Chapter 96

Freddie was flattered. Quilton Palace was the most famous hotel in Betrico; reservations were usually only obtainable by those with special status. It was said the grand feast consisted of 108 dishes.

“Thank you for the treat, Ms. Bennett,” Freddie said, nodding and bowing. He nudged Cynthia and added, “Hurry up and thank Ms. Bennett. Quilton Palace isn’t easy to get into. This is an excellent opportunity to broaden your horizons. There must be other important people accompanying Whitney to the party.”

Before Cynthia could reply, Whitney interrupted. “Quilton Palace isn’t suitable for young people like Cynthia.”

The atmosphere became slightly awkward; Freddie hadn’t expected Whitney to refuse to bring Cynthia. He thought, It seems she’s still unsatisfied and trying to make things difficult for Cynthia.

Unexpectedly, Whitney produced a gold-embossed invitation. “Cynthia probably dislikes these business socials. Here’s an invitation to the Sullivan family’s daughter’s birthday party. It’s better for young people; Betrico’s noble families will probably attend. Go make friends,” Whitney suggested.

After handing the invitation directly to Cynthia, Whitney picked up her bag and left. Reaching the door, she turned and said, “By the way, please order a bouquet of lilies for Ms. Sullivan.”

There was almost no chance for Cynthia to refuse. Freddie also hurried out with Whitney. As he walked past Cynthia, he patted her shoulder and said, “Cynthia, it looks like you’ve passed the Bennett family test. Ms. Bennett intends to integrate you into Betrico’s high society. I think highly of you, the future Mrs. Bennett.” With that, he left.

Cynthia examined the invitation, feeling a sense of unease. She felt there was more to it. She opened the invitation—it contained only an address. However, the address looked familiar. She wondered, The Sullivan residence on Cloudpeak Road? Isn’t that Naomi’s home?

Naomi, Cynthia’s childhood friend since kindergarten, had grown up in a large house with a butler and housekeepers. She lost her parents at a young age and was raised by the butler until 11th grade, when her father finally found her. It turned out Naomi was the illegitimate daughter of the Sullivan family, one of Betrico’s four prestigious families.

The Sullivan family, though small, had a very complicated internal dynamic. Gunther Sullivan, the patriarch, had two sons: Colton Sullivan and Aaron Sullivan. Colton had a marriage alliance with Lydia Sexton (Celine and Tommy’s aunt), but they hadn’t had a child in over ten years, causing Gunther anxiety.

Later, Colton revealed to Gunther that he had a daughter, Naomi, from a past relationship. She had been raised elsewhere. In 11th grade, the Sullivan family acknowledged her and formally added her to the family register.

Lydia was furious about the sudden appearance of the illegitimate daughter. However, childless for over a decade, she had no choice but to suppress her anger and watch Gunther bring Naomi home.

One month after Naomi’s return, Lydia unexpectedly became pregnant at age 40.

Lydia made things difficult for Naomi at every opportunity. She sent Naomi back to Roncrity, claiming she needed to care for herself during her pregnancy and didn’t want to disrupt Naomi’s mood. However, Naomi had been happy at the time and ended up spending several more years in Roncrity.

After Cynthia and Filip’s “marriage,” Gunther became seriously ill. The Sullivan family brought Naomi back home, and she later studied abroad.

Naomi had returned three days ago and invited Cynthia, saying she had flown to Roncrity to see her. However, Cynthia had been feeling down and didn’t want Naomi to worry, so she declined the invitation. Maybe I can see her if I go there today, Cynthia thought. She deliberately didn’t call Naomi to surprise her.

Cynthia ordered a bouquet of lilies and took a taxi to the Sullivan residence. It was evening when she arrived. Four bodyguards in black suits stood at the gate; everyone had to show an invitation.

With her invitation, Cynthia entered. Beyond the gate was a huge Clusia-style garden with a pavilion, bridge, waterfalls, rockeries, and a large courtyard.

The courtyard was meticulously decorated with delicately lit trees and balloons. Several long Friyxian dining tables were laden with exquisite desserts. Servers in tuxedos circulated with wine trays, and a famous band played.

Many guests had arrived, scattered throughout the courtyard, talking, laughing, or enjoying the scenery.

It was overwhelming, and Cynthia knew no one. She called Naomi.

“Babe, do you miss me?” Naomi’s calm voice answered.

Cynthia smiled. “Where are you?”

Naomi sounded bored. “I’m at home. Something’s happening, and Dad won’t let me go out for fear I’ll cause trouble. I’m so bored.”

Cynthia said calmly, “Come downstairs.”

Naomi didn’t hear clearly. “What?”

“Come downstairs and meet me at the entrance,” Cynthia replied.

“You came to my place?” Naomi asked, surprised. She rushed downstairs in her pajamas, attracting attention.

Someone asked, “Who is she? Why is she dressed like that for Ms. Nina Sullivan’s birthday party?”

Another replied, “Don’t you know? She’s Naomi, the Sullivan family’s illegitimate daughter, Nina’s cousin. She’s a tomboy, or so the legend goes.”

One marveled, “I think she’s quite handsome, even in her pajamas. Why does she look more handsome than a guy?”

Another agreed, “Yeah, I think so too. It turns out one can be handsome regardless of gender. I want to call her my hubby. Besides, I think she smells good!”

Someone responded, “Don’t be silly. Naomi is the unfavored illegitimate daughter. The main branch already has a son, and I hear Mrs. Sullivan can’t stand her. She might even be thrown out one day.”

Naomi ignored the gossip and hurried to the entrance. She saw Cynthia standing there with a bouquet of lilies.

Surprised, Naomi ran to Cynthia. “Why are you here?”

Cynthia tossed her hair, smiled charmingly, and held out her arms. “It’s been a while. Can we hug?”