Chapter 343

Zoe wasn't afraid. She'd known Whitney for seven or eight years and understood her temperament. Within the company, as long as one followed Whitney's wishes, one could oppose anyone, even Jonathan.

Zoe said, "I'm so scared, Ms. Sullivan. Don't assume everyone fears you just because you're the Sullivan family's daughter. This is the Bennett Group, not your home. Do you still think you'll be the future Mrs. Bennett? Mr. Bennett is already married—they even have a marriage certificate! You're a nobody now. Do you think he'd even glance at you?"

"Zoe, submit your resignation to HR tomorrow," a cold male voice echoed from the crowd. Everyone turned to see Jonathan standing nearby.

Everyone instinctively parted to let him through. He approached Zoe. Her face stiffened. "Mr. Bennett," she said, "I was just joking with Ms. Sullivan."

Jonathan gave her a cold look. "I'm not joking. Leave now. Someone who's been dismissed has no right to attend the Bennett Group's annual gala."

Urgency flickered across Zoe's face. She'd been trying to curry favor with Whitney by targeting Nina. The venue was so large; she hadn't expected Jonathan to catch her.

She glanced at Whitney, who showed no sign of intervening. Zoe realized she was merely a disposable pawn. With Whitney silent, Zoe had to find her own way out.

"Mr. Bennett," Zoe said, "I believe I was right. Ms. Sullivan isn't part of the Bennett Group; she has no right to attend. Her presence is inappropriate. I was merely suggesting she leave."

Jonathan's voice was calm. "Nina owns five percent of the Bennett Group's shares, making her a major shareholder. And you're telling me she can't attend our annual gala?"

Zoe was stunned. When had Nina become a shareholder? She looked at Whitney. "Ms. Bennett, is this true?"

Several executives were also surprised. Whitney seemed unconcerned.

"Mr. Bennett originally owned fifteen percent," Whitney said. "Two months ago, he transferred five percent to Ms. Sullivan. She's one of the largest shareholders now. This hasn't been publicized."

Zoe's expression soured. She remembered Nina as an innocent, timid heiress. When Jonathan favored Nina, everyone courted her. Now, with his favor lost, no one respected her. No one expected her comeback.

Owning five percent meant Nina was a major shareholder with significant voting rights and access to hundreds of millions in annual dividends. With wealth, power, and influence, Zoe grew nervous, especially with Whitney's lack of support.

But Zoe wouldn't give up. Seeing Cynthia behind Jonathan, she moved beside her.

"Ms. Jones," Zoe said, "you're the true lady of the Bennett Group. Can you allow someone with obvious ambitions towards Mr. Bennett to remain? You might not know about Nina and Mr. Bennett…"

Cynthia looked at Zoe with a naive expression. "I know. I know everything."

Zoe knew that with Nina as an enemy, she needed new support—Cynthia. She anticipated competitiveness; opposing Nina would bring Cynthia to her defense. But why wasn't Cynthia jealous? Wasn't Jonathan's recent rescue of Nina insulting?

"Aren't you worried Ms. Sullivan harbors inappropriate feelings for Mr. Bennett?" Zoe continued. "He transferred five percent of his shares to her. Her status far exceeds yours, and the dividends are enormous. Are you willing to be outdone by your husband's ex-girlfriend?"

Cynthia smiled slightly. "Sorry, I also have five percent of the Bennett Group's shares."

Zoe and others were surprised. Cynthia continued, "And Ms. Sullivan isn't my husband's ex-girlfriend; my husband has always considered her a sister. It's nothing for a brother to give shares to his sister."

With those words, Cynthia resolved the conflict. Everyone knew of Nina and Jonathan's past relationship; rumors of her becoming Mrs. Bennett had circulated for years. No one knew the details, but speculated the five percent might be compensation.

Cynthia's revelation saved face for herself and framed Nina as a sister. Regardless of their past, Nina was now Jonathan's sister. Cynthia avoided a scene and maintained everyone's dignity, earning newfound respect.

Seeing her attempt fail, Zoe knelt beside Nina's wheelchair.

"Ms. Sullivan," she begged, "I didn't recognize your importance. I apologize. Please forgive me."

Nina pulled away, disgusted. "You're an opportunist. Pack your things and leave this city; you won't have a place by tomorrow."

Zoe collapsed. Whitney smiled, as if enjoying a show, then left. The crowd dispersed; security removed Zoe.

Only Cynthia, Jonathan, and Nina remained. Nina, in her wheelchair, looked up at Jonathan. "Mr. Bennett," she greeted, "it's been a while."