Chapter 72

Realizing her mistake, Shirley had an idea. She rushed to the company, only to be immediately fired upon seeing Chude. She didn't even get a chance to speak with Jonathan.

She created a scene, and Jonathan finally relented. Anyone else would have been dismissed. "My place in his heart is truly different," she thought confidently.

Shirley knew she couldn't compete with Cynthia in beauty, intellect, or refinement. However, she possessed authenticity and spontaneity—qualities Cynthia lacked.

She believed that well-bred young ladies, though virtuous and well-mannered, often bored men. She knew that even those with refined girlfriends sought out "bad girls" for excitement.

Shirley planned to cultivate a righteous persona. Jonathan's family was fraught with deceit and power struggles, making genuine emotions rare and valuable. She believed this would appeal to him.

As expected, Jonathan asked indifferently, "Ms. Jones, are you here to seek justice for your friends?"

With a righteous expression, Shirley replied, "Of course. If you need someone to blame for Cynthia's actions, blame me. I did it, and my friends were uninvolved. I take full responsibility."

Jonathan smiled faintly, his eyes remaining cold. "Ms. Jones, you're quite righteous," he remarked ironically.

Lost in her fantasy, Shirley missed the irony. She felt a surge of pride, believing Jonathan was seeing her differently.

Unexpectedly, Jonathan added, "However, Ms. Jones, if you're so loyal and righteous, how could you be so ungrateful to your adoptive mother, who raised you for twenty years? You knew her actions were excessive self-defense, yet you refused to testify in court and watched her receive a life sentence."

Shirley stiffened, taken aback. She hadn't expected him to mention Rachel. She immediately suspected Cynthia of sabotaging her.

"Did Cynthia tell you that? She's good at smearing me," Shirley said angrily.

She believed no one knew the full story. Even Cynthia's knowledge was superficial. Therefore, Shirley wasn't afraid.

Jonathan said indifferently, "It has nothing to do with Ms. Cynthia Jones. I came across a video. Ms. Jones, you might want to see this."

He played a video on his phone. Shirley, though nervous, leaned in to watch. The video showed her fleeing the scene the night Dennis was killed.

Shirley's face paled. "How did you get this?"

Jonathan ignored her question. "The video is time-stamped. You were at the scene. Neighbors saw Dennis hurting you and your mother, proving her actions were self-defense. Yet, you didn't defend her during the investigation or trial. My investigation shows Rachel, though poor, treated you well, even sending you to an elite school."

Chapter 72 (continued)

Shirley had attended an elite high school in Betrico. It was there she first saw Jonathan and fell in love. He, of course, was unaware.

Shirley was speechless, feeling guilty. Only Rachel knew the truth. Rachel wouldn't reveal it; she owed Shirley. Shirley hadn't testified partly to avoid being known as a murderer's daughter and partly because she wanted Rachel to stay in prison.

But Jonathan's involvement and the evidence changed everything. Denial would paint her as heartless and ungrateful.

Shirley squatted, covered her face, and cried. "Yes, I was there. My adoptive mother refused to testify. She wanted to repent. I tried to persuade her, but ultimately respected her decision."

She continued, "That night was horrifying. Seeing my mother kill my father was terrifying. She was always good to me. She didn't want me involved, so she told me to leave. It's not that I didn't care. I hoped for her release, but she felt she didn't deserve freedom. My father was a terrible man, always hitting and scolding me. My mother always protected me. She truly cared for me." As she spoke, genuine emotion surfaced.

Rachel had been exceptionally good to Shirley, providing materially despite their poverty. But Shirley felt this was owed to her because Rachel had switched her with Cynthia, depriving her of a wealthy life. Despite Rachel's remorse, Shirley believed she deserved her fate. Shirley manufactured tears, recalling Rachel's kindness.

Jonathan said indifferently, "I see. I almost misunderstood, thinking you wanted to distance yourself to protect your reputation."

Shirley denied it vehemently. "I don't get involved in my mothers' feud. My adoptive mother was good to me. If she's released, I'll care for her in her old age."

Jonathan responded, "Then, Ms. Jones, you'll appeal to clear your adoptive mother's name?"

Shirley was stunned. An appeal would reveal her connection to a murderer. Her biological mother would be furious. She couldn't understand Jonathan's concern for Rachel's case.