A Night's Mistake: The Besotted CEO's Obsession

Chapter 25

After breakfast at the villa, the landline suddenly rang, and Winnie picked up the call. After a brief exchange, she handed the phone to mouthing. “It’s Mrs. Jasmine Sullivan on the line

Cynthia quickly took the phone and greeted her with polite enthusiasm, “Jasminet”

At the Sullivan residence, Jasmine and David were practically tripping over each other in their eagerness to talk to Cynthia

Cynthia,

Following a brief debate, Jasmine, as usual, won out “Sweetie, do you have any plans today? Come over and keep me company.”

Jasmine had grown old yet was thrilled at the prospect of spending time with Cynthia, especially since Cynthia had so unmistakably won her heart. Ever since they’d returned from Regalian Garden, Jasmine had been showing Cynthia off to all her old friends. Today, those friends had invited her for a card game, and with her grandson abroad, she thought it’d be the perfect occasion to brag about Cynthia.

“Okay,” Cynthia replied. She was free today and didn’t need to shop for a ring anymore, as Liam had mentioned there would be an auction in a few days where they could bid for one.

“Then let Darian drive you over. I don’t want you going out alone; it’s not safe, Jasmine said, as if she was talking to a child, her voice rich with Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

concern.

Cynthia acknowledged with a smile and hung up the phone.

David couldn’t wait to get his turn and nudged Jasmine, “What did she say? Is she coming over today? I’ve been itching to spar with her. Jasmine shot him a discontented look. “All you ever think about is boxing. You’ll scare her away”

“Not at all! Boxing keeps the body strong. You wouldn’t understand, all you do is play poker all day,” he countered.

“Hmph, we’ll see if she prefers to spend time with you or me, Jasmine sniffed.

The elderly couple, both equally stubborn, moved on to prepare for Cynthia’s arrival arnid their friendly bickering. Meanwhile, Cynthia returned to her room to change her clothes. Since she was visiting the elders, she opted for a modest yet elegant attire- waist–cinching knee–length dress. Her wavy hair rested beautifully over her shoulders. To demonstrate her regard for the occasion, she even

– pink applied a subtle touch of makeup. Her already striking features were accentuated, making her appear as radiant as a blossom, especially against the soft hue of her dress. Once ready, she stepped out

The Sullivan residence was situated in the suburbs, sprawling over a vast area of land. Cynthia sat in the backseat of the car, watching the bustling streets gradually turn empty, the scattered and chaotic scenery replaced by carefully designed greenery–expensive trees and flowers becoming

more abundant

Eventually, a slightly aged but understatedly luxurious villa came into view, Jasmine and David were already waiting eagerly at the doorstep Upon arrival, Darian parked at the entrance to allow Cynthia to get out, then moved the car to the garage.

“Hi. Jasmine and David, Cynthia greeted them sweetly as she approached.

When Jasmine and David saw Cynthia, their eyes lit up. Cynthia was shining like a hidden gem, already dazzling a few days ago, but today, dressed up a bit, she was totally drop–dead gorgeous– a knockout that could eclipse all the socialites in Auroran. Knowing that Cynthia wasn’t one for dressing up and that she’d done so out of respect for them, the elderly couple liked her even more.

Cynthia entered the house with them. In the yard, three elderly ladies sat chatting, along with a younger woman. Astonishment glittered in their eyes when they yw Cynthia. Jasmine proudly took Cynthia’s hand and introduced her, “This is my granddaughter–in–law.”

Cynthia greeted everyone with grace and poise. She noticed that when Jasmine mentioned her relationship with Liam, the young woman and the elderly lady beside her seemed displeased. The young woman was Yolanda Wilde, the heiress of the Wilde family, sitting next to her grandmother, Florence Wilde

The Wilde and Sullivan families were old family friends, and the grandmothers had been besties since childhood. Because of the close ties between the families, Yolanda often visited the Sullivan residence and was like childhood friends with Liam, Yolanda had long harbored a crush on Liam, but unfortunately, Liam had never shown any interest in her.

Yer Yolanda, not one to give up easily and aware of how devotes Liam was to his family, hoped to win over Jasmine, who had a close relationship with her own grandmother. If Jasmine took a liking to her, it would be easier to win Liam’s heart with her help than by trying and failing on her Own. That was why Yolanda had been there frequently in recent years, and Jasmine had nothing but praise for her.

Yolanda had hoped to take the opportunity today to broach the subject with her grandmother, but before she could, Cynthia’s sudden appearance had taken her by surprise. Seeing the woman who

had unexpectedly stolen the heart of the man she fancied, Yolanda’s grip tightened, and a wave of resentient llared in her eyes.

She thought, “This unknown woman dared to vie for the man I, Yolanda Wilde, have set my sights on No way!

Florence, aware of her granddaughter’s feelings, gently patted Yolanda’s hand and gave her an encouraging look, telling her to stay calm and not be hasty. Then she smiled and asked, “And which family’s daughter might this charming young lady be?

“Hello, Mrs. Wilde, my name is Cynthia Larson,” Cynthia replied.

“Larson!” queried Florence with a hint of disdain in her voice. “I must admit I’ve never heard your family mentioned among Auroran’s prominent families,”

Though Florence didn’t Cynthia, her seasoned grace in high society meant she maintained a pleasant demeanor and kept a gentle tone in her

conversation.

She continued, “But of course, one doesn’t choose their origins, and since you’ve won over Liam, there must be something special about you. “You seem quite young. I assume you’ve not yet graduated from university?

“Why don’t you share with us which university you attend? Perhaps my granddaughter here could learn a thing or two.”

It was clear to everyone present that Florence was attempting to stick up for her granddaughter.

Tm afraid I’ll have to disappoint you, Mrs. Wilde, for I neither possess any remarkable talents nor have I attended university, Cynthia replied thoughtfully, recalling that she had self–studied and completed university–level knowledge by her mid–teens. Any other skills she’d acquired had been out of necessity and weren’t backed by certificates, at least none that would imperss anyone here.

Despite the faint judgment in Florence’s tone, Cynthia’s response was neither servite nor arrogant.

“So, you mean to say you have no real skills” remarked Florence with a backhanded compliment. “Well, you’ll have to learn from Yolanda. She’s a student at Nexpry University and even designs jewelry; she won a prize in some competition not too long ago. Florence subtly demeaned Cynthia while elevating her own granddaughter, making it known to everyone that she considered the new Sullivan in–law to be something of a trophy wife,

Though admired Cynthia’s composure, Jasmine still couldn’t bear to hear her favorite person spoken of in such a manner. Her face clouded over, and she retorted sharply. “Look here, Florence, Cynthia is my chosen granddaughter–in–law, and even if she came from nothing that wouldn’t change a thing. We’ve been friends for years–mind your manners.”

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