Chapter 44

Lilian was the evening host. She finished work at 9:30, but Filip arrived much earlier, at 7:30. Seeing Cynthia leaving the studio, Lilian grabbed Filip and approached her. "Cynthia, I specifically asked Filip to order your favorite almond pudding. The Caesar Hotel chef is excellent. You must have more."

Cynthia smiled. "Thanks, but I'm not hungry. You have more."

Lilian smiled brightly. "That's what Filip said. But I've had zero appetite lately and keep feeling nauseous. Filip worries I won't eat well at the station, so he insists on picking me up every day to keep an eye on me. I wonder if he cares about me or the baby." She feigned jealousy.

Filip affectionately tapped Lilian's nose. "How can you be jealous of the baby?"

Lilian clung to Filip's arm, acting spoiled. "I just want you to only have eyes for me."

A colleague teased, "Lilian, you two are so lovey-dovey! Your PDA is making my cake too sweet."

Another remarked, "Lilian and Mr. Yates are a perfect match. Their baby must be beautiful."

Someone else added, "Lilian, Mr. Yates is so kind. Caesar Hotel is expensive and hard to get reservations at, but the manager sent us late-night snacks like takeout. Thanks to you, we enjoyed those delicacies."

The TV station was a complex workplace, filled with shrewd individuals. Despite despising Lilian's past behavior—fighting over interviews and setting Cynthia up—people readily flattered her for personal gain. Everyone was two-faced. Not to mention, Lilian was the future matriarch of Yates Construction.

Cynthia watched Lilian and Filip's staged display of affection and smiled sincerely. "Lilian, your belly's getting big. When's the wedding? We're all looking forward to it."

Filip's face subtly darkened. Cynthia's expression, despite the irony, showed genuine concern from an old friend.

Lilian's face fell. Knowing they would never marry, Cynthia had deliberately said this in front of everyone.

Sure enough, a commotion erupted.

Someone echoed, "Yeah, Lilian. You've been pregnant for almost three months. When's the wedding? The dress won't fit if you wait too long!"

Another exclaimed, "The Yates family wedding must be incredibly grand! We'll have an eye-opener then!" Another suggested, "Lilian, everyone on our team is single. Let us be your bridesmaids! We can share your good fortune and hopefully get married soon, too!"

Lilian's face hardened, and she said uneasily, "We'll definitely invite everyone."

Suddenly, someone said, "The Yates family seemed to have held a wedding three years ago. It was low-key, and they kept it out of the media."

The person continued, "Mr. Stewart sent me to take pictures secretly, but I was kicked out before I even got inside. It made a strong impression on me. The bride was also wealthy; it was said to be a marriage of convenience."

The speaker was Vince from the photo department, known for his bluntness. All eyes turned to him. He awkwardly scratched his head and mumbled, "Um… I might have misremembered."

Vince's comment reminded others of the rumor that the Yates heir was already married. The TV entertainment channel had previously ranked Roncrity's eligible bachelors, and Filip hadn't been included because he was married.

Whispers started.

One asked, "Is Lilian the mistress?"

Another replied, "Didn't you hear Vince? It was a marriage of convenience, and the bride was wealthy. It couldn't be Lilian."

Someone else chimed in, "If Lilian were the bride, she wouldn't call Mr. Yates her boyfriend."

Though everyone spoke softly, Lilian heard them, her expression gloomy.

A reckless intern blurted out, "Cynthia, you know both Mr. Yates and Lilian. Lilian can't be the mistress, right?"

Cynthia turned and playfully glared at Stella. "Stella, you're so straightforward! How do you survive here? But so what if someone's married? Divorce rates are high these days."

Cynthia looked at Filip. "Mr. Yates, don't you agree?" Her subtle reply indirectly confirmed Filip's marriage.

"Cynthia, that's enough," Filip said, his face darkening.

Cynthia said goodbye. "Enjoy your meal. I'm leaving."

Someone asked, "Cynthia, why are you leaving so early?"

Cynthia smiled brightly. "The one at home is very strict. Curfew's at nine."

Cheers erupted. "Cynthia's in a relationship! Oh no, the single guys are going to have a sleepless night!"

Cynthia left. Filip watched her go, then followed.

At the station entrance, Filip grabbed Cynthia's arm. "Cynthia, explain yourself."

Cynthia turned, smiling sarcastically. "Filip, what's wrong with you? You used to want to break free from me, but now that I've let you go, you're still bothering me. Are you enjoying Lilian and me fighting over you?"

Filip stared at Cynthia, her beauty undiminished even in anger.

Cynthia smiled disdainfully. "Unfortunately, I don't want you anymore."

Filip, furious, demanded, "Who is your lover?"

He suspected Cynthia was retaliating. They had hated each other for years, their relationship complex and intense. He couldn't accept her completely leaving his life.

Cynthia's wrist ached from Filip's grip. She struggled, but he tightened his hold. His anger flared at her indifference. "Cynthia, tell me who your lover is!"

"It's me." A well-dressed man in black stepped out of a Maybach behind Cynthia. He approached calmly, took her into his arms, and said coldly, powerfully, "Mr. Yates, I am her lover."