Chapter 62

“In that case, we’ll take our leave,” Jonathan said indifferently. He put his arm around Cynthia and walked toward the banquet hall exit.

After walking a short distance, he stopped, turned, and addressed the gathering. “Everyone, today is my girlfriend’s birthday. I’ve arranged a banquet at the Cloudtop Restaurant on the 88th floor. If you’d like to join us, you’re welcome. All are considered honored guests.”

The crowd buzzed. Who would refuse Jonathan’s invitation? Many eagerly sought an opportunity to curry favor with him. Several people immediately stepped forward.

“Mr. Bennett, let’s celebrate Ms. Jones’ birthday!”

“I’ll go.”

“Me too.”

“I heard the Cloudtop Restaurant’s 88th floor is reserved for dignitaries and never open to the public. They say the view is spectacular. I must see it for myself.”

The Jones family’s guests quickly departed, following Jonathan. Within five minutes, the once lively banquet was nearly deserted, leaving only a few close relatives. They gathered near Justin, sighing and grumbling.

“I can’t believe Jonathan is Cynthia’s boyfriend. This could have been a stroke of incredible luck, and now it’s ruined.”

“Cynthia has always excelled academically and possesses a remarkable design talent. Didn’t she create all those award-winning designs for Velorix? The company’s current designs are insignificant in comparison.”

The same person added, “Although she hasn’t designed for the company in recent years, she still produces annual designs representing the company at Moulmore exhibitions. Now, with this tension, will she even help us at the upcoming summer fashion week?”

“If we’d secured a connection with the Bennett family, we would have enjoyed unparalleled success. What a mess!”

Shirley stood nearby, listening to the lamentations. She said angrily, “What’s so great about Cynthia? Do you think Mr. Bennett truly cares for her? She’s a married woman. He must be deceived. Once he finds out, do you think he’ll still be interested?”

She continued, “Also, I can represent the company at the upcoming Moulmore Fashion Design Competition. I refuse to believe I’d lose to Cynthia. Jonathan is just blinded right now. He’ll come to his senses soon. I’m his personal assistant—we meet almost daily. Who’s to say I can’t cultivate a relationship with the Bennett family?”

“Shut up!” Justin roared, finally losing his patience. “Shirley, how dare you speak so boldly? We lost all face today because of you. You want to replace Cynthia at the competition? You and your substandard designs? Losing face in our country is one thing, but you want to disgrace us internationally, too?”

Justin continued, “Look at yourself. Not even your designer clothes can hide your pettiness. Look at Cynthia, then look at yourself. For years, your mother hired etiquette coaches, yet this is the result? From now on, you’re confined to the house. Stop embarrassing me.”

Chapter 62

Shirley was stunned. In the years since her return, while Justin hadn't been particularly close, he had been kind and tolerant, never reprimanding her so harshly. He had even claimed she had design talent, assigning her to the company’s design department. But had her designs always seemed mediocre to him?

Even though Cynthia was embarrassed today, she was still perceived as superior. Justin truly despised Shirley. No matter what she did, she could never compare to Cynthia.

Tears welled in Shirley’s eyes. She looked at Selena. In the past, Selena would have defended her, but now she remained silent, allowing Justin’s berating.

Selena seemed lost in thought, as if nothing mattered. She must be thinking about Cynthia, convinced that Shirley was inferior in every way.

Their regret stemmed solely from Cynthia’s connection with Jonathan. If Shirley were Jonathan’s girlfriend, she would be the one receiving praise and admiration. She had to become Jonathan’s girlfriend, no matter the cost.

“Cynthia, I won’t lose to you!” she thought.

Meanwhile, Lilian tried to catch up with Filip. He walked so quickly that he left her far behind. She watched his retreating figure, exuding anger and indifference.

Fear gripped Lilian’s heart. She had always maintained a perfect, generous, and kind image in Filip’s eyes, and now he knew about her framing Cynthia. How would he view her now?

By the time she reached the parking lot, Filip had already entered his car and was driving away, ignoring her. Lilian ran after him, calling his name. Filip saw her in the rearview mirror and felt deep irritation. Suddenly, Lilian tripped on a stone and fell. Filip slammed on the brakes and ran back to her.

When Lilian saw him return, she looked up, tears streaming down her face.

“Filip, I was wrong. Please forgive me,” she pleaded, trembling and clutching his wrist. “I did it because I love you so much. I’m afraid you’ll go back to Cynthia. I know you grew up together, and you’re still not over her.”

Lilian continued, “I thought I wouldn’t care, but I realized I couldn’t bear it. I was so scared. That’s why I did it. Filip, without you, the baby and I can’t survive. Please forgive me, for the baby’s sake.”

Filip gazed into her terrified eyes. She had always considered him her world.

His eyes softened, though his voice remained cold. “Lilian, this isn’t the first time. Last time, you used Vivian to set Cynthia up, and I forgave you. And the things on your laptop… Lilian, you’ve disappointed me too much.”

Shock flashed across Lilian’s eyes. He had checked her laptop; he must have bypassed her password. Lilian’s expression was unreadable. “Did he discover something?” she wondered.

But nothing else mattered. Tears streamed down her face. “Filip, I admit I did it. I framed Cynthia, but it’s because I love you so much. I’m terrified of losing you. She has everything, but I only have you and our baby. He can’t be born fatherless. Forgive me, please, for the baby.”