Chapter 60

Shirley swore a terrible oath, but inwardly scoffed. Oaths were meaningless to her; if they held any weight, countless people would die daily from their consequences. She spoke without hesitation, looking determined and sincere, sure Jonathan couldn't find any loopholes. That's why she'd chosen to use oaths—insubstantial things—to pressure him.

However, Jonathan smiled. "Very well. I hope you'll remember what you said today when the consequences befall you." He picked up the phone and called. "Contact the general manager of Cloudtop Restaurant and ask him to come immediately."

Five minutes later, Knox Harris, the general manager, arrived. The crowd, captivated by the unfolding events, watched intently. Despite Shirley's outcry, her body trembled, her lavish jewelry failing to hide her distress.

Cynthia, though ostensibly the most humiliated, exuded unwavering resolve from the moment she tore her dress and severed ties with her family. Her poise and grace, even in her torn dress, were unexpectedly beautiful and harmonious.

Knox approached Jonathan cautiously. "Mr. Bennett, how can I help you?"

Shirley found Knox's appearance ridiculous. She thought, Jonathan is truly good at putting on a show. Bringing Knox here won't help, not even if the police arrive. There are no surveillance cameras here; they won't find any evidence.

Jonathan said, "Mr. Harris, activate the Eagle Eye system."

Knox hesitated, surprised Jonathan knew about it. "It's against the rules. I cannot bear the consequences."

Jonathan replied casually, "Fifty percent of Cloudtop Restaurant's shares are owned by Bennett Group. While I don't participate in management, I am a shareholder. As the largest shareholder, I have the right to demand this."

Knox was astonished. The company had a mysterious major shareholder, known only to the chairman and vice-chairman. This shareholder owned a vast number of shares in Cloudtop Group, the restaurant being just a small part of their holdings. He was a legendary, mysterious figure within the company. Though unexpected, Knox wasn't surprised Jonathan was this individual. He immediately replied respectfully, "I'll do it right away."

Most onlookers remained bewildered.

"What is the Eagle Eye? Why haven't I heard of it?" one wondered.

"Mr. Bennett is actually the major shareholder of Cloudtop Restaurant. The Bennett Group is everywhere," another stated.

Someone explained, "I've heard of the Eagle Eye. It's the most advanced surveillance system in the national military—an all-around system without blind spots." They added, "General surveillance systems monitor limited areas, but the Eagle Eye has no time or space limits and can access high-definition footage of anyone, anywhere, anytime!"

"Oh my god, if this place has the Eagle Eye, does that mean it recorded our every move?" someone exclaimed.

"This banquet hall is usually used for state leaders or foreign guests. It's not surprising the Eagle Eye is installed here," another chimed in.

Shirley listened in disbelief. She thought, What the hell is an Eagle Eye? I haven't heard of it. I checked with security; there are no cameras here. Why are they mentioning a surveillance system with no blind spots?

Her disbelief vanished when images of Lilian and Cynthia were projected onto the large screen. Their conversation was revealed to the crowd:

Cynthia: "Lilian, I still don't understand why you stole Filip away with such despicable means."

Lilian: "Because I'm jealous. Your relationship was public, while I had to hide my feelings for him."

Cynthia: "You chose this path. You betrayed our friendship. Saying this is meaningless now. I don't regret being kind to you."

Lilian: "Cynthia, you'll never get rid of me. You'll never"

The video showed Lilian grabbing Cynthia's arm, then deliberately falling down the stairs, screaming to draw attention and accusing Cynthia of pushing her. The footage ended, leaving the banquet hall silent.

The Eagle Eye's 3D projection made the events seem to unfold before their eyes. The truth was clear: Lilian had framed Cynthia. The conversation also revealed other scandals.

"So, Ms. Sheppard was the mistress who stole Mr. Yates away? But Ms. Cynthia Jones is so beautiful. I wonder what Ms. Sheppard did," one commented.

"Look at her pregnant belly. Isn't it obvious?" another said.

"I didn't expect Ms. Cynthia Jones and Ms. Sheppard to be high school friends. Ms. Cynthia Jones helped her so much, yet Ms. Sheppard stole her boyfriend. What an ingrate," another remarked.

"Ms. Cynthia Jones has always been honest. Ms. Sheppard might seem innocent, but she's wicked," someone voiced.

"Ms. Shirley Jones is clearly Ms. Sheppard's accomplice. She swore a deadly oath. Isn't she afraid of the consequences?"

"Not only that, she asked the Jones family to adopt Ms. Sheppard—to spite Ms. Cynthia Jones. No wonder Ms. Cynthia Jones tore her skirt and cut ties with the family," another stated.

"I didn't expect the true daughter of the Jones family to be so heartless. I heard she was raised by a murderer in a slum. Such underhanded methods could only be thought up by truly wicked people. If the Jones family ends up in her hands, they're bound to fall."

The crowd gossiped about Shirley. Justin and Selena were shocked, having believed Cynthia was guilty. Selena looked at Shirley with frostiness for the first time. Everyone reveled in the Jones family's humiliation. Shirley froze, dizzy from the public shaming meant for Cynthia, now directed at her instead.