Chapter 7

Hearing those words, Cynthia felt utterly disheartened. Announcements, resources, Gavin, and even Patrick—Luna had taken them all away. Did she really get everything she wanted? Cynthia once confided in Patrick about her time in the orphanage. Life there had been harsh; anything good she ever received was always snatched away by other children. Over time, she grew terrified of the feeling of gaining something only to lose it again. Back then, Patrick had solemnly promised her, "Anything that's taken from you, I'll help you get it back." But now, things had changed. Cynthia's long lashes quivered faintly, her gaze at Patrick filled with disappointment. "So should I just give her the dress too?" Patrick froze. "Cynthia, that's not what I meant." What he meant no longer mattered. Cynthia handed the prepared birthday gift to Jasper. "Happy birthday." Then she turned to leave. But Luna stuck out her leg, deliberately tripping her. "Ah!" Cynthia's body jolted from the sudden trip, and she lost her balance, stumbling backward. Luna, too, intentionally fell backward. Patrick and Jasper rushed forward—both to catch Luna. A dull thud echoed along with the sound of fabric tearing. Cynthia hit the ground hard, her warm white dress ripping at the hem. She looked utterly disheveled. Patrick gently steadied the staggering Luna before hurrying to Cynthia's side. "Cynthia, are you alright?" Jasper quickly took off his jacket and draped it over Cynthia. "I'm sorry, Cynthia. I thought you were steady." In an instant, all eyes in the room turned toward them. Cynthia clenched her fists. Fifteen years ago, her birth mother had abandoned her. Fifteen years later, the people she cared about were abandoning her one by one. She was never the one anyone chose. Thinking of the past, Cynthia's eyes reddened slightly. But she knew that showing vulnerability would only make things worse. She returned Jasper's jacket and pushed Patrick aside. Standing up, she smoothed the torn skirt of her dress. "Can't you see? She tripped me on purpose." Both men turned their gazes to Luna. Luna lowered her head, tears falling. "I didn't mean to..." Cynthia saw how Patrick and Jasper softened immediately. What else could she say? Those who are favored always have the upper hand. Without another word, she turned and walked away. Outside the hotel, as Cynthia was about to get into a car, Jasper caught up with her, stopping her in her tracks. He tried to explain, "Cynthia, don't be mad. I actually still like you. I only helped Luna because she looked pitiful." "Forget it. I can't afford your kind of affection." With that, Cynthia pushed Jasper away, got into the car, and told the driver to leave. By the time she returned to the Miller family residence, it was already 10:30 at night. As soon as she entered her room, her biological mother, Linda, called. On the other end of the line, Linda's voice was cautious and nervous. "Cynthia, how's the preparation for your trip to New York coming along?" "It's ready," Cynthia replied, pausing before asking, "How's your health?" Linda hadn't expected her daughter to show concern. Surprised and delighted, she hesitated before sadness crept into her voice. "The illness is progressing quickly. The doctor says I have at most a year left." Cynthia exhaled softly, her breath cool. "I understand. Listen to the doctor and take care of yourself. I'll be in New York in five days to stay with you." After hanging up, Cynthia stared at her phone in a daze for a long time. Then her agent called. "Cynthia, your contract termination papers are ready. You can release the statement and leave the company whenever you want."