee. "Ms. Jones, you've orchestrated this situation quite well. That fool Shirley is no match for you. If you had chosen my side from the beginning, I believe we would have become great friends, regardless of the age difference."

Cynthia chuckled softly. "You're too kind, Ms. Bennett."

Whitney scrutinized Cynthia's expression. "You're a smart person. You should know Jonathan can't beat me. Let me be clear: I am destined to inherit the Bennett Group. When that time comes, Jonathan will be like a dog without a home. Don't blame me for not warning you, Ms. Jones. Today is your only chance to make the right choice."

Intrigued, Cynthia picked up her coffee cup and inhaled its aroma. "And what do you mean by 'right,' Ms. Bennett?" she asked. Whitney was pleased; smart people made for smooth conversations.

"You're the chief designer at QUEEN," Whitney began. "Ordinary wealth and fame probably don't appeal to you. But what if you were offered the entire Bennett Group's business empire?"

Cynthia was surprised. "What do you mean, Ms. Bennett?"

"Leave Jonathan, and you can be with Preston," Whitney said. "He's not only the Bennett Group's future heir but also the sole heir of the Sullivan family. While the Sullivan family may not compare to ours, they are still one of Betrico's four major families, and they'll be Preston's biggest support."

Cynthia's eyes widened; she hadn't expected Whitney to mention Preston.

"If that's not enough," Whitney continued, "let me tell you this: Preston has no imperial ambitions. Choose Preston, and you could be the figurehead of the Bennett and Sullivan families, a leader throughout Betrico. As a woman, you could be the first to conquer the world, wielding unlimited power and glory, above all rules. You would be the queen of your world—a true queen."

Chapter 340 (Continued)

Whitney believed Cynthia was ambitious; otherwise, she and Simon wouldn't have named their brand QUEEN. Ambitions, once ignited, were easily nurtured.

Cynthia smiled, appearing pleased. "Ms. Bennett, you've overestimated me," she replied. "I've never wanted to be a queen. I want a simple life, doing what I love with the person I love."

Whitney's gaze turned cold. "So you're refusing—"

Cynthia calmly looked at Whitney. "I once said I wouldn't get involved in your games because I didn't want to be anyone's pawn. But now that I'm married to Jon, we're a team, and I'm willing to play." She stood, looking down at Whitney. "But this time, I'm not a pawn. I'm a player, just like you. I won't let anyone hurt Jon. You're right; in some ways, we're alike. If cornered, I can fight back. Preston is kind-hearted; you wouldn't want him to fall into the darkness of human nature."

Whitney understood the implied threat. "Preston is cheerful and sincere, deeply caring for you. How is he any less than Jonathan?"

Cynthia turned, replying coolly, "It's precisely because Preston has such a sincere heart that he shouldn't become a pawn in our games."

Cynthia left Whitney's office. Jonathan, waiting outside, glanced impatiently at his watch. His relief was palpable when Cynthia emerged. She flashed him a bright smile, linking her arm through his. "Mission accomplished, let's go," she said.

"Did Whitney give you a hard time?" Jonathan asked.

Cynthia raised an eyebrow. "Oh, she tried, but I declared war on her."

Jonathan relaxed, seeing her calm demeanor. "Oh? How did you declare war?"

"I said, 'If you, old witch, dare mess with my husband, I'll smash you to pieces!'" She sneered, looking fierce. Jonathan burst into laughter.

Passersby in the corridor stared in shock. Jonathan, usually as cold as ice, was radiating happiness; his tenderness toward Cynthia was deeply enviable.

Cynthia and Jonathan spent a few days in Betrico, visiting the Bennett manor. Clifford was delighted to see Cynthia and invited her to play chess for hours. Whitney was absent. During their chess game, Cynthia subtly attempted to gauge Clifford's views on the next Bennett successor, but his experienced wisdom easily redirected the conversation. She abandoned her attempts.

Christmas approached, and the Bennett Group's annual gala was scheduled for the same day.