Chapter 56
Cynthia couldn't offer a convincing explanation, as Lilian had Shirley's support. Everyone gossiped about Cynthia, concluding she had pushed Lilian.
Justin and Selena arrived after hearing the commotion. Seeing the crowd, Justin asked, "What happened?"
Shirley immediately delivered her prepared statement: "Dad, Cynthia pushed Lilian, who's pregnant!"
Justin's expression turned somber as he saw Lilian sobbing in Filip's arms. Filip, Cynthia's husband, was holding another woman, who was pregnant with his child. Justin and Selena, having watched Filip grow up like a son, initially attributed Lilian's presence to a momentary lapse in judgment. They hadn't anticipated this escalation.
More importantly, the Yates family informed Justin and Selena that Cynthia and Filip hadn't obtained a marriage certificate three years prior. Furthermore, Cynthia had announced a separation and move from the Yates residence just days earlier. Filip might have secretly registered his relationship with Lilian, who had somehow become the Jones family's goddaughter.
Justin felt guilty toward Cynthia. Knowing she wouldn't tolerate scheming, he believed she couldn't have pushed Lilian. He had a general understanding of the situation. With Roncrity's dignitaries present, Justin couldn't allow anything to tarnish the Jones family's reputation.
Deciding on a course of action, Justin approached Lilian and asked in a cold, oppressive voice, "Lilian, are you sure Cynthia pushed you deliberately, rather than accidentally?"
Lilian looked at Justin innocently, tears streaming down her cheeks. She knew Justin was trying to resolve the matter. In fact, Lilian hadn't intended to escalate the situation and embarrass the Jones family. She didn't want to be disliked by her godparents, especially so soon after they had acknowledged her.
Lilian's sole purpose was to convince Filip that Cynthia had repeatedly tried to harm her unborn child, eliminating any lingering feelings Filip might have for Cynthia. She had succeeded; Filip now regarded Cynthia with the same disgust and hatred he had felt three years earlier. However, Lilian had no intention of letting the matter be dismissed casually.
Lilian sobbed pitifully, her expression shifting—from shock to understanding, then disappointment and resentment. Finally, she said, "Uncle Justin, you're right. Cynthia didn't mean it. It was an accident."
Cynthia observed the subtle shifts in Lilian's expression, recognizing her masterful acting. Lilian's performance beautifully portrayed her capitulation under pressure. While verbally stating Cynthia's actions were unintentional, her expression suggested a desire to preserve the Jones family's dignity and let bygones be bygones.
This indirectly conveyed to everyone that Cynthia had pushed her intentionally. It not only portrayed Lilian's composure and elicited sympathy but also saved Justin from embarrassment—a perfect three-birds-with-one-stone maneuver. Lilian's acting captivated everyone.
Justin's expression softened, a hint of guilt appearing. Filip, even more distressed, held Lilian tighter. Whispers filled the room.
"It seems Ms. Cynthia Jones pushed Ms. Sheppard, even though she's pregnant. How could she be so vicious?" someone commented.
Another added, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I heard her biological mother is a murderer and her father an alcoholic. To let her daughter enjoy the Jones family's wealth, her biological mother exchanged her with the Jones family's biological daughter. Now she wants to kill someone else's unborn child. She's inherited her family's evil traits."
Another person remarked, "Don't you know the Jones and Yates families have an arranged marriage agreement? Ms. Cynthia Jones likes Mr. Yates, who's currently with Ms. Sheppard. Jealous, she wanted to harm the baby. Such a vicious person."
Yet another added, "The Jones family is kind-hearted and couldn't bring themselves to cast away the daughter they raised. They should have kicked out their enemy's daughter long ago. They should be careful not to invite trouble and bring disaster upon themselves."
Hearing Lilian's words, Justin sighed in relief. The truth didn't always need to be revealed; the matter would soon be over if the victim didn't pursue it.
However, Shirley wasn't ready to let Cynthia go. This was a golden opportunity, and she wouldn't stop until Cynthia's reputation was ruined. "Dad, we're all your daughters. How can you be so biased? You can't just take Cynthia's side," Shirley protested.
Justin, who had just found relief, felt his heart constrict again.
Shirley's heart skipped a beat at Justin's gloomy expression. She knew he was always dissatisfied with her, constantly comparing her to Cynthia. In his eyes, she was inferior in talent, appearance, academics, manners, temperament, and upbringing. But Shirley couldn't accept this, as she was Justin's biological daughter, not Cynthia.
If I had grown up with them, I would have been much better than Cynthia! Shirley fumed inwardly. Knowing Justin valued the Jones family's dignity and reputation above all else, Shirley knew she couldn't push too far. She relented, saying, "Cynthia should at least apologize to Lilian. After all, Lilian almost lost her baby."
Shirley glared at Cynthia, who stood stiffly on the stairs, her thoughts turning vicious. Apologizing to Lilian would be far more painful for Cynthia than death. Besides, only Lilian and I know the truth—Cynthia didn't push her. I want to see if someone as arrogant as Cynthia will bow under pressure.
The onlookers grew, and the discussions intensified. If this continued, the Jones family's reputation would become a joke among high society—something Justin wanted to avoid above all else. He prioritized family dignity over his daughters' rivalry and wanted to end the situation quickly.
Justin turned to Cynthia and said, "Cynthia, although it was an accident, you were responsible for Lilian's fall. Apologize to her, and this matter will be settled."
Cynthia thought, There's no way I will apologize! She scoffed, "Why should I apologize for something I didn't do?"