Chapter 170
Jonathan’s brow furrowed, his voice taking on a chill. “Once the how wraps up, I’m sending you overseas to keep a low profile. I’ve got a place for you there. Stick around for half a year. Once I’ve got things sorted here. I’ll bring you back”
Cynthia paused, a dry laugh escaping her lips. “Jonathan, have you lost your mind Who gave you the right to call the shot in my life? And who do you think you are to me?“
His expression turned deadly serious. “Cynthia, I’m not joking. You’re in real danger. My sister will be back soon, and if the finds out you’re my weak spot or that Preston’s got a thing for you, she won’t hesitate to come after you.
“You’ll be facing all kinds of deadly accidents. I know you’re good, but can you dodge them all, time and time again?
“I’m not exaggerating. Whitney tried to take me down six times a year. It’s a miracle I’m still here, after two stints in the
ICU
Cynthia stood her ground. “I don’t care who your sister is or what she can do. I’m not running off to some foreign country
on your say–s0.
“And I’ll make it clear to Ms. Bennett that I want no part in this. Whether it’s you or Preston, I’m done with both of you. I’m assuming your sister doesn’t go around killing people without a reason, right?”
Jonathan scoffed. “You have no idea. You might not even get a chance to explain. Over the years, who knows how many lives she’s ended? I’ve stopped counting.”
Cynthia was taken aback by his words. She thought, The Bennett family has wealth and power. But can they really flout the law and treat lives so carelessly?‘
She considered her words carefully. Jonathan. I’m not gambling with my life, but I’m not just going to up and leave the country on your orders either.
“If your sister is that powerful, can you promise to beat her in six months? You’ve been at this for years and haven’t managed it yet. Do I just hide out forever? Besides, I live my life with honesty and openness, so there’s no need for me to hide.”
“Cynthia!” Jonathan grasped her hand, his voice urgent. “Don’t you get how worried I am about you?”
Cynthia said calmly, I don’t, and I don’t want to. Jonathan, we’re through. So my life or death means nothing to you. Even is your sister did have me killed, it would be my fate, and I wouldn’t blame you.
“Of course, don’t stress. I’m not easy to take out. I’ll handle it myself.”
Cynthia had made up her mind. If Whitney was as unhinged as Jonathan described, she’d seek help from Simon or their
mentor,
Cynthia had made up her mind. If Whitney was as unhinged as Jonathan described, she’d seek help from Simon or their mentor, Shiloh Fernandez.
Simon had underworld ties and influence both here and abroad. Even though he was legitimate now, he could keep her safe.
And then there was Shiloh, who had been in seclusion for years. No one knew where he was except Simon. If it came to it. she could hide with him for a while.
Jonathan was nearly driven mad by Cynthia’s stubbornness. “Cynthia, will you only be satisfied if you drive me insane!”
Cynthia, with her plan in place, regained her composure, “If you really want to keep me safe, stay away from me. You’re the one causing trouble, aren’t you?”
Jonathan’s eyes clouded over. He’d tried to keep his distance, but it was clear that wasn’t the solution. But when he tried to
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Chapter 170
retreat, he found Cyntes had blocked every path behind him. He feverly helplines.
His head strooped, resting on Cyathon’s shader “If you won’t to seran make you But ner i poste eserin
shoulder. be inse danger or something feels off, come to the
This time, Cynthia didn’t bite back. She could tense his exhaustion
Truth was, Cynthia knew Jonathan was genuine. But she would be anyone’s weak link or a weapon for Whitney to use against Jonathan
So, she had to cut ties with him. From now on, they d just be strangers
Jonathan slumped onto Cynthia’s shoulder, acting like a big kid she stood there, rigid, not budging an inch But the didn‘ push him away.
The cool, pleasant scent of him filled her nose. She’d never seen him this worn out, it seemed he could barely keep himself upright.
“Can you give me a hug?” Jonathan’s voice was barely a whisper, tickling Cynthurs ear
Cynthia remained still, unresponsive.
“Think of it as the last time,” he added, his voice almost desperate
They were nearly pressed against each other, feeling the warmth and the rhythm of each other’s hearts. That fambur warnth and heartbeat seemed to penetrate their skin, reaching their very souls and spreading through their bodies oft of electricity.
“Hold me “he pleaded, his tone reminiscent of a child asking for candy or a beggar seeking shelter.
Cynthia slowly lifted her hand, as if to wrap it around his waist, but then she abruptly pushed him away, spun on her beel and slipped through the gap between the rocks.
“Jonathan, how many times have you pulled this stunt? I’m not falling for it again,” she said firmly
With that, Cynthia kicked him in the calf, feeling a surge of satidaction as she vented her frustration. “Nen time you pull crazy stunt like this, I won’t go easy on you,” she warned, cracking her knuckles for emphasis
Then, she turned and walked away, leaving Jonathan rubbing his leg and feeling a mix of annoyance and amusement. His hands ached, his leg ached, and his heart ached–everything ached.
By noon, the photos from their photoshoot had been uploaded online, and the voting results were in. Cynthia and Preston photo was in the lead, with Nina and Jonathan not far behind. Ethan and Jessa were in third place, and Wendy and Melissa brought up the rear.
According to the show’s rules, Preston and Cynthia were treated to a luxurious lunch with fresh ham, lobster, and prime beef. The others made do with a simple worker’s lunch box, which, on a deserted island, was still a blessing
The toughest part was reserved for the last place. Alex and Abby had to fend for themselves, searching for food to eat
Alex headed into the woods to grab some fruit, but Abby was famished, having gone without food for over twenty–four hours. Her legs felt weak, and she was running on empty.
Spotting the generous spread in Cynthia’s lunch box, Abby’s eyes widened, and she sprinted towards Cynthia
Bang!
