Chapter 215
Since Clifford had spoken, Cynthia sat down. It was a good spot, with Clifford on her left and Jonathan on her right. But she felt everyone’s complex gazes focused on her.
Cynthia glanced around. The Bennett family was indeed large, with over a dozen people at the table. Jonathan began. introducing them to her. “Cynthia, this is Isabella, my second sister, and her husband… Cynthia politely greeted each one.
Among the people at the table, there were faces that Cynthia recognized. Of course, there was Susanna and Preston. And then there was Yvette. Cynthia had seen Yvette before at Susanna’s birthday party. Her dress had been splashed with red wine by Shirley on purpose, and it was Yvette who lent her a dress.
Cynthia smiled at Yvette Yvette playfully said. “Last time I called you Cynthia, but now I have to call you Auntie Cynthia.” When Cheyanne and Bryson heard the word “Auntie“, they joined in. “Yeah, Auntie Cynthia, you’re so young and beautiful. It’s almost embarrassing to say it when we meet you outside.”
Bryson deliberately nudged Preston, who was sitting quietly at the dining table with his head down, almost unnoticed. Once so lively and cheerful, he seemed like a completely different person now
Although he still had his blonde hair and the same face, his once innocent and bright demeanor, and his lively spirit seemed to have disappeared. Preston remained silent. Bryson’s eyes showed a glimmer of satisfaction.
Cynthia furrowed her brows slightly. At that moment, footsteps could be heard from the entrance. Everyone turned to look as Whimney came in
Whitney walked in and immediately noticed Cynthia sitting in her seat. Approaching with an air of superiority, Whitney said. “Ms. Jones, coming from a small town, did your parents teach you to sit in the host’s chair when visiting others‘ homes?”
Cynthia only then realized that she had taken Whitney’s seat. The place was a completely unfamiliar setting for Cynthia. Until she had a better understanding of her current situation, she wouldn’t make any impulsive decisions.
Just as Cynthia was about to stand up to find another seat, Jonathan suddenly held her arm. He stood up first, then turned around and gave Whitney a cold look
He then said, “There’s no name carved on this seat, Whitney. It’s first come, first served. You should find a different place to
sit.”
Whitney said, “Is she already trying to act like she’s in charge before she’s even married into the family? I’ve been in this house for forty years, and I’ve sat in this seat for forty years. If we’re talking about who came first, then Ms. Jones should be the one to get up.
Whitney wasn’t fixated on just any seat. It was this seat because it was close to the center of power. Today, with everyone present, if she gave in once, her two other sisters would realize her boundaries could easily be crossed.
Isabella beamed. “Whitney, it’s just a seat. Ms. Jones is visiting for the first time. Why not let her have it?*
“Shut up! Since when is it your turn to interrupt when I’m speaking?” Whitney snapped at Isabella, taking out her frustration on her. Isabella’s smile became strained. Ultimately, her husband gently persuaded her to sit down, though she did so reluctantly.
“Okay, stop arguing, Whitney. If you want to eat, find yourself a seat. If you don’t want to eat, go to the chapel for some reflection. Cynthia is sitting here at my invitation, and from now on, whenever she visits, this seat is hers,” Clifford said.
.
His voice was calm yet authoritative, bringing silence to the table. Everyone looked curious, ever since Cynthia was given Whitney’s seat.
Nobody knew what Clifford meant. He wasn’t the type of elder who showed much warmth towards his children. If he had a favorite, it was more likely to be Whitney.
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Chapter 215
白菜 68%
People outside alway’s thought Jonathan was the sole heir of the Bennett family and the future leader of the Bennett Group. In reality, Clifford didn’t have a preference for sons over daughters.
He had mentioned long ago that they would each have to depend on their own. The second and third branches of the family had already lost in this battle for succession. Now, the most likely heirs of the Bennett Group were Whitney or Jonathan.
Whitney’s odds were a bit higher if not for the incident on the deserted island. Although outsiders didn’t know, the Bennett family was fully aware that Whitney had used Cynthia and Nina to threaten Jonathan.
She even forced him to give up 15% of his shares, which nearly resulted in Jonathan’s death during that typhoon. Clifford went to great lengths and was truly infuriated by the situation.
Whitney didn’t expect Clifford to stand up for Cynthia like this. Clifford was furious as Jonathan had nearly died this time.
Whitney said nothing more and acted as if nothing had happened, finding a place to sit down. The table was filled with delicious food, but Cynthia found it tasteless and was constantly on edge.
She secretly observed this large family, noticing that although they seemed polite on the surface, their smiles never reached. their eyes, and each harbored their hidden agenda.
Halfway through the meal, Clifford suddenly spoke, “It’s rare that everyone is here today. I have something to say. Everyone put down their forks and listened carefully.
Clifford glanced at Whitney and said, “I usually turn a blind eye to your battles, but you should know my limit. If anyone tries to harm others for inheritance, I will not stand by and do nothing.”
When Clifford said this, everyone kept a straight face, but they were all secretly entertained by the show. Isabella and Amelia had been overshadowed by Whitney since childhood, and now they couldn’t be happier.
Clifford had always been biased toward Whitney ever since she was young. Even now, she was completely out of control. Everyone hoped that this time, Clifford would seriously reprimand Whitney.
Clifford continued, “I have three matters to announce. The whole table went silent.
He added, “First, Whitney made a serious mistake this time and must be punished to learn a lesson. Starting tomorrow, she will be removed from her position as the general manager at the Bennett Group.”
Whitney was immediately unsettled. “Dad, how can you do this to me?”
Whitney held many titles, such as Chairwoman of Betrico Multimedia and a major shareholder in several public companies But the most prestigious was being the general manager at the Bennett Group, as it was the power center of the entire Bennett family’s business empire.
Everyone in their family held a position at the Bennett Group, but Whitney’s rank was the highest. Now that Whitney’s role as general manager had been abruptly revoked, Isabella and Amelia could barely contain their laughter.
Clifford’s tone was sharp. “Sit down. This is just a warning. If you dare to act recklessly again, I’ll reclaim every single share from you without hesitation.”
Tue, Nov 12 G
