Chapter 97

The next second, Naomi pulled Cynthia into her arms, saying, "I missed you, Cynthia."

"So do I, Naomi," Cynthia replied.

They hugged tightly, ignoring the strange looks from those around them. After a brief embrace, Naomi released Cynthia and said, "Come with me."

Cynthia followed Naomi into the Sullivan residence and upstairs. Five minutes later, she sat on the couch in Naomi's room. The door closed, cutting off all sounds and activity.

Naomi, still surprised, said, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming to Betrico? I would have met you at the airport."

Cynthia smiled. "I'm on a business trip. I came here by chance."

Naomi noticed the lilies beside Cynthia and reached for them. "Are these for me?" she asked.

Cynthia snatched the bouquet back. "No. Someone entrusted me to give these to Ms. Nina Sullivan. Be careful not to damage them. By the way, which daughter is celebrating her birthday today?"

Naomi's expression turned serious. "Entrusted by someone? By whom?"

Cynthia, sensing something was amiss, replied, "Whitney, the chairwoman of Betrico Multimedia."

Naomi stood up and threw the flowers in the trash.

"What are you doing? Why did you throw them away?" Cynthia exclaimed.

Naomi poured two glasses of red wine. She wore loose-fitting, black-and-white trimmed men's silk pajamas, which, surprisingly, gave her a casual, almost playful air. Her neat, slicked-back short hair added to her spirited appearance. Though undeniably female, she was strikingly handsome.

Handing Cynthia a glass of wine, Naomi leaned against her. "If you hadn't met me today, you'd be in big trouble," she stated.

Confused, Cynthia asked, "What's going on?"

Naomi took a slow sip of wine. "Today is Nina's birthday—my cousin's—but she's allergic to lilies. Giving her those flowers could have triggered her asthma. Who would be responsible if something bad happened?" She looked at Cynthia and said, "Idiot. Someone used you."

Cynthia's expression grew serious. The name "Nina" from Jonathan's phone flashed in her mind. Nina? Could this be a coincidence? she wondered. "Why would Whitney do this? To someone so much younger? It's disgraceful," she said.

Naomi sighed. "It's complicated. You don't understand the love and hatred involved." After a long explanation, Cynthia finally grasped the complex relationships.

The Bennett and Sullivan families were connected by marriage. Whitney's ex-husband, Aaron Sullivan (from a secondary branch of the Sullivan family), had a son, Preston Sullivan, with her. They divorced shortly after Preston's birth; three months later, Aaron married Yuliana Sullivan, who was already five months pregnant. In short, Aaron had an affair with Yuliana while married to Whitney. Whitney remained unforgiving towards the mother and daughter. Yuliana had humble beginnings, a minor celebrity in her youth. Without Aaron's unwavering support, they would have struggled.

Cynthia broke into a cold sweat. Prominent families clearly harbored many secrets.

Naomi finished her wine. "And just yesterday, Nina was in a car accident. It seems the eldest Bennett daughter was responsible," she added.

Something clicked for Cynthia. "How's Nina?" she asked.

Seeing Cynthia's concern, Naomi explained, "She's fine. Otherwise, there wouldn't be a birthday party. Don't worry; she has powerful backing. She could marry into the Bennett family, putting her on equal footing with Whitney. Whitney would be furious."

An idea formed in Cynthia's mind. "Is Jonathan her backer?"

Naomi was surprised. "You've heard of Mr. Bennett of Betrico?"

Cynthia's heart sank, her face darkening. Naomi noticed her distress. "Do you know Mr. Bennett?" she asked.

Cynthia ignored the question. "What's the relationship between Jonathan and Nina?"

"What else? A romantic relationship. You've probably heard about the terrible relationship between Ms. Bennett and Mr. Bennett—calling them enemies isn't an exaggeration. Apparently, when Mr. Bennett was young, Whitney tried to kill him several times," Naomi explained.

Cynthia's heart pounded. She knew things were bad, but not this bad. "Why?" she asked.

"Who knows? Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Bennett had their son, Jonathan, late in life—nineteen years after Whitney. His arrival likely prevented Whitney from inheriting the family business. No wonder she resents him," Naomi elaborated.

"Even so, she shouldn't try to kill him. He's her brother," Cynthia commented.

Naomi shook her head. "There are other reasons. Betrico's elite families prioritize self-interest. The Bennetts lead the four most prestigious families. The Xenos family has left the country, and the combined wealth of the Sextons and Sullivans is a fraction of the Bennetts'. The Bennetts have incredibly complex affairs."

Cynthia frowned. Naomi sensed something was amiss. "You never gossip. Why are you so concerned about the Bennetts today?"

Before Cynthia could answer, fireworks erupted outside. Bright red fireworks blazed across the sky.

Cynthia uttered unconsciously, "It's Burning Rose." She rose and went to the window. Naomi's room had floor-to-ceiling windows. The fireworks lit up the night.

Naomi watched the dazed Cynthia. She likes fireworks, she thought. She grabbed Cynthia's arm. "Why watch from the window? Let's go outside and enjoy them."