Chapter 78
Despite this, Jonathan propped himself up on his arms, his sharp gaze sweeping over Cynthia, who lay beneath him. Her sun-kissed skin gave her a vibrant yet delicate beauty. He silently admired every detail, noting her subtle expressions.
Jonathan's voice, hoarse and magnetic, broke the silence. "The Paradise Resort project is about to begin. I'll be swamped and won't have time or energy for nights like this."
Cynthia almost uttered a prayer of thanks, but before she could, Jonathan added, "So, shall we go another round?"
When Cynthia awoke, Jonathan had already left for work. Exhausted, she couldn't remember falling asleep, despite her usual sleep problems. She woke feeling refreshed and clean, clearly having showered. She made coffee and checked her phone, finding numerous missed calls—mostly from Lilian, and one from Filip. Without hesitation, she blocked both numbers instead of returning their calls.
Meanwhile, at the CEO's office of BJ Building, Claude was reporting on the current work and upcoming schedule when Jonathan interrupted, "Has Yates Construction's team arrived for the project summit?"
"Yes, they've been waiting in the conference room," Claude replied.
Today marked the official launch of the Paradise Resort project, with a grand meeting chaired by Jonathan. As the main contractor, Yates Construction's presence was mandatory.
"Who's leading the team?" Jonathan asked.
Caught off guard, Claude replied, "Filip Yates, the general manager of Yates Construction. He's in charge of the Paradise Resort project."
A faint smile touched Jonathan's lips. After Cynthia's actions the previous night, he expected Filip to be in the hospital. "How unexpected," he thought.
Half an hour later, Jonathan entered the spacious conference room. A long table was packed with people. Paradise Resort was a massive, multi-faceted project, but the focus was currently on the contractors. Filip and his team sat near the head of the table.
Jonathan took the head seat and glanced at Filip, whose head was lowered. Filip's gaze was fixed on a pile of documents; a distant, lifeless look was in his eyes.
The meeting lasted four hours, concluding around noon.
As it ended, Jonathan said, "Mr. Yates, you're aware of the immense scale and tight schedule of the Paradise Resort project, correct?"
"Mr. Bennett, Yates Construction will give its utmost effort and will not betray BJ's trust," Filip responded formally.
Filip had been drunk the previous night. This was the only explanation for his dismissive attitude towards the Paradise Resort project. In truth, Yates Construction was in dire straits, facing numerous challenges. If sober, Filip would have realized how desperately his company needed this project. It was a lifeline, a chance to save Yates Construction and elevate it to new heights. He should have thanked Jonathan sincerely.
Jonathan nodded. "From today, you will serve as the project manager. This project must be completed flawlessly." He added, "I expect you on-site at the construction headquarters, working directly with the front-line workers, overseeing every detail."
Filip glanced at Jonathan. Project managers rarely needed to be on-site, especially for a remote project like Paradise Resort, located on the outskirts of Roncrity. This was essentially banishment. Yet, the project was crucial for Yates Construction, leaving Filip with no choice but to accept. After last night, his heart felt defeated.
With Lilian's clinging and Cynthia's indifference, Filip only wanted to be alone. He agreed without hesitation.
As Filip left BJ Building, Lilian waited at the entrance. Many senior Yates Construction employees, having worked for years under Matthew, had watched Filip and Cynthia grow up. They knew about Filip's affair with Lilian, which he made no effort to hide. Lilian acted as if she were Mrs. Yates, but received little respect. Employees sighed as they greeted Filip and left.
Lilian rushed to Filip, unusually subdued in a simple white linen dress and canvas bag. Her makeup-free face looked haggard, her eyes red and giving her a small, vulnerable appearance. She cautiously approached and tugged at his sleeve. "Filip, it's time for my first-trimester screening. Will you come with me?"
Lilian knew Filip's change in demeanor was due to her alterations to Cynthia's diary. He likely hated her. She couldn't, nor wouldn't, explain. Three years had passed; there was no turning back. Besides, she was carrying his child—her last bargaining chip. Filip glanced at her slightly bulging belly, but the joy was gone, replaced by disgust.
He pulled his sleeve free. "Lilian, get rid of the baby."
Lilian froze, the words shocking her. After a moment, she asked incredulously, "Filip, what did you say?"
Filip had agonized over this for days. But now, the decision felt resolute.
"I said, I don't want the baby. Abort it. Let's return to our original lives." His voice was firm and unwavering.
Under the sun, Lilian felt its heat intensely.
Filip continued, "It's only been three months. The damage won't be severe. I'll compensate you—name your price. I'll schedule the appointment, stay with you, and take care of you."