Chapter 90

It was harder for Cynthia to accept Lilian and Filip's double betrayal than Lilian's betrayal alone. Even though Lilian had backstabbed her, Cynthia never regretted her kindness or sincerity. She considered it her nature; she treated Lilian well not because Lilian was exceptional, but because she believed Lilian deserved it.

However, a profound doubt had taken root in Cynthia. Was kindness inherently wrong? Could it be exploited by malicious people to ruin lives?

Lilian knelt. "No, that's not true. During my freshman year's summer vacation, Scar was released from prison. He immediately found me, held a knife to my throat, and threatened to kill me unless I revealed your location."

She continued, "You were volunteering at St. Mary's Orphanage then, living and sleeping there with the children. Terrified, I told him everything, but I never imagined he would find you, knock you unconscious, and assault you. I assumed you could defend yourself, and your family's influence meant he wouldn't dare. I never expected him to actually do it."

Cynthia clutched a small silver whistle, squeezing it until it nearly deformed, but fought to control her emotions. "Lilian, do you think I'll believe you? Didn't you and Scar set me up? How else would you know so much?"

"I didn't—I really didn't! Scar later boasted to me, recounting everything he'd done and showing me a video. I still have it on my phone…" Lilian produced her phone and played a video. Cynthia was shown lying unconscious in a hotel room; someone was recording with their phone.

Scar's vile voice came from behind the camera. "You bitch, you think you're so strong? You fell into my hands. Get up if you dare; I'll torture you."

He added, "See, Lilian? This is your protector, and I'll destroy her today. No one can protect you anymore. Think you're a human being because your friend's a rich kid? You should have seen this coming when you sent me to jail. Just wait; I'll deal with you next, you stupid bitch! You should stay in the gutter with me. You're lucky I like you!"

The video ended. Though the quality was poor, Cynthia recognized the voice—it was Scar's.

The elevator doors opened slowly. Lilian, still kneeling, looked up to see Filip. She was dumbfounded. What's going on? she thought.

Filip's expression was a mixture of sorrow, anguish, and suppressed anger. He rushed to Lilian, practically dragging her out. "Lilian, you're the worst! Cynthia went through that, and you framed her…"

He remembered Lilian's diary entries. Cynthia had been assaulted, but Lilian had twisted the facts and spread rumors, making him believe Cynthia was promiscuous and didn't love herself—even using this to hurt her.

Filip grabbed Lilian by the collar. "Lilian, you're a poisonous snake!"

Lilian, powerless, looked at Filip, her breath catching. "Filip, Cynthia's going to kill me. She wants to—"

"You deserve to die!" Another voice cut in.

Lilian looked up. It was Jonathan. Why are they here? When did they arrive? she thought. She wasn't surprised by Filip's presence; she'd texted him before arriving, knowing he'd come eventually—though he was late.

In fact, Filip was still in the hospital when he received the message. Jonathan had gone to the hospital early that morning because he hadn't heard from Cynthia the previous night and assumed she was visiting Filip. He'd seen Filip leaving alone and followed him.

They arrived to find Lilian hiding in the elevator. They overheard the entire confrontation.

Time wasn't on Filip's side. Jonathan finally understood: Cynthia had saved Lilian from a gangster, yet Lilian had dragged her into the abyss.

Cynthia approached Lilian slowly, stopping before her. Lilian looked up, kneeling and bowing until her forehead touched the floor. "Cynthia, I know it's my fault. I was too scared."

Cynthia squatted, pinching Lilian's chin. "You could have called the police, Lilian." Even with the video, Lilian hadn't called the police, destroying any chance of Cynthia's rescue.

"I was so scared…" Lilian cried, begging for mercy.

"Lilian, you weren't afraid. You wanted to destroy me. You were an accomplice, and you'll pay the price!" Cynthia declared.

Lilian stared at Cynthia in horror. Cynthia's eyes were bloodshot; her usually charming face held a chilling, calm madness. No one knew what she might do.

Cynthia took the silver whistle, raised it to her lips, and blew. Four wolves, previously unseen, appeared from the corners of the room, slowly approaching Lilian, fangs bared.

Filip, upon arrival, initially saw only a wolf's shadow, thinking he was hallucinating. Then, he saw four wolves surrounding them, his eyes widening in shock.

Jonathan remained calm, standing beside Cynthia, his gaze fixed on her. She was unlike her usual playful self; she seemed possessed, her expression wooden and cold, her movements rigid. She was a different person.

Jonathan knew—Cynthia was gravely ill, suffering from a sickness of the soul.

The wolves approached, growling low, their noses wrinkled, fangs bared, poised to strike.