Chapter 344

Nina’s lips curved into a gentle smile, but she looked different. The innocence in her eyes was gone, replaced by coldness and distance. Although she smiled, there was no happiness in her expression.

Cynthia thought Nina had changed drastically. Her appearance remained the same, yet she felt like a completely different person.

Jonathan’s gaze fell to Nina’s leg, visible beneath her dress hem. She wore a single, beautiful crystal shoe.

Jonathan’s eyebrows furrowed. "Nina," he said calmly, "you shouldn't be here."

Nina's smile widened. "Did I ruin your moment with Cynthia?" she asked, playfully lifting her skirt to reveal the empty space where her other shoe should have been.

"Have you forgotten about Whitney?" Jonathan asked. Nina had narrowly avoided Whitney many times by staying away from places she frequented. But today, she was alone.

A smirk touched Nina’s lips. "No matter what Whitney does, Mr. Bennett, you'll still help me, won't you?"

Jonathan’s frown deepened. He put an arm around Cynthia. "I can protect you for now, but not forever," he said softly. "And remember, Cynthia saved the day. You should thank her."

Nina finally looked at Cynthia, her eyes cold. She had once admired Cynthia intensely, even at first sight. Cynthia's carefree confidence and captivating charm had made Nina want to be like her. Nina had seen Cynthia as radiant and had longed for her closeness.

During filming, Nina had felt free, but now, she saw that time as filled with deceit, secrets, hypocrisy, and insincerity.

Nina offered a sarcastic smile. "Cynthia," she said, "I haven't congratulated you and Mr. Bennett. I made you a wedding gift—I hope you like it."

Nina produced a wooden box from her bag and gave it to Cynthia, who accepted it impassively. Upon opening it, Cynthia's brow furrowed sharply.

Inside was a music box containing a zombie bride with a skeletal face, a blood-stained wedding dress, and only one leg. Foamy, blood-stained bubbles swirled around her like snowflakes. The music was eerily unsettling.

Jonathan saw it and snatched the box. Anger contorted his face. "Nina! Don't push it too far!" he said, his voice icy.

Nina burst into laughter. "Me, push it too far? This is just the beginning! I'll return the pain you caused me tenfold, a hundredfold!" She wheeled away.

Jonathan’s expression was grim. Cynthia patted his back comfortingly. "Forget her," she said. "Sometimes, what seems right isn't good for others."

Cynthia understood Jonathan's feelings; he didn't lack feelings for Nina; on the contrary, his feelings ran deep.

(Next Section)

For years, Jonathan had considered Nina an extension of himself. They shared similar hardships, prompting him to protect her as he would have protected his vulnerable past self. He had hoped she would become strong and independent, but things hadn't gone as planned. Her current situation was tragic.

Now, Nina blamed Jonathan for her plight, leaving him deeply disappointed.

Jonathan sighed, placing the music box on a dessert table. "Looks like we have another rival," he said. "Worried?"

Cynthia shook her head. "Just be careful."

The evening wasn't entirely bad; Cynthia ran into Jessie and Ethan. Seeing old friends improved her mood.

After a brief chat, Jessie wandered off, but Ethan seemed lost in thought.

Cynthia clinked glasses with Ethan. "Your movie is a huge success," she said, "so why the long face?"

Ethan glanced around cautiously and leaned closer. "Cynthia, something's bothering me, and I could use your help."

Cynthia was surprised. "We're not in the same business. How can I help?" Ethan was at the peak of his career, sought after by renowned directors worldwide. His value was sky-high; even Whitney had been unusually pleasant to him.

A thought struck Cynthia. "Did Whitney take an interest in you?"

Ethan was startled. "What are you saying?"

Cynthia chuckled, admitting it was unlikely. "Nothing," she said. "So, what's bothering you?"

Ethan lowered his head. "My girlfriend isn't talking to me."

Cynthia almost choked on her wine. The famous movie star was worried about a relationship problem. She knew he had a girlfriend outside the industry, and the media had been trying to uncover her identity unsuccessfully.

Cynthia felt helpless. "Ethan, if she won't talk to you, I can't help. I don't even know her."

Ethan looked up. "You do."

Cynthia was astonished. "I do? Who is she?"

Ethan glanced around again, then whispered two words in Cynthia's ear.

Cynthia gasped. "Ethan! Yasmine is only nineteen! How could you?"

(Final Section)

Ethan was twenty-eight, a major figure for a decade. The age difference was significant, though he wasn't old. He had named his girlfriend as Yasmine, a revelation Cynthia hadn't anticipated.