Chapter 98

Naomi pulled Cynthia into the courtyard. Fireworks burst in the sky, beautiful as rosy clouds. Everyone paused and looked up, admiring the spectacle.

Cynthia gazed at the fireworks, remembering her birthday and the Burning Rose display. Her heart fluttered, then shattered like a bursting bubble.

The fireworks ended after about ten minutes. The courtyard, however, buzzed with activity. Everyone gathered around a begonia tree, where gifts of all sizes were piled.

Cynthia finally saw Nina, the birthday girl, who looked remarkably young. Though only three years younger than Cynthia, Nina possessed the innocent air of a high school student.

Nina had long, straight hair with bangs, and delicate features complemented by light makeup. A pink dress highlighted her figure, and her smile revealed sweet, innocent eyes.

Cynthia initially saw Nina as beautiful and youthful, like a delicate Barbie doll. She seemed born to be loved and pampered. A large group of girls surrounded Nina.

Separated from the group by a small artificial lake, Cynthia could hear their chatter.

"Nina, where's Mr. Bennett?" someone asked.

"Nina, I heard Mr. Bennett arranged a special show for you! Don't forget about us," another chimed in.

"Nina, we're so envious! You're only a sophomore, and you've already been in major productions. When your TV series airs, you might become an A-lister!" someone exclaimed in amazement.

"Nina's so lucky! We're jealous. Mr. Bennett even started an agency just for her—she's the only one with that honor," another stated.

"Nina's the future Mrs. Bennett! Starting her own company is nothing; Mr. Bennett might even hand over Bennett Group to her someday," someone added.

Nina smiled until she heard the last comment. She blushed, slightly embarrassed. "Stop it," she said. "My relationship with Mr. Bennett isn't what you think."

"Why do you still call him Mr. Bennett? Even Celine, much younger than him, calls him Jonathan," someone pointed out.

"He's Mr. Bennett," Nina insisted. "Don't talk nonsense. He'll be upset when he arrives."

A commotion erupted nearby. "Nina, Mr. Bennett's here!" someone shouted.

The crowd parted. A tall figure strode toward Nina.

Cynthia's heart skipped a beat. Naomi whispered, "That's Jonathan Bennett."

Cynthia recognized him instantly. The custom-made suit looked impeccable. His handsomeness transcended his prestigious status.

His every step seemed to resonate with the onlookers. Were it not for his cold, imposing aura, someone might have screamed. No one in the entertainment industry was as handsome.

Chapter 99

Jonathan approached Nina. Greetings erupted. He nodded casually before his gaze settled on Nina. "Happy birthday, Nina," he said.

Nina's face lit up. She looked at Jonathan with sparkling eyes.

"I have a birthday present. Let's see if you like it," Jonathan said, gesturing slightly.

Claude, who had been following, stepped forward. He presented a square black velvet box, carefully opening it.

A dazzling light filled the box. Gasps of envy rippled through the crowd. Inside was a pink diamond necklace—the Heart of Cherry Blossom, Queen Jewelry's latest design.

"It's the Heart of Cherry Blossom! It sold for $27 million at the Kastron Jewelry Center last month! Mr. Bennett bought it for Nina!" someone exclaimed.

"So romantic! A $27 million surprise! Oh my gosh!" someone else exclaimed.

"Mr. Bennett must know pink is Nina's favorite color. How thoughtful," another commented.

Nina was deeply touched. Tears welled in her eyes, but she looked at Jonathan uncertainly. "Mr. Bennett, this is too expensive."

Jonathan smiled faintly, his gaze tender. "Twenty-seven million is nothing. As long as you like it."

"I love it. Thank you, Mr. Bennett," Nina replied.

"Mr. Bennett, please put it on her!" someone urged.

Jonathan removed the necklace. He gently lifted Nina's hair and fastened it around her neck.

Nina radiated beauty. Her neck glowed, captivating everyone's attention. Jonathan even thoughtfully adjusted her hair. Nina beamed, and compliments poured forth.

Cynthia smirked inwardly. I designed the Heart of Cherry Blossom, she thought. It seems Jonathan’s trip to Japrium yielded more than just the necklace he gave me. Hector even encouraged me to open up to Jonathan, and I was starting to waver. Luckily, I haven’t confessed my love yet.

After giving the gift, Jonathan received a phone call. He stepped away from the crowd to answer it behind a rockery.

The area around Nina remained lively. People complimented her, and envy filled the air.

Then, Celine arrived, uninvited. She’d gained entry thanks to her aunt, Lydia.

Hearing the necklace’s discussion, Celine rushed to Nina, noticing the priceless piece. Enraged, she pointed at Nina's neck. "Nina, take it off!"

Nina's friend stepped forward. "Celine, that's a gift from Mr. Bennett. Why should she take it off?"

"Jonathan is my fiancé! How could he give you such an expensive gift?" Celine demanded.

Laughter and scoffs erupted. "Celine, wake up! Everyone knows Nina is Mr. Bennett's favorite. What kind of fiancée are you? Even if Mr. Clifford Bennett likes you, it’s useless if Jonathan refuses you. Are you marrying into the family just to serve Clifford?"

The Sexton family's power now surpassed the Sullivans'. Rumors circulated of a planned marriage alliance between Clifford and the Sextons.

Celine trembled with rage, nearly losing control. She pointed at Nina, sneering. "Jonathan's favorite? I don't think so! Nina, listen carefully. Jonathan already has a girlfriend in Roncrity!"

Chapter 99 (Starts here - this chapter wasn't fully provided)