Chapter 65

Suddenly grabbed by the neck in a stranglehold, Lilian was momentarily unable to react. She didn't understand Filip's sudden change in demeanor; she had never seen him like this before. Filip, a wealthy heir, possessed the pride and grace expected of his prestigious family. More commendable still was his modesty, gentleness toward others, and dedication to self-improvement. He lacked the vices often associated with other affluent young men.

For the past three years, he had been considerate and attentive to Lilian. She had never witnessed him in such a rage.

Now, Filip was a raging, ferocious beast. Bulging neck veins betrayed his extreme anger. His fingers tightened around Lilian's throat. His usual gentlemanly tenderness vanished, replaced by anger and hatred.

Lilian felt her neck about to break. For a moment, she blanked out. Her face flushed, and she struggled to breathe. "Let go! Let go of me, Filip! You're crazy!" she gasped.

Unable to comprehend Filip's sudden outburst, Lilian could only fight back instinctively, pounding his shoulders. "Filip, let go the baby you can't hurt the baby"

At the mention of the baby, Filip finally regained his senses and released Lilian.

Freed, Lilian clung to the car window, coughing violently for several seconds. Turning, she burst into tears, fear and panic lingering in her eyes.

Though unsure what had happened, Lilian sensed something was amiss. Affecting a pitiful expression, she tugged at Filip's sleeve. "Filip, what happened? Did I do something wrong? Even if I did, it's because I love you too much. You'll forgive me, right?"

Filip saw through her feigned innocence. "Lilian, I will never believe your tears again."

He shook off her hand, opened the car door, and rushed out, running toward Cloudtop Restaurant.

Filip's mind was a whirlwind. Memories flooded back like a tsunami, yet his heart felt strangely clear. Suddenly, he understood everything.

All past misunderstandings stemmed from Lilian. The incidents that had made him hate Cynthia were all orchestrated by Lilian; he had foolishly fallen for her manipulations and turned against Cynthia.

Now, Filip only wanted to see Cynthia, though he didn't know how to explain or what to say. He longed to confess his enduring love, explain the misunderstandings, and beg her to return.

These thoughts raced through his mind. He was unsure what to say, but his only desire was to see Cynthia immediately.

He rushed into the Cloudtop Restaurant lobby and entered the elevator. The elevator doors closed. As the elevator ascended, his heart grew heavier. The elevator stopped at the 87th-floor banquet hall.

Filip knew Shirley's birthday party was likely still underway, and Cynthia would probably be there.

But upon entering, he was stunned. Only a few people remained in the once-crowded hall. Justin and several Jones family relatives were lecturing a distraught, weeping Shirley.

Filip paused, then approached them, suppressing his emotions. "Where is Cynthia?"

Justin and Selena were surprised by Filip's return, especially given his involvement in the Jones family drama.

Seeing Filip, Justin erupted. "Filip, why are you back? We raised you, loved you like a son. Yet, you betrayed us, abandoned Cynthia for a vicious woman who even misled Shirley. Our family is disgraced!"

Filip wasn't interested in recriminations; he just wanted to find Cynthia. "Mr. Jones, it's my fault. I'll make amends. Where is Cynthia? Tell me, where is she now?"

Shirley, sensing a simmering rage in Filip's eyes, assumed he sought Cynthia for retribution.

"Cynthia's on the 88th floor," Shirley announced loudly. "Mr. Bennis is celebrating her birthday. Filip, I know you don't care about Cynthia, but she's still your wife. She's been flaunting herself with other men—aren't you ashamed?"

Days earlier, Shirley had discovered Cynthia dating someone and sent intimate photos to Filip. She'd expected a furious response, but Filip had remained unmoved. Even if he didn't love Cynthia, a man should be outraged by his wife's infidelity.

Filip's face darkened. He glared coldly at Shirley, then turned and left.

Meanwhile, the 88th-floor banquet hall buzzed with activity. Though hastily arranged at Jonathan's behest, Cloudtop Restaurant staff had transformed it into a magnificent celebration.

A buffet spread across huge, silk-draped tables overflowed with delicacies and desserts. Champagne towers sparkled, flowers perfumed the air, and a renowned international award-winning band played. A large dance floor filled the center of the hall, where many danced, including Jonathan and Cynthia.

Cynthia wore a red dress that hugged her figure, revealing her back and skin. She and Jonathan danced a passionate tango, not a graceful waltz.

Cynthia, a gifted dancer since childhood, preferred modern and Latin dance to ballet. Though she hadn't danced in a while, the music awakened her. She was surprised by Jonathan's skill; their movements were perfectly synchronized, as though practiced countless times.

While dancing with Jonathan, Cynthia felt an inexplicable familiarity. A fleeting image crossed her mind, but before she could grasp it, it vanished into the recesses of her memory.

Chapter 66