Chapter 66

The other dancers gradually stopped to watch Cynthia and Jonathan. They spun and leaped in the center of the floor, their movements passionate and then gentle. Cynthia was stunningly beautiful. The hem of her red dress fluttered wildly, like a phoenix rising from ashes. He was devastatingly handsome; she, breathtakingly beautiful. Together, they radiated a dazzling, unforgettable brilliance.

All eyes were drawn to them. Even the jealous, wealthy women had to admit they were a perfect match. Filip, unnoticed, blended into the crowd. Watching them dance, he felt an indescribable urge to separate them, but lacked the courage.

After their dance, the banquet hall erupted in applause. Jonathan led Cynthia to the center of the stage.

"Today is my girlfriend Cynthia's birthday," Jonathan announced. "Anyone who offers her a birthday wish will become a lifetime member of Cloudtop Restaurant, enjoying all VIP privileges."

The crowd roared with excitement. Cloudtop Restaurant was Roncrity's most exclusive establishment, notoriously difficult to access; reservations were typically required half a month in advance. VIP members, however, enjoyed unrestricted access and numerous privileges. Despite the hefty annual fee, Roncrity's wealthy flocked to it. Most importantly, Cloudtop had stopped accepting new members last year.

Birthday wishes poured forth. Xavier Ziegler, the youngest son of the Ziegler family, wished Cynthia success, eternal youth, and beauty, then added a wish for children for her and Jonathan.

The crowd laughed. Someone quipped, "Mr. Ziegler, it's a birthday toast, not a wedding toast! You should read more."

Everyone laughed, but Jonathan said, "Mr. Ziegler, please leave your address. I have a gift for you."

Shock rippled through the crowd. What's going on? they thought. Mr. Bennett is giving him a gift? Then, understanding dawned. Mr. Ziegler's words had resonated with Mr. Bennett.

The others followed suit, showering the couple with wishes for lasting love, happiness, and a large family.

Cynthia found the increasingly absurd blessings amusing. The excitement quelled the grief and sadness that had weighed on her heart since Justin's actions and Selena's coldness shattered her last hope for family affection. She was finished with the Jones family.

A loud boom pierced the night. A huge firework exploded, a fiery red rose blooming in the darkness. More followed, cascading like a waterfall of shimmering red lamps, dazzling the onlookers.

The crowd dispersed. The banquet hall was surrounded by transparent floor-to-ceiling windows, topped by a glass dome. Fireworks bloomed overhead. One firework, a brilliant, singular red flame, caught everyone's attention.

"It's Burning Rose!" someone yelled. Burning Rose was legendary. Three years ago, a two-hour display at Betrico's Pearl Square had cost a reported $60 million and become one of the top ten legendary events of the past thirty years. No one knew who had commissioned it.

Jonathan and Cynthia left through a side door, entering an elevator.

"Where are we going?" Cynthia asked.

"You'll see," Jonathan replied, putting his arm around her.

The elevator opened onto a small, empty open-air terrace. But with the fireworks exploding overhead, it was the perfect viewing spot.

"It's so beautiful!" Cynthia exclaimed.

Jonathan wrapped his arms around her waist. "Tonight, all the fireworks are for you."

Cynthia, lost in the moment, then asked, "How much did this cost?"

Jonathan frowned. "Are you short of money? Why do you always talk about money?"

Cynthia smiled, her face illuminated by the fireworks. Wrapping her arms around Jonathan's neck, she said, "You spent so much to make me happy; I should reciprocate, shouldn't I?"

Jonathan narrowed his eyes. "I don't like it when you make things so clear-cut."

Cynthia smiled seductively. "It's better that way between us."

Jonathan sighed. "The mood is so good. Do you have to spoil it?"

Cynthia tiptoed and kissed him softly. "Anyway, thank you for tonight. Thank you for appearing when I was at my lowest, and giving me such dignity."

Jonathan smiled cynically. "If you really want to thank me, give me something."

"What?" she asked casually.

"A title," he replied.