Chapter 5

Outside the villa, Cynthia walked briskly through the cool night air, trying to calm her nerves. Though she never expected anything from Zachary, his accusations and abuse of power still stung. She muttered, "What an arrogant, self-centered man. If he ever worked as a detective, he'd probably accuse innocent people left and right!" "Cynthia! I can't believe it's you!" A familiar voice suddenly cut through her thoughts. She looked up to see Janice emerging from behind the fountain, looking elegant but wearing an angry expression. "Janice? What are you doing here?" Cynthia asked. She remembered clearly that Zachary had requested her to get him wine. Before Cynthia could process what was happening, a loud slap echoed in the air. Janice's hand struck her hard, knocking Cynthia off balance and sending her to the ground. As the pain radiated from her stinging cheek, a red handprint was already blooming on her pale skin. "Cynthia, what happened to your promise from years ago? What are you doing here, trying to seduce Zachary!" Janice's words came out sharp and heated. What did you do just now? Did you try to reveal everything and take my place? How could you do this to your own sister?" Her accusations came fast and loud, each one sharper than the last. Cynthia's cheek burned, and she scraped her elbow from the fall. A mix of dizziness and frustration surged within her. She struggled to her feet, glaring at Janice. "Janice, I was just delivering food. I didn't know it was his place, and he mistook me for you. I only hid because I was afraid you'd misunderstand. If I had any ulterior motives, why would I have stayed away for three years?" Janice's expression faltered, knowing Cynthia's words rang true. These past three years, Cynthia had not appeared once. Cynthia continued, "Besides, I've been keeping my distance just because you told me to, and this is how you repay me? Is this how you treat your sister?" Janice hated Cynthia. Nonetheless, she knew better and masked her true feelings with concern. "Of course, I see you as my sister. I just overreacted. But your presence could make Zachary suspicious, and that could ruin everything. You wouldn't want to cause a scandal or destroy my happiness, would you?" "Could you leave Scatham during his three-month business trip?" She added manipulatively, "Consider it repayment for all the medical bills I've covered for your grandmother." Cynthia could see right through her, and she let out a bitter laugh. "Janice, my grandmother's in the hospital here, and I've lived in Scatham for 22 years. I'm not leaving. But don't worry, I want nothing to do with that blind fool of a man!" Seriously, why would she waste her time on a cold, emotionless man like Zachary? Warm, kind guys or fun-loving sweethearts were way better. Heck, being single was even better than dealing with him. Cynthia added, her gaze sharp, "And Janice, if a train derails, it's not because of the scenery or the tracks—it's the train itself. Your happiness doesn't depend on whether I'm here or not." With that, she walked away, leaving Janice fuming in place. Janice could not believe Cynthia's defiance, especially after Zachary had lied to protect her. She pulled out her phone and dialed. "Hello, is this Hazel Foster, Cynthia Lynch's adoptive mother? I'm Cynthia's sister. I heard you're having financial troubles... I'll give you a hundred thousand dollars if you help me with something. "It's simple, really. Cynthia's not getting any younger. Isn't it time she got married? What do you think of Mr. Wilbur from your town? I bet he's perfect for her. You understand what I mean, don't you?"