Chapter 68

Cynthia wasn't surprised by the sudden compliment. That morning, the trending topic across major media was #BurningRosel. Brilliant red fireworks had rained down all night under the dark dome. Lilian arrived, head down, hurrying to her seat. Someone stopped her. "Lilian, you also took leave last night. Did you secretly attend Cynthia's birthday party?"

Cynthia and Lilian's relationship was strange to their colleagues. High school classmates, Lilian's boyfriend Filip, and Cynthia seemed familiar. Yet, both women fiercely competed for Jonathan's interview and the prime-time news anchor position.

Everyone knew Lilian had secretly revealed the identity of Cynthia's "phony" daughter. Lilian's mother had then created a scene at the TV station—a scene Cynthia had orchestrated.

At this point, it seemed like a staged performance.

Lilian stopped and turned. Cynthia noted her swollen eyes. She'd clearly cried all night, prompting Cynthia's inner sneer.

Many reporters had been present the previous night. News of Lilian framing Cynthia at Shirley's birthday party should have spread, but major media and Twitter lacked any such reports.

Cynthia knew the Jones family or Filip had suppressed the news. Justin was too dignified to allow the previous night's events to be publicized. There wasn't even news about Cynthia severing ties by tearing fabric from her dress. The Jones family had clearly spent a significant sum to protect Shirley's, and incidentally Lilian's, reputation.

But Cynthia wouldn't let them off easily. She smiled brightly at Lilian. "Lilian, you fell in the banquet hall yesterday. Is the baby okay?"

The office immediately focused on Lilian. Questions and comments flooded her. "Lilian, did you fall? Why were you so careless?" "The third month of pregnancy is critical! You can't be careless!" "Why are you at work when injured? Rest at home!" "What's wrong with your eyes?"

Lilian was distraught. Filip hadn't returned the previous night. She'd called all night, unanswered. She believed Cynthia had sabotaged her relationship with her only reliable supporter.

Lilian looked at Cynthia with mixed emotions. "Cynthia, I'm sorry for yesterday. For the sake of the past, please forgive me." She knew exposing the events would ruin her reputation.

Someone retorted, "For the sake of the past? Cynthia was kind to you! She paid your tuition, helped you when your mother assaulted you, and even took a knife for you when gangsters harassed you! You're ungrateful! You stole her boyfriend and framed her! Your actions are unforgivable!"

Everyone was shocked.

Chapter 68 (Continued)

A well-dressed, jeweled woman entered. Seeing Lilian, she rebuked her. Behind her was Freddie, the news director.

Lilian, seeing Filip's mother, Pamela, reacted swiftly. Stroking her belly, she called out, "Mrs. Yates."

Pamela snorted, eyeing Lilian's pregnant belly. "Don't try to impress me. I won't acknowledge it. If you want to keep it, fine. But don't try to gain anything—inheritance or becoming a Yates—through this child."

Silence fell. Everyone's eyes widened in shock. Few knew who she was.

After criticizing Lilian, Pamela approached Cynthia, worry etched on her face. "Are you okay? Mrs. Yoder called me last night, and I was furious! I wouldn't have let you suffer if I'd been there. The Jones family is outrageous! It's good you cut ties with them."

Cynthia felt like crying. "Pamela, thank you."

Everyone was stunned. Why did Cynthia address her by name? How were they so close?

The editorial director introduced Pamela: "Mrs. Yates, from Yates Construction."

This added to the confusion. Pamela was Filip's mother. Why was she close to Cynthia, yet scornful of Lilian?

Before anyone could comprehend, Pamela turned to Freddie. "Cynthia has been my first choice for a daughter-in-law since she was young. My son's childhood sweetheart. He was lured by that vixen. The Yates family can't afford to lose her, but I consider her my daughter. I won't tolerate anyone bullying her."

Pamela looked coldly at Lilian. "My son signed a five-year advertising contract with the station, in Ms. Sheppard's name—Cynthia's. I'm sorry, but this contract is void. Filip tricked us into signing it before my husband and I agreed."

Panic filled Lilian's eyes. Freddie's gaze turned icy.

That morning, Pamela contacted Alison to terminate the contract. Alison, furious, called Freddie, demanding he resolve the situation. Failure to secure the contract could cost Freddie his job. Anxious, he pleaded, "Mrs. Yates, can we renegotiate?"