Chapter 80

Lilian clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She forced herself to remain composed. "Do you think Cynthia loves you? She loves Filip. Three years ago, she harmed herself for him."

"She's just using you," Lilian said. "Are you willing to be manipulated for their twisted love? Cynthia is only interested in your status within Betrico's elite circle, Mr. Bennett."

"She's using you to suppress Filip, or perhaps to make him jealous," Lilian continued, refusing to believe Cynthia and Jonathan had a genuine relationship; they hadn't known each other long.

Logically, Lilian should have been happy that Cynthia and Jonathan were together. It meant less chance of Cynthia reconciling with Filip. However, Lilian feared their fake relationship might become real. Dealing with Jonathan would be far more difficult than dealing with Filip. Moreover, with Jonathan as Cynthia's backer, Lilian's situation would only worsen. She had to destroy their relationship.

Lilian observed the furrow in Jonathan's brow, the coldness in his eyes—he seemed slightly swayed. Seizing the moment, she pressed on. "Mr. Bennett, with your status, you can't possibly be content being a mere plaything for a woman's amusement, can you?"

Lilian's sharp words were designed to sever the bond between Jonathan and Cynthia.

Jonathan's gaze sharpened as he glared at her. A cold chuckle escaped his lips. "Ms. Sheppard, is this the extent of your scheming? Let me enlighten you. Cynthia and I have been together for three years. From the start, she supported me. I'm more than willing to be 'used' by her, to be her plaything," he added. "I live every day to please her, for her smile and happiness. Nothing else matters." With that, Jonathan turned and left.

Lilian's expression darkened. "What does he mean? They've been together for three years? Cynthia supported him?" Although she understood his words, hearing them felt like a fantasy. How is that possible? she wondered. Then, it began to make sense.

Lilian thought, Three years ago… Filip took me abroad. That must have triggered Cynthia's spiral. Did she seek a man's company in her despair? And that man happened to be Mr. Bennett? But what about her supporting him? Judging by his expression, he didn't seem to be lying.

This was a huge blow. After her efforts to break up Filip and Cynthia, another Betrico scion had entered the picture. If Jonathan sided with Cynthia, it would be far harder to ruin Cynthia's reputation and leave her humiliated.

Lilian fumed inwardly. No! I have to tear them apart, and I have to destroy Cynthia.

Watching Jonathan leave, Lilian rushed forward. Just before he reached his car, she exclaimed, "You should know that Cynthia isn't a maiden anymore! She lost her innocence long ago! She's tainted!"

Chapter 80 (Continued)

Jonathan, about to leave, turned. He stood before Lilian, his presence cold and intimidating, like an eternal glacier. His expression was grim, his gaze like a thousand-year froststorm.

Lilian felt a strange satisfaction. No man could withstand this kind of provocation, she thought. Even Filip, in love with Cynthia for over twenty years, had buckled under the weight of similar accusations.

Jonathan's voice, sharp as a blade, cut through the air. "Ms. Sheppard, did you time-travel from an ancient era? That era has long fallen, yet your mind remains shackled by its decaying traditions. You, a woman, are using outdated standards to judge and harm another woman. Perhaps you're bound by regressive ways, but not all women are like you," he said. "They are free, bright, and proud. In my eyes, no matter Cynthia's past—no matter how many men she's loved—I don't care. Those experiences shaped her. She is honest, radiant, and real. To me, she's the purest and most precious woman. But you, Ms. Sheppard, your thoughts and actions are vile and disgusting."

Jonathan rarely spoke so much, especially in front of others. The weight of his words left Lilian breathless.

The golden evening light bathed Jonathan, giving him a divine aura. To Lilian, his brilliance was blinding, almost painful. It was a familiar feeling—Jonathan and Cynthia seemed alike, chosen ones, always basking in the light. Their radiance only made Lilian feel more pathetic. The brighter they shone, the more she wanted to drag them into the darkness.

Lilian was speechless, trembling. She cursed fate. Why does everyone in this world love Cynthia?

Jonathan stepped closer, half his body swallowed by shadows. He stood against the light, his aura darkening. His voice, cold and cruel, was like a demon from hell, carrying an eerie warning.

"Lilian, if I ever hear you slander Cynthia again—even with a single word—be careful of your tongue." He was no longer warning her, but threatening her.

A moment ago, Lilian had thought Jonathan immortal; now, he seemed a demon from hell. Even the glint on his ear seemed wicked. Cold fear crawled up her spine. She felt Jonathan had the means to destroy her.

The oppressive aura made it hard to breathe; Lilian trembled uncontrollably. After his threat, Jonathan left, leaving Lilian frozen, cold as ice.

Jonathan drove away, speeding through the city streets. He slammed on the brakes, punching the steering wheel in frustration. Lilian's words had unsettled him.

Chapter 80 (Continued - Final Section)

Jonathan knew about Cynthia's past experiences. Every word he spoke to Lilian was heartfelt. Nothing would ever make him think less of Cynthia.

He remembered their first time together. He felt regret—not because of Cynthia, but because he'd found her too late.

The final section is incomplete, ending abruptly. There's also a stylistic inconsistency with the use of italics for Lilian's internal thoughts; for consistency, I've removed them.