Ch. Called Off the Wedding 22 Called Off the Wedding 22

Chapter 22 

During Cynthia’s hospital stay, Benedict and Giselle had grown bolder in their behavior.! 

Within just three days. Cynthia received a flood of anonymous messages from colleagues–some were even blunt enough to tell her outright that there was something inappropriate between Benedict and Giselle.& 

Anyone with common sense could see there was more than a strictly professional relationship between a newly hired assistant and the company’s CEO–yet Benedict seemed certain he could keep their affair under wraps. 

Other than sending her a single daily text updating her about his schedule, Benedict showed no concern for her at all. 

Perhaps she’d finally seen his true colors, because Cynthia found herself unable to care anymore. 

Her injuries werent serious, after three days in the hospital, once the pain eased, she checked herself out and went back to recover at her grandmother’s old cottage.8 

It was during this time that the wedding planner reached out to confirm a change in the photo that would be displayed at the ceremony. “Miss Tremaine, can you confirm you want to switch to this photo for the wedding display?” the message read. 

Cynthia had never requested a change, so she replied with a simple “78 

The response, came back immediately. 

Yesterday, our staff called Mr. Shepard to confirm some wedding details. The staff member said it was you who answered and requested the change. 

Cynthia understood at once. Giselle must have answered Benedict’s phone and made the switch herself.) 

Clearly, Benedict was willing to indulge Giselle in everything–even letting her answer his calls. 

When Cynthia didn’t respond for a while, the planner followed up, their tone cautious. 

“Miss Tremaine, should we proceed with the change?” 

Everyone agreed that Cynthia’s original choice was the best one; the replacement photo was a distant shot, her face barely visible.! “Go ahead and change it,” Cynthia replied at last. 8 

If Benedict was so intent on leaving traces of Giselle everywhere in the wedding, Cynthia had no problem giving him a wedding he’d never forget 

The planner tried to persuade her otherwise, but when Cynthia remained firm, they had no choice but to follow her instructions. They asked to meet in person to discuss other details, but Cynthia didn’t hesitate–she told them to just follow the original plan. The planner, not wanting to push their luck, quickly ended the call. 

Cynthia put away her phone and settled back onto the lawn chair in the garden, eyes closed, letting the last golden rays of sunset wash over her. For a moment, everything felt peaceful and still. 

She hadn’t expected Jenny Selwyn, owner of Giselle’s company, to show up at her door. 

Jenny stood at the gate holding a gift box, looking a little worn out. 

A flicker of surprise crossed Cynthia’s face as she got up to open the door. 

“Ms. Selwyn, what brings you here?” Cynthia stepped aside to invite her into the garden 

Jenny sighed, her voice tinged with frustration. “Miss Tremaine, Valmont Holdings is in real trouble now. I fired Giselle yesterday under some pretense, and that very night Mr. Shepard announced he was pulling his investment and halting the project.” 

“We’ve tried reaching out to him all day, even offered more favorable terms, but Mr. Shepard refuses to budge.” 

With the project already underway, Benedict’s sudden withdrawal would only fuel rumors and scame off other investors.!! 

Jenny was out of options–that’s why she’d come to Cynthia: 

After all, Cynthia had brokered the partnership between Valmont Holdings and VistaSphere Group; she understood just how much profit it could bring 

VistaSphere Group was her passion project–there was no way she’d let Benedict use company interests to get back at her, or to indulge Giselle.E 

Under Jenny’s anxious gaze. Cynthia spoke calmly but firmly. “Ms. Selwyn, rest assured–VistaSphere Group will not be backing out of this project 

Jenny looked doubtful. “Mr. Shepard’s already sent over the dissolution papers. He oven had Giselle deliver them herself.” 

The memory of Giselle strutting into her office, smug and self–satisfied, made Jenny’s jaw clench. 

Valmont Holdings had been a fixture in Cloudcrest City for over a decade; If not for recent financial trouble, Jenny would never have 

sought outside investment. And now, all to support his mistress, Benedict had sent a rookie to humiliate the owner of a well–established firm. It was a public declaration of wark 

Benedict really had changed. 

“Miss Tremaine Jenny hesitated, unsure what to expect 

Cynthia led her to a seat in the garden. TII handle this. The project will go on, I promise.” 

Relieved, Jenny finally relaxed, and soon launched into a string of tips for putting mistresses in their place. 

Cynthia just smiled faintly, saying nothing. 

It seemed everyone assumed she would never leave–Benedict included. Maybe that’s why he’d been so shameless lately. 

The next day, Cynthia headed to VistaSphere Group 

All along the way, employees looked at her with barely disguised pity. A few familiar faces greeted her, though their smiles were awkward. 

No one was more obvious than Frank, Benedict’s assistant. 

She stepped off the elevator just as Frank was waiting to get on, cool and collected–until he saw her. His expression turned panicked, and he stammered, “M–Miss Tremaine, what brings you here?” 

Cynthia took in his flustered face, her gaze sharp as she glanced toward Benedict’s office, her voice icy. 

“Did I come at a bad time?”