Chapter 74

Jonathan's words widened Pamela's smile. She had heard of the gold mask, the most famous product of the Bennett Group's countless cosmetics brands. It was unavailable to the general public; a revolutionary skin-repairing mask developed by a top-tier medical team using cutting-edge technology that even won a Nobel Prize in Medicine. However, due to rare ingredients, production was extremely limited, with only a small supply released annually, reserved exclusively for Bennett Group's most esteemed VIP clients.

Pamela remembered a friend of Caroline's from Betrich gifting her one during afternoon tea. Caroline had proudly displayed it. Now, Jonathan had given Pamela an entire box! Overwhelmed, she decided to give two masks each to Caroline and Alice Ziegler at tomorrow's tea party.

Pamela warmly welcomed Jonathan and Cynthia, saying, "You must be hungry. Let's go to the dining room." Soon, the entire family—including the returned Yasmine—was seated. Jonathan had gifts for everyone: Red Hibernia coffee for Henry (a coffee connoisseur), and a high-quality calligraphy set with a rare pen for Matthew (an enthusiast). Matthew smiled happily.

Yasmine asked expectantly, "What about me?"

Jonathan smiled. "Of course! Ethan's concert ticket—a VIP seat!"

Yasmine screamed. Ethan was her idol, a top actor and musician; his concert tickets were nearly impossible to obtain.

"A VIP seat! My dear brother-in-law, I love you so much!"

Jonathan was stunned. "What did you call me?"

"You're Cynthia's boyfriend. What's wrong with 'brother-in-law'?" Yasmine knew Cynthia was now considered her sister, not just sister-in-law, per her mother's announcement yesterday. She'd always considered Cynthia her sister, closer than Filip.

Pamela grew anxious. Yasmine was outspoken. While Cynthia and Jonathan were dating, "brother-in-law" seemed premature. Would Jonathan misunderstand, thinking Cynthia was pushing for a formal title?

But Jonathan's eyes crinkled with amusement. "I'll share Ethan's WhatsApp later." Yasmine was ecstatic. "Jonathan, you're the best! You're amazing!" She adored having him as a brother-in-law, far preferring him to her brother, Filip.

Pamela felt similarly; Jonathan was a wonderful potential son-in-law. She knew their relationship might not last, and obstacles lay ahead, but she treated Cynthia like a daughter, and Jonathan was impeccable. While happy for Cynthia, Pamela felt a twinge of sadness. She'd always envisioned Cynthia as her future daughter-in-law. But considering her son's mistakes, she felt relieved. Cynthia deserved someone loving and cherishing her after all she'd endured.

Their meal continued happily until Filip's arrival. He stumbled in, drunk, startled by the lively gathering, Cynthia included. Seeing her felt like a physical blow. He'd missed work and turned off his phone.

He'd been drinking at Kevin's bar, drunkenly confessing his troubles. Kevin bluntly told him he deserved his situation: "You grew up with Cynthia. A woman sets a trap, and you let it poison your trust? Even Tobias Sheen sees Lilian's hypocrisy. You're obsessed, convinced she's innocent. Now she's pregnant. There's no going back to Cynthia."

Filip ignored Kevin, turning on his phone to countless missed calls from Lilian. He resented her but also felt she was his only support. He suddenly wanted to go home, unprepared for the scene that awaited him. Cynthia sat with Jonathan, chatting and laughing with Matthew, who looked at Jonathan with approval, like a grandson. His parents did the same, crushing Filip further.

Yasmine excitedly exclaimed, "Jonathan, he replied! You're the best brother-in-law in the world!"

"Brother-in-law" made Filip's blood boil. His fists clenched.

"Yasmine, who are you calling 'brother-in-law'?" Filip's outburst shattered the atmosphere. Everyone turned to see him, his red, unshaven face, disheveled appearance, and reeking of alcohol a stark contrast to his usual composed self.

Pamela, a mix of anger and concern, stood up. "Why are you back?"

Yasmine blurted, "Yeah, Filip. It's embarrassing you're back." Filip rarely returned to the Yates residence; he lived with Lilian.

"I came home. Do I need to report it? Yasmine, are you my sister or not?"

Yasmine pouted silently.

Matthew scolded coldly, "You haven't been back in ages. Even Yasmine comes home more often."

Filip trembled.

Pamela couldn't bear it. "Look at yourself! You look pathetic. We have guests. Go shower and change."

Filip, despite his drunkenness, felt clear-headed. Jonathan, impeccably dressed in a crisp white shirt, emanated an air of authority, making Filip feel small.

SEND GIFT