Chapter 37
“What do you think I should know?” Cynthia asked, a half-smile playing on her lips as she looked at Shirley.
Shirley felt uneasy, but her expression remained fierce. She despised Cynthia's calm demeanor, as if Cynthia considered herself inherently superior.
“Cynthia,” Shirley said, her voice dripping with warning, “right now, you’re just a dog we took in. Understand your position. If a dog dares to bite its owner, it will end up miserable.”
Shirley wanted to tell Cynthia that no matter what she knew, speaking out would be her doom. However, Cynthia didn't seem the least bit angry; she merely chuckled. “Miserable? Is that a threat?”
Shirley was furious. “Cynthia, why are you so arrogant? You have nothing left. Filip doesn’t want you; since returning home, he’s preferred his mistress. Mom and Dad don’t want you, your husband disdains you, and you’ve lost your job. You’re no different from a stray dog. How dare you act tough?”
Cynthia's smile deepened. Her gaze, filled with disdain, was as if she were looking at a clown. “I’ve heard that insecure people bark the loudest. Dogs, too, of course.”
Shirley was momentarily astonished, her eyes blazing. “Cynthia, how dare you call me a dog? I'll teach you a lesson.”
Shirley raised her hand to slap Cynthia, but Cynthia caught her wrist. Murderous intent flashed in Cynthia's eyes.
However, seeing a figure at the top of the stairs, Cynthia tightened her grip on Shirley's wrist, then released it.
Shirley's wrist throbbed, causing her to misjudge her swing. Instead of slapping Cynthia's cheek, her hand struck Cynthia's shoulder.
Cynthia leaned back, falling onto the stairs. “Shirley, what have I done? Why did you hit me?”
Cynthia instantly dropped her confident facade, clutching the stair railing, appearing fragile, like a wilting flower. Since Shirley had accused her of playing the victim, Cynthia decided to play the part.
Shirley's wrist felt as if it might shatter; her head buzzed with pain. She had just felt Cynthia's murderous intent, but now Cynthia appeared feeble. Nevertheless, Shirley didn't hesitate; she stepped forward, ready to kick Cynthia.
“Stop! Shirley, what are you doing?” Justin and Selena stood at the top of the stairs, looking down.
Shirley quickly realized her mistake. “Dad, Mom, she’s pretending! She was the one who wanted to hit me!”
Justin descended the stairs. “The truth is clear. I’ve said it many times—Cynthia will always be a part of this family and your sister. You cannot bully her.”
Shirley seethed. Cynthia was clearly faking it; yet, her wrist throbbed painfully.
Selena stepped forward, taking Shirley’s hand. “Why are you scolding our daughter for an outsider? Hasn’t Shirley suffered enough because of her?” She led Shirley to the dining room.
As they left, Shirley glared at Cynthia, her eyes gleaming with smugness and provocation. She was glad Selena was completely on her side.
During dinner, Justin asked, “Cynthia, why didn’t Filip come with you?”
“He’s busy with work,” Cynthia replied vaguely.
The Jones and Yates families were close. Justin likely knew about her breakup with Filip, so she didn't feel the need to explain.
“Busy with work? I heard Filip’s been living with his mistress and doesn’t want to see you,” Shirley interjected.
Justin glared at Shirley before sighing. “You and Filip have loved each other since childhood. He’s just been led astray. He’s always been devoted to you. I believe with a little effort, he’ll come around.”
Both families were well aware of Filip and Cynthia's situation. Justin's invitation was likely a request from the Yates family.
“Dad, I know my own situation,” Cynthia said.
Some things were better left unsaid, so Justin didn’t press further.
Seeing Justin fussing over Cynthia, Shirley interrupted. “Dad, Mom, I have an announcement.”
Everyone turned to Shirley. “I’ve applied for the position of secretary to the CEO at BJ, and I’ve been accepted. I start tomorrow.”
Justin was surprised. “You’ve been doing well in the design department. Why BJ?”
The Jones Group is a clothing enterprise with its own company, factories, and clothing brand, Velorix. The company went public two years ago. Velorix had gained considerable recognition domestically and internationally, making the Jones family among the wealthiest in Roncrity.
After Shirley returned to the Jones family, Justin and Selena initially intended to send her abroad for further studies. However, she wasn’t suited for academics. They then arranged for her to work in the company to learn management, but wherever she went, chaos followed, leading some senior executives to consider resigning.
Ultimately, they assigned her to a seemingly idle position in the design department. Unexpectedly, Shirley showed some design talent and seemed to thrive there. However, her talent was far inferior to Cynthia’s.
From a young age, Cynthia had shown remarkable drawing and design abilities. She started designing clothes for Velorix at age nine. Velorix’s international success was partly due to Cynthia winning a prestigious international design award.
Since Shirley joined the design department, Cynthia hadn’t submitted any designs for the company. This resulted in Velorix not producing any stunning designs for three years, relying on classic styles to maintain its reputation. Consequently, the company’s stock price had been gradually declining over the past two years.
Shirley said, “I’m doing this for the company and the Velorix brand. Dad, you should know about World of Elegance. If Velorix could establish a presence there, it would instantly rise to the ranks of international luxury brands, sought after by socialites. The company’s stock price would surely skyrocket.”
Justin was aware of World of Elegance, the largest and most luxurious, membership-based mall in the country. Ordinary people couldn’t enter; it was exclusively for the wealthiest. Located in a prime area of Betrico, it was the rich people’s favorite shopping destination. The clothing…
(The passage cuts off here. Please provide the rest for continued editing.)