Chapter 341

Cynthia attended the Bennett Group's annual gala for the first time, held in the banquet hall atop the Bennett Century Tower. Had she not known it was an annual gala, she might have mistaken it for a star-studded awards ceremony.

A hundred-meter red carpet stretched from the building's entrance. Cars stopped before it, and guests walked the carpet before entering, answering the host's questions and signing autographs—a process mirroring an awards ceremony. Countless cameras lined both sides of the red carpet, manned by media outlets from across the city who had waited all day.

This grand setup was warranted: the Bennett Group's gala always attracted top celebrities. Betrico Multimedia, owning the country's largest talent and entertainment agency, supplied half of the A-list celebrities in attendance. Even for established stars, attending the gala was considered the highest honor.

Cynthia and Jonathan arrived in a black Bentley. A doorman in white gloves opened the car door as it paused at the red carpet. Cynthia wore a stunning starry sky gown, her hair in loose curls, and a single blue gemstone hairpin. Her natural beauty eclipsed even the most bejeweled celebrities.

Arm in arm with Jonathan, she entered the venue, her every movement graceful and elegant, possessing a relaxed ease that set her apart. As she stepped onto the red carpet, it seemed as if the surrounding colors momentarily faded. Photographers swarmed, capturing her image.

Many media outlets live-streamed the event, their chatrooms overflowing with compliments:

• "[Cynthia, you look stunning, you’re killing it.]"
• "[Whose fairytale book got left open? The princess just stepped out.]"
• "[Cynthia, I’m telling you, don’t be too perfect. I’m seriously impressed. Every screenshot is flawless.]"
• "[Mr. Bennett’s having a tough time. Though he’s stunningly handsome, next to Cynthia, no one even talks about him.]"

Soon, Cynthia and Jonathan reached the sign-in booth. Following a brief interview with the renowned hosting duo, Hana and Roger, Roger teased, "If I remember correctly, this is Mr. Bennett's first time bringing a date to the gala."

Jonathan smiled slyly, took the microphone, and dropped a bombshell: "She's not just my date; she's my wife."

Hana and Roger were shocked. Hana, unable to conceal her curiosity, asked, "So, you're officially married?"

Jonathan produced two marriage certificates from his suit pocket, saying with pride, "Legal and legit, certified and ready to go."

Roger, momentarily bewildered ("Who brings marriage certificates to a red carpet?"), quickly recovered his composure, exclaiming, "Congratulations! This is great news for the Bennett Group!"

Hanna added, "But a huge disaster for all the ladies from Betrico. It marks the shattering of countless dreams and hearts."

The public only knew Jonathan had announced Cynthia as his girlfriend. Many were skeptical, especially since, despite his reality TV proposal, things had been quiet between them, leading to speculation of Bennett family objections.

Cynthia excelled in various roles—a stunning TV host, a vibrant A-lister, and the chief designer for a world-renowned jewelry brand. Yet, these accomplishments paled in comparison to the Bennett family's wealth and power. Prestigious families like the Bennetts, with centuries of wealth and influence, typically formed alliances within their circles, prioritizing background and power.

Most believed Cynthia would be, at best, Jonathan's girlfriend. No one expected a marriage announcement at the gala.

Cynthia smiled throughout. Jonathan, having always wanted to make their relationship public, had finally found the perfect moment. He even carried their marriage certificates. Cynthia was unaware of his plan. They’d been in Betrico for over two weeks without returning to Roncrity. She wondered if he'd carried the certificates the entire time.

Jonathan seemingly accidentally flaunted the certificates, igniting excitement across live streams:

• "[Wow, they got married! The couple I shipped finally made it. I’m taking a day off tomorrow to celebrate.]"
• "[Mr. Bennett couldn’t hide his pleased look when he showed the marriage certificate. Could he be a romantic fool?]"
• "[Who carries a marriage certificate on the red carpet? He is confirmed as having love-brain syndrome.]"
• "[Mr. Bennett, put your marriage certificate away before it gets worn out from all that opening and closing.]"
• "[Alright, alright, we see it! You’ve officially graduated; you’re no longer just Cynthia’s Pretty Boy.]"
• "[What’s up with the Pretty Boy thing? Is there some new joke I don’t know about?]"
• "[What? Didn’t you know Mr. Bennett is being sponsored by Cynthia?]"
• "[Hey, mind your words. What’s going on with the Pretty Boy comment? Leaving a sentence half-finished is so weak unless you’re just pretending to be tough or overly dramatic.]"

Amidst the online excitement, Cynthia and Jonathan finished their interviews. Hana announced, "Thank you both, and best wishes. Your marriage news will be on tomorrow's front page. Now, a closer pose for the media?"

Cynthia moved closer, intending to take Jonathan's arm, but he surprised her, cupping her face and kissing her. Stunned, Cynthia hadn't anticipated such public affection. While uninhibited privately, Jonathan usually maintained a reserved public demeanor.

After a deep kiss, Cynthia playfully rolled her eyes, saying, "You've ruined my lipstick."

Jonathan, amused, wrapped his arm around her waist, saying, "The reporters work hard. It's only fair we help them out a little."

He then escorted her into the tower hall, leaving the live streams buzzing:

• "[Mr. Bennett is sharing sweets online. Oh my gosh, let’s ship it!]"
• "[They’re just so sweet and perfect for each other.]"
• "[Stunning Couple! Heaven made, earth matched! Perfect match! Ultimate match!]"

Meanwhile, in a newly arrived black Bentley, a slender figure in a black feather gown, sprawled across the seat, watched the live stream on a tablet, her fingers white from gripping it tightly. BB