Chapter 342

The concierge approached to open the car door, but no one exited immediately. Just as the concierge was about to speak, the driver emerged, carrying a wheelchair from the car. It was then the concierge noticed the beautiful woman in the gown had only one leg. With the assistance of the concierge and the driver, she transferred to the wheelchair.

The driver asked anxiously, "Miss, can you manage on your own? Should I push you in?"

The woman's voice, laced with anger, snapped, "Get lost!"

Once Cynthia entered the banquet hall, she instantly became the center of attention. A large screen displayed live footage from the red carpet. Every guest knew Cynthia had officially married Jonathan. They rushed to congratulate the couple, quickly surrounding them. Some guests were familiar, but most were strangers to Cynthia. Jonathan introduced her to several senior executives of the Bennett Group.

Cynthia greeted them politely, but she perceived their insincerity. Their words held sarcastic undertones and veiled insinuations. Given their seniority and Jonathan's position, Cynthia maintained a smile. However, encountering such behavior repeatedly, Jonathan immediately whisked Cynthia away.

After several such incidents, Cynthia asked, "Isn't this a bit much?" Sighing, she continued, "I can handle this. They're elders, after all. Honestly, they think we're mismatched. You don't need to be upset with them for my sake."

Jonathan replied, "They're all on Whitney's side, so there's no point in trying to please them."

Cynthia was surprised. "All of them?" she asked. Reflecting on the executives she'd met, she estimated that eighty percent disliked her. Could they all be Whitney's people?

Jonathan nodded. "Yeah, Whitney has far more influence in the company. After all, she became GM at just twenty."

Cynthia was lost in thought.

Jonathan continued, "And even if they aren't supporting Whitney, if anyone disrespects you, feel free to retaliate. I've got your back; I won't let you suffer for me."

Cynthia smiled. "Okay, got it."

Cynthia had never been one to be pushed around. She was simply unfamiliar with the company's dynamics and prioritized the bigger picture for Jonathan's sake. She didn't want to offend anyone; these people might be key supporters of Jonathan in the future. But since Jonathan confirmed they were Whitney's followers, she didn't need to be polite.

However, Cynthia felt increasingly anxious. A crucial part of the annual meeting was approaching: Clifford's announcement of the Bennett Group's heir. Clifford planned to step down at the year's end. The heir would become Chairman of the Bennett Group, a vast conglomerate spanning numerous industries.

This significant leadership transition and business empire overhaul had garnered considerable attention.

If Whitney became Chairman, she would undoubtedly make things difficult for Jonathan. All his projects would likely be canceled, even the successful Paradise Resort's future would be uncertain.

In the crowd, Cynthia spotted Whitney, poised and elegant as always, holding a wine glass and engaging cheerfully with top executives. Alex stood beside her. Cynthia frowned. She knew Alex was Whitney's lover; Whitney lavished money on him, even giving him the World of Elegance. Yet, their last encounter suggested Whitney treated Alex merely as a plaything. Cynthia questioned Whitney's true feelings.

As Cynthia pondered, a commotion arose. She saw the cause and tensed—it was Nina.

Since the last variety show, Cynthia hadn't seen Nina. She knew Nina had been in a car accident resulting in the loss of a limb. The accident stemmed from Celine sending Nina a photo of Cynthia and Jonathan's marriage certificate, nearly causing a feud between the Sullivan and Sexton families. Jonathan ultimately intervened, sending Celine abroad and compensating Nina with five percent of Bennett Group's shares.

Cynthia's feelings toward Nina were complex. She remembered their first meeting, Nina like a doll in a shop window, her naiveté, her deep love for Jonathan, and her desperate act of jumping into the sea when he didn't choose her. Thinking of it brought a pang of sadness. Cynthia felt Nina needed experiences to mature, but the cost had been steep. Nina had clearly changed, appearing far more mature.

Cynthia recalled Nina's long, straight hair, pink and white dresses, and youthful appearance. Now, she wore a black chiffon dress with black feather detailing on the bodice and a puffy skirt concealing her legs. Her hair remained long and straight, but her makeup was sophisticated. In her wheelchair, she appeared cold, fragile, elegant yet broken—a black swan with broken wings.

Nina's appearance drew a crowd, with many whispering and pointing. Whitney approached. "Ms. Sullivan, what brings you here?" she asked, her tone unfriendly.

Many gathered. Everyone knew Nina was the child of Whitney's ex-husband and his mistress; Whitney disliked her. However, Nina was not entirely unknown; she had once been under Jonathan's protection. Now, alone, she was in a hostile environment.

Someone observed Whitney's expression and attitude.

Zoe, the PR department manager, interjected, "Ms. Sullivan, are you in the wrong place? This is the Bennett Group's annual meeting, not the Sullivans'."

Zoe continued, "We're going to dance later. Ms. Sullivan, with only one leg, what brings you here to join the fun?"

Nina looked at Zoe and asked, "What's your name?"

Zoe chuckled. "My name is Zoe. Why do you ask, Ms. Sullivan?"

Nina said coldly, "I'll remember you."