Chapter 43

Shirley, initially surprised, was instantly ecstatic and delighted. She didn't reveal her excitement immediately. Instead, she filmed a short video and sent it to Filip.

Filip was processing Lilian's release when he received the video and photos. He disliked Shirley, viewing her as a sensitive, insecure woman from the slums, overly concerned with her social standing. Despite having each other's WhatsApp numbers, they'd never contacted each other.

Shirley's video showed Cynthia dining with a man. They were laughing and talking; he leaned in and kissed her, and she didn't resist, even smiling.

Filip's heart clenched. He gripped his phone tighter, remembering Cynthia saying she had a boyfriend when he'd recently returned to the country. He'd dismissed it as a pretense.

An inexplicable anger surged. "Cynthia actually found a boyfriend," he thought, immediately calling her.

Cynthia and Jonathan were finishing dinner and preparing to leave when her phone buzzed. Jonathan saw "Filip" displayed on the screen; his face darkened.

Cynthia answered, glancing at Jonathan. "What's up?"

Filip, maintaining composure, asked, "Cynthia, where are you? Who are you with?"

Cynthia smiled. "Dinner with my boyfriend. What's the matter, Mr. Yates?"

Filip's forehead veins bulged. He hadn't expected her words to be true, believing she was deliberately provoking him. "Cynthia, how dare you cheat on me!" he shouted.

Cynthia smiled. "Filip, you should reflect on our relationship."

"Everyone knows we're husband and wife. Did you consider my dignity when you got another man?" Filip demanded. He felt the only thing missing was a marriage certificate—a certificate he had delayed. If Lilian hadn't fainted that day, they might have obtained it.

They had, however, held a wedding reception, albeit small, attended by influential people in Roncrity. To outsiders, they were already a legitimate couple.

Cynthia scoffed. "Since we're husband and wife, did you consider my dignity when you eloped with your mistress?"

Filip was silent, his heavy breathing betraying his fury.

Cynthia continued, "Besides, we were never married. Filip, we're separated. You have no right to interfere." She hung up.

Looking up at Jonathan, Cynthia saw his frown soften. "Happy?" she asked, smiling.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "The word 'boyfriend' sounds good to me."

Cynthia tossed her long, wavy hair. "Are all men so possessive?"

Jonathan frowned again. "All men? You have other men?"

Ignoring him, Cynthia muttered, "Childish." She wondered, "Why did Filip call? Is he here?" She stood and looked around.

She noticed Shirley leaving hurriedly. Cynthia realized Shirley had sent Filip the message, but she didn't care; she'd never intended to hide her relationship from Filip.

Meanwhile, Filip threw his phone down angrily after the call ended. Lilian, witnessing this, approached him. "Filip, what's wrong?"

Filip's cold stare startled Lilian; he'd never looked at her like that before.

Filip has changed since Cynthia played that recording at the hospital. Does he suspect me? No, I’ve spent years planning this. I can’t fail, Lilian thought. Tears welled in her eyes. "Did I do something to upset you?" she asked, feigning distress.

Filip, seeing her pitiful act, felt conflicted. He realized what a skilled actress she was. He didn't confront her about what he'd found on her computer.

He didn't because he believed she acted out of insecurity and for his sake. Plus, the doctor had advised against upsetting her due to her pregnancy complications.

"Filip, no matter what I do, it's because I love you so much. Don't be angry. I won't upset you again," Lilian promised.

Filip's expression softened. He considered Lilian's fragility and dependence on him, contrasting her with Cynthia—beautiful but rebellious.

He placed a hand on Lilian's shoulder. "Don't mess with Cynthia. She's ruthless. You're no match for her."

Lilian replied, "What about my mother? She went to the TV station and caused a scene. I'm scared."

"She just wants money. Don't worry. I'll handle it," Filip assured her.

Lilian hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Filip. You're the best."

The next day, Lilian also went to the TV station. Everyone's opinion of her had changed after her mother's repeated outbursts.

It was clear the online scandal surrounding Cynthia and Lilian's mother's actions were a battle for the prime-time hosting position. Cynthia won when Freddie announced her as the prime-time host at the morning meeting.

However, Lilian had a five-year contract with Yates Construction for the TV station and was the girlfriend of the heir. Freddie didn't want to mistreat her, assigning her the 9 p.m. News Express program, second only to prime time.

At 7:30 that evening, Cynthia emerged from the studio to a lively scene.

Her assistant, Stella Moore, waved. "Cynthia! Midnight snacks and milkshakes!"

Cynthia saw a long table laden with hams, skewers, lobsters, milkshakes, and desserts. Many people were gathered around.

Stella pulled Cynthia over. "From a five-star restaurant, delivered by the Caesar Hotel manager. Try this mousse cake!"

Cynthia, realizing the expense, asked, "Who's paying for this?"

"Lilian's boyfriend, Mr. Yates, from Yates Construction," Stella replied, pointing towards the door. "Mr. Yates is…" The passage cuts off here.