Chapter 69

Pamela said bluntly, "Terminate that contract, and we'll sign a new five-year advertising contract. I'll give you an additional five percent of the advertising fee. Cynthia will receive all commissions and benefits she was entitled to under the old contract."

Freddie was surprised by Pamela's willingness to negotiate. He replied immediately, "All right. We'll comply with your request, Mrs. Yates."

Pamela continued, "But I have one more condition."

Freddie said, "Please proceed."

After a chilly glance at Lilian's pale face, Pamela said, "Fire her. Cynthia shouldn't have to look at her face every day."

Whispers rippled through the room. "Lilian is Cynthia's childhood sweetheart's mistress. That explains why Filip kept staring at Cynthia—they were once in love."

"Didn't you hear Mrs. Yates? Lilian faked a fall at yesterday's birthday party, claiming Cynthia pushed her. She even used her unborn child. How vicious!"

"I never expected Lilian to be like this. So what if she's carrying a Yates family descendant? They won't acknowledge the child."

Lilian stood at the side, her eyes reddening, shoulders trembling. "Mrs. Yates, you can't do this to me." Losing her job would be devastating.

Filip, despite his general manager position, wasn't wealthy. A previous Japriumian meal at Tasty House cost $326,000 from the company account—a fact Matthew later discovered. Furious, Matthew demanded Filip report every business expense.

Although Yates Construction was a major firm, the Yates family reigned in Filip's spending to force him to end his relationship with Lilian. With his credit cards canceled, his only income was his manager's salary—less than $10,000 a month.

Filip enjoyed drinking and partying with childhood friends, spending his meager salary each month. Lilian covered his other expenses.

Ignoring Lilian, Pamela turned to Freddie. "Mr. Stewart, having such an immoral person as an anchor is bad for the TV station's reputation."

Freddie replied quickly, "You're right. We always prioritize the station's reputation over profits."

He approached Lilian, stroking his mustache. "Lilian, you're a Coluria University graduate and an excellent student. RNN is too small for you. To avoid further issues, please submit your resignation to HR."

Lilian bit her lip, clenching her fists, digging her nails into her skin.

The murmurs resumed. "Good riddance. Working with someone like her is awful."

"No wonder she gets along with Vivian. Birds of a feather"

"Go now. Are you waiting to be fired? She's shameless."

Chapter 69

Lilian, seeing no way to salvage the situation, went straight to HR to avoid further criticism.

After Lilian left, Pamela took Cynthia's hand and headed for the corridor.

Cynthia said, "I'm sorry, Pamela."

Surprised, Pamela replied, "Silly girl. Why the apology?"

Cynthia explained, "Last night, I asked Mrs. Yoder not to call you."

Caroline Yoder had visited Cynthia on the 88th floor the previous night and, at Cynthia's request, kept the day's events secret from Pamela. Caroline was perceptive and understood the implication. After returning home, she immediately—and exaggeratedly—told Pamela.

Knowing Pamela's temper, Cynthia anticipated Pamela's immediate action that morning. She'd planned to use Pamela to get revenge on Lilian for framing her. That's why she apologized.

Pamela, instead of being angry, showed distress. "You know I'd stand up for you. You shouldn't have asked Mrs. Yoder. I would have gone to her last night if you'd called. I'll settle the score for you—I'll break her leg and skin that bitch alive! I won't let you suffer like this."

Cynthia almost cried. She hugged Pamela. "Thank you, Pamela."

Pamela hugged her, sighing. "Filip isn't worthy of you. He's let you down. I can't ask you to forgive him while he's being obstinate. Consider me your mother from now on. Yasmine and you are my daughters. We're a happy family."

Cynthia cuddled closer. "I've always seen you as my mother."

Pamela smiled, then remembered something. "Are you really dating the Bennett son?"

Cynthia blushed but simply nodded.

Pamela nodded. "You should date more. You've wasted enough time on Filip. Have fun. You won't lose anything by dating such a handsome guy, even if it doesn't work out."

Cynthia coughed, almost choking.

Pamela continued, unfazed. "Women shouldn't be so conservative. Date more men. You'll learn to spot a jerk."

Standards for daughters and daughters-in-law are different. As her daughter-in-law, Pamela wouldn't want Filip cuckolded. Now, as her daughter, she just wanted Cynthia's happiness. She also knew Cynthia and Jonathan's relationship was unlikely to lead to marriage; their families were worlds apart.

"Got it," Cynthia replied.

Chapter 69

Pamela seemed to think, then said, "Good news! Yates Construction secured the Paradise Resort project."

Cynthia was surprised. "That's great news!"

Pamela said, "Thanks to Mr. Bennett. He chose Yates Construction, the least competitive bidder. But it seems you're the reason."

Cynthia replied, "I don't know about that. Yates Construction always prioritizes quality, and I think he values that too."

Pamela nodded. "Regardless, we need to thank him. Since he's your boyfriend, bring him home for dinner tonight."

Cynthia agreed.