Chapter 75

Filip disliked the feeling. He turned around, left the dining room, and went to his room. When he came downstairs again, he had showered and changed his clothes. However, gloom and deep fatigue lingered in his eyes.

The housekeeper had already set the table for Filip. Jonathan was sitting in Filip's usual seat, leaving Filip to sit at the edge. A complicated feeling churned in his heart. Since Filip's return, the previously relaxed and happy atmosphere had vanished. Yasmine had left the table early, returning to her room to chat online with Ethan.

Matthew spoke first. "Filip, you know Mr. Bennett awarded the Paradise Resort project to Yates Construction. This is a golden opportunity for Yates Construction, which has suffered recent financial losses. We invited Mr. Bennett to dinner tonight to express our gratitude."

Jonathan added, "Mr. Matthew Yates, you're welcome. Bennett Group values Yates Construction's strength and commitment to quality. This is a win-win partnership."

Even Jonathan's statement didn't mask the reality: many more powerful companies existed. Everyone knew Jonathan favored Yates Construction because of Cynthia. Filip knew this too. Initially, Bennett Group hadn't even sent Yates Construction an invitation. The invitation arrived only after Cynthia visited Jonathan.

Filip had believed his sincerity had moved Jonathan, but it was Cynthia. He wondered when their affair had begun. Bitterness and anger welled up inside him. He blurted out, "Yates Construction is struggling, but not to the point of requiring a marriage alliance."

Tension filled the room. Everyone understood his implication: the Yates family had used Cynthia's beauty to secure the project.

Matthew slammed the table. "Bastard! What nonsense are you talking about?"

Remembering the earlier happiness, Filip's anger flared. They knew Cynthia had been his wife, yet they sacrificed her for Yates Construction's benefit. Did they ever consider his feelings?

Desperate, Filip spoke recklessly. "Am I wrong? Cynthia is my wife, yet she's flirting with Jonathan. If I must trade a woman for the Yates family's future, I'd rather not have it."

Everyone was shocked. Even Pamela looked ashamed. How could he say that? she thought.

Before anyone else could respond, Cynthia spoke. "Filip, do you have no shame?"

Filip met Cynthia's gaze. She wore a casual yellow floral dress, her hair loose, natural curls adding to her charm. Light makeup enhanced her enchanting eyes.

Filip's heart ached.

12:11 Tue, Nov 5 Chapter 75 (Continued)

Cynthia continued, "I am not your wife, nor your woman. I am not a commodity to be exchanged for benefits."

Filip said, "Cynthia, that's not what I meant."

Cynthia sneered. "By the way, are you not only stupid but also blind? Can't you even tell the difference between love and obsequiousness?"

Filip was speechless, still disbelieving Cynthia had fallen for Jonathan in just a month.

Pamela could no longer stand it. "Filip, even though you are my son, I cannot be partial. Since you chose Lilian, do you expect Cynthia to wait for you? I learned about yesterday's events. You were absent while the Jones family and Lilian bullied Cynthia. How dare you call Cynthia your wife now? Mr. Bennett protected Cynthia yesterday; otherwise, she would have been humiliated. Since you don't cherish her, someone better will treasure her. I said this yesterday, but you weren't there. Let me repeat it: From today on, Cynthia is my daughter, not my daughter-in-law. I can't control you anymore, Filip. Live with Lilian as you please, but don't hinder Cynthia's happiness. Otherwise, don't blame me for cutting ties with you."

Pamela wasn't indifferent; she was angry at Filip's uselessness. In her eyes, both Filip and Cynthia were her children. Since childhood, she had even favored Cynthia, perhaps because she was a girl.

Once childhood sweethearts, Filip and Cynthia were now enemies—a source of immense pain for Pamela. After that month's events, Pamela realized Filip and Cynthia's reconciliation was impossible, and she wouldn't let Filip hold Cynthia back.

Filip felt even more bitter. His family always sided with Cynthia, making him wonder if he was adopted. Perhaps this childhood jealousy was the root of their misunderstandings, but he couldn't confess it.

Filip lowered his head. "Mom, Lilian and I have broken up."

Silence fell over the dining room. Filip seemed to address Pamela, but his glance lingered on Cynthia. To his disappointment, her face showed no surprise or emotion; she didn't even look at him.

Pamela, however, was surprised. She assumed Lilian's actions the previous night had brought Filip to his senses. "Did you really break up with Lilian?"

Filip nodded. "I've seen her true colors." They hadn't officially broken up yet, but he knew it would happen.

Pamela asked, "What about the baby in Lilian's belly?"

Filip hesitated. "The baby… I will think about it." He hadn't decided what to do.

Jonathan laughed. "It seems you haven't finalized things, Mr. Filip Yates. Yet you announce the breakup to your ex. Are you hoping to reconcile with Cynthia?"