Chapter 57

An uproar erupted near the stairs as people loudly discussed Cynthia.

"Ms. Cynthia Jones is so stubborn! She won't even humbly accept the apology," someone commented.

"The Jones family spoiled her rotten! Such arrogance from someone who isn't even their biological daughter!" another scoffed.

"This is outrageous! Mr. Jones is a dignified man, yet his daughter is so ungrateful!" someone exclaimed.

Justin's expression darkened. All of them are troublemakers! Can't they prioritize the Jones family's reputation? Why are they making us a joke? he cursed inwardly. He growled, "Cynthia, this isn't a request. Apologize to Lilian now!"

"I refuse," Cynthia replied firmly.

Justin felt anxious. It was humiliating; someone had dared to publicly disobey him for the first time. Hearing the gossip about his failure in raising his daughters and his lack of authority, Justin became angry. He threatened, "Cynthia, if you don't apologize today, I will disown you!"

The gravity of the situation silenced everyone. They watched the unfolding drama.

Shirley gloated inwardly. I'll make a big deal out of this. Dad will abandon Cynthia, ruining her reputation. She knew Cynthia wouldn't compromise, even without her intervention.

Cynthia stood at the top of the stairs, calmly looking at Justin. Since childhood, she'd been closer to Selena than to him. As head of the household, Justin was unconcerned with trivial matters, always busy with business and socializing. He bought her expensive gifts but rarely spent time with her, yet Cynthia still respected and loved him.

When Selena wanted to cut ties with Cynthia after Shirley's return, Justin had stopped her, promising Cynthia would always be a Jones daughter. Cynthia had been touched. However, she'd overheard a conversation between Justin and Selena outside the study that night.

Justin had said that kicking Cynthia out would make the Jones family look bad. It was better to keep her, even if it meant feeding one more mouth. That night, he'd also made a will leaving all the Jones family property and company shares to Shirley.

Cynthia then realized Justin kept her not out of affection, but to protect the Jones family's reputation. That's why she'd rarely returned from the Yates residence for the past three years. She thought she'd forgotten about it, telling herself it was good enough and she didn't need to care. Yet, the same scene repeated—it was all about the Jones family's reputation, not her feelings or her status as a daughter.

But Cynthia wasn't the same person she'd been three years ago. She refused to compromise. She slowly walked down the stairs toward Justin.

Seeing her move, Justin thought she'd relented. His gaze softened. Unexpectedly, her calm expression conveyed an immense pressure; he even shivered.

"Dad, this is the last time I'll call you that. If disowning me is what you want, then so be it," Cynthia said resolutely.

Chapter 37

She then turned and announced to everyone, "Since things have come to this, I declare that from now on, I, Cynthia, have nothing to do with the Jones family of Roncrity. I am no longer the eldest daughter. Whoever wants that position can have it! It has nothing to do with me. Today, I end my relationship with the Jones family. You are all my witnesses!"

For emphasis, Cynthia tore a piece of her dress and threw it at Justin.

Justin's face turned pale with rage.

Grace, unusually, didn't create a scene; her eyes filled with tears.

People whispered amongst themselves.

"I can't believe Cynthia actually did it!" someone exclaimed.

"She's courageous! The Jones family is influential in Roncrity. Is she really giving up her status as a wealthy heir?" someone questioned.

"I think Cynthia watches too many TV dramas. She thinks she's a heroine, creating drama. She'll probably come crying tomorrow," another scoffed.

Justin hadn't expected this. His face reflected his dismay at how upper-class society would view the Jones family after the news spread.

Shirley was overjoyed. It was even better than she'd imagined. Justin pointed at Cynthia, warning, "Cynthia, I hope you don't regret this. Don't come crying to me tomorrow."

Cynthia knelt, her expression still cold and determined. Justin thought she regretted it, but she said, "Mr. Jones, I kneel to thank you for your kindness and upbringing. From now on, we don't owe each other anything." With that, she stood and walked to the door.

Justin was visibly upset. He'd raised Cynthia for twenty years and felt hurt by her actions, further embarrassed by her public display.

As Cynthia left, she was stopped by someone—Jonathan. Handsome and tall in a suit, he looked aloof and otherworldly, like an immortal observing the mortals.

Everyone noticed him, especially Shirley. Seeing him, her eyes lit up with joy and excitement. She'd feared he wasn't coming; now she realized he'd been delayed.

Overjoyed that he'd possibly sacrificed important work for her party, she hurried to him, playfully asking, "Mr. Bennett, why are you so late? I've been waiting for you!"

(The final "SEND GIFT" appears to be unrelated to the story and should be removed.)