Chapter 84

Cynthia frowned. "You said Jonathan won't let you go back?"

Filip was silent for a moment. "He's probably worried I'll pester you."

Cynthia remained calm. "You should go back for a checkup. If anything happens, I'll explain it to him."

Zeke, standing nearby, added, "Ms. Jones, we all know you're Mr. Bennett's girlfriend. Could you ask him for leave? Otherwise, Mr. Yates won't be at ease."

Cynthia glanced at Filip's pale face, then dialed a number.

The other end answered, slightly surprised. "Why are you calling?"

Cynthia said, "I need to tell you something. I'm at Paradise Resort. Filip was injured, and I want to ask for leave so he can go to the city hospital."

Even before Jonathan spoke, Cynthia sensed the tension on the other end.

After a few seconds, Jonathan said coldly, "He's injured, and you're asking for leave?"

Cynthia explained calmly, "I was here for an interview. A crane load fell, and Filip saved me."

A cold chuckle came from Jonathan. "You two had a fallout yesterday, and today he's a hero? Are you sure this isn't pre-arranged?"

Cynthia paused, glancing at Filip's ashen face. "No, it was an accident."

Cynthia had doubted it herself but dismissed the thought. The risk was too high. Intentionally causing something to fall from that height had too many uncontrollable variables, possibly leading to fatalities. Besides, Filip might be foolish, but he wasn't scheming. He was arrogant, insecure, and proud, but simple-minded. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been manipulated by Lilian for so many years. Most importantly, Filip didn't know she was interviewing that day. His surprise was genuine.

Jonathan, his voice laced with suppressed anger, asked, "How can you be so sure?"

Cynthia answered without hesitation, "Because I know him."

Filip, who could vaguely hear parts of the conversation, looked at Cynthia with caution. The crane accident was indeed accidental. Seeing a wooden plank falling, he'd rushed over without thinking. Regaining consciousness, he felt fortunate to be alive, and suddenly saw it as an opportunity. Shielding Cynthia, he realized his feelings for her—he loved her more than he'd thought. He wouldn't let her go, regardless of her relationship with Jonathan. He had his own cards to play; their twenty-year bond couldn't be severed easily. Cynthia's words—"I know him"—were proof of that.

Cynthia sighed, walking out of the infirmary. "Jonathan, asking for leave doesn't mean anything is between us, or will be. I won't rekindle an old flame. Filip is a familiar stranger. Don't target him because of me."

09:34 Wed, Nov 6 BB

Chapter 84

"How am I targeting him?" Jonathan asked.

"You made him, a project manager, live and eat with the workers on-site, without permission to leave—that's a bit much," Cynthia replied.

Jonathan chuckled coldly. "He complained to you? What else did he say?"

Cynthia's voice turned colder. "Nothing. Frankly, I don't want to meddle. I just hope you don't let personal feelings affect this project. Paradise Resort is too big to be tainted by personal grudges."

Cynthia was clear-headed. She didn't want anything with Filip. But with Jonathan, after so much time, she felt lost. His possessiveness was too strong; he constantly overstepped their boundaries. Something would go wrong eventually.

Jonathan sneered. "You're asking for leave? Fine, I'll send someone."

He hung up abruptly.

Less than half an hour later, Jonathan's people arrived—he'd sent a helicopter. Driving would have taken at least two hours; the helicopter reached Roncrity in under thirty minutes.

Filip was taken to Peace Hospital. He had a lung contusion. They'd arrived in time; surgery might have been needed otherwise.

Cynthia arranged Filip's hospital stay. Two hours later, he was in a VIP ward.

Having taken care of everything, Cynthia said, "Rest well. Don't think too much. We'll talk when you're better."

Filip looked at her and softly said, "Cynthia…"

Cynthia frowned. "Filip, I'm grateful you saved me, but this won't change anything. Don't get your hopes up."

Filip's eyes darkened. She saw right through him. Feeling awkward, he changed the subject. "Don't tell my parents. I don't want them to worry."

"I'll find a caregiver," Cynthia replied calmly.

Disappointment flashed across Filip's face. He wished she'd visit every day.

"Rest well, I'm leaving," Cynthia said.

As she was leaving, Filip called out, "Will you come tomorrow?"

Cynthia paused. "Sorry. I probably won't have time."

She understood his feelings, but she didn't want to get entangled further.

Leaving the hospital, she ran into Jonathan. He looked unhappy. "How is he?" he asked.

"Lung contusion, needs hospitalization," Cynthia replied.

Jonathan was silent, then sneered. "Quite the costly effort."

Cynthia glanced at him. "Can you not be so childish?"

Jonathan stared at her. She was still in her professional attire—stunningly beautiful, but her serious demeanor was cold and intimidating.

Jonathan knew Filip likely hadn't staged it, but it had brought them back together, which inexplicably angered him. He knew Cynthia had no patience for him; she always drew a line, even in emotional moments.