Chapter 36

Recalling those unbearable experiences, Cynthia felt her heart bleed. She closed her eyes, her gaze lingering on Shirley's photo.

Being the sole heir to the Jones Group, Shirley had no reason to apply for a secretary assistant position at BJ; she had everything she could want. "It must be because of Jonathan," Cynthia smirked.

The Jones family was prominent in Roncrity, but compared to the Bennett family—the richest in the country—they were insignificant. Shirley's ambitions seemed impractical.

Just then, the office door swung open. Jonathan, tall and sharply dressed in a suit, appeared, looking weary from his travels.

Cynthia didn't rise; her serious expression instantly softened into a warm smile. "You're back?"

Jonathan looked at the woman curled up in his office chair, relaxed and languid. Her bright, radiant smile illuminated the office.

He swept her into his arms. Caught off guard, Cynthia clung to his waist, surprised, then smiling. A teasing glint shone in her eyes. "Did you miss me that much?"

Jonathan gazed intently at her, his large hand resting on her waist, the feel of her skin intensifying his longing. Three days apart had felt like an eternity. "What spell did you put on me?" he joked.

Cynthia spent a long time in Jonathan's office.

In the afternoon, she received a call from Justin. "Cynthia, come home for dinner tonight. You haven't been home in a while, and I miss you so much."

His words brought tears to her eyes. Justin had always treated her well. When Selena tried to kick her out and sever ties, Justin intervened. At Shirley's welcome party, he publicly declared Cynthia would always be part of the Jones family.

"Okay, I'll come home tonight." Cynthia stood, grabbed her bag, and walked toward Jonathan.

He was busy with documents. Despite looking like a pampered pretty boy, when focused, he possessed an indescribable charm.

Cynthia placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned down to kiss his cheek. "I'm leaving now; you don't have to wait up."

As she straightened, Jonathan pulled her back into an embrace and kissed her fiercely.

He was always like this—all business when needed, but wildly passionate when he let loose. He didn't care they were in the office, where Claude could walk in at any moment.

"Where are you going?" he asked, finally releasing her.

Cynthia, soft as a kitten in his arms, sparkled with the cunning of a fox. "It's a secret."

She rose gracefully, like a butterfly taking flight, leaving a trail of fragrance before disappearing.

Chapter 36 (continued)

That evening, Cynthia arrived at the Jones residence. The housekeeper, Julia, was delighted to see her, warmly welcoming her inside.

"Cynthia, you're finally back! Mr. Jones said you'd be home tonight, so I made your favorite durian cheese tart. Eat plenty!" Julia said, smiling.

Julia had seen Cynthia grow up; their bond was deep. After the incident, Julia felt immense pain for Cynthia but was helpless. Though still considered a Jones daughter, Cynthia only came home every few months. Julia only made her favorite dessert on these rare occasions.

"Thank you, Julia." A warmth filled Cynthia's heart.

"Julia, what did you do? The kitchen smells awful," Shirley said, descending the stairs.

Julia hurried to explain. "Shirley, I made durian cheese tarts that Cynthia loves. I just cleaned up; it doesn't smell now."

"She's just the daughter of a murderer, not a true Jones. Remember, I'm the only Jones daughter. Do you hear me?" Shirley said.

Julia's expression darkened. At seventy, she had raised two generations of Joneses and earned Justin's respect. But since Shirley's return, she treated Julia poorly.

Shirley, in a commanding tone, said, "Julia, throw those disgusting things away. Durian is forbidden in this house."

Julia's voice trembled. "But these are Cynthia's favorites."

"Do you still want to work here? I can fire you tomorrow," Shirley raged.

Tears filled Julia's eyes. She looked at Cynthia with helplessness and guilt. "Cynthia…"

Cynthia leaned close and whispered, "Put them in my car."

Julia nodded and left.

Shirley approached Cynthia, her expression haughty. "I heard you were suspended from RNN."

Cynthia smiled faintly. "It's nice to see my sister so concerned."

"Your scandal has been trending for days. Don't think you're still part of this family. Losing your job doesn't mean you can play the victim," Shirley sneered.

"They are my parents, not yours. You're the daughter of a murderer; you deserve nothing good," Cynthia retorted.

Cynthia's smile deepened. "Why call me a murderer's daughter? Compared to me, you're more like Rachel's daughter, raised by her for twenty years. You should have a deeper bond with her."

At the mention of Rachel, Shirley grew anxious. "She's a murderer and human trafficker. She ruined my life; she doesn't deserve to be my mother."

"So you refused to testify in court, letting her be convicted of intentional homicide instead of excessive self-defense, resulting in a life sentence?" Cynthia asked, smiling.

Shirley's face turned pale. "What did you say?"

"Nothing." Cynthia bypassed Shirley and headed for the stairs.

Shirley blocked her path. "Cynthia, clarify what you know!"

Cynthia had uncovered some things. On the night Rachel committed murder, Shirley was at the scene. A neighbor reported seeing the victim, Dennis Erwin, beating Rachel and Shirley. But when police arrived, only Rachel and the dead Dennis were present. Rachel was charged with intentional homicide. If the neighbor's account was true, Rachel acted in self-defense. However, Shirley never testified.

Shirley's face was ghostly pale. She feared Cynthia knew something. But she reasoned, 'If Cynthia knew, why stay silent for three years? She must hate me.'