This Time, I Reject Him!

Chapter 8 Stunning Everyone

At Gloria's apartment...

"What?!" Gloria sat up abruptly. "What do you mean you're not their daughter?"

She had been waiting on the couch for Cynthia to return ever since she got her call.

Cynthia didn't know where to start or how to explain it, but she needed to talk to someone, or she would lose her mind. In this world, Gloria was the only one who could understand and support her.

"Well... I'm probably not Yolanda and Thomas' daughter."

Gloria, who had been dozing off, was now fully awake. She moved closer to Cynthia and patted her back, asking, "Are you sure? Did you do a DNA test?"

Cynthia shook her head. "No, but it's almost certain."

She recounted what had happened at the hospital that day.

There was no time to ask more questions at that moment, and she doubted Yolanda and Thomas would kindly provide any answers anyway.

She planned to wait until Jerold recovered before asking him what happened back then.

Gloria hugged Cynthia and comforted her softly. "It's okay. You have me! I'll always support you! Besides, your parents have always treated you poorly. Whether they're your parents or not makes no difference. I used to wonder why they favored Rebecca so much. Now I know."

Gloria paused and asked, "Have you thought about what you're going to do next?"

Cynthia sat up and looked at Gloria seriously. "Yes, I have! I don't wanna be the only one enduring suffering. I want them to suffer! I will make them pay for all the pain they've caused me!"

Gloria's mouth dropped open in surprise. After a moment, she excitedly exclaimed, "That's the spirit! Cynthia, you're finally coming to life! Do you know how angry I was seeing you always being so meek and bullied? How do you plan to get your revenge? I'll support you no matter what!"

"I will take away everything they care about most!"

Two days later, at Barlow Manor...

Gloria, the sole heir of the Barlow family from this generation, had just returned from studying abroad. The Barlow family was hosting a grand welcome party for her, inviting all of New York's high society.

Apart from welcoming her back, there was also an intention to find suitable matches for the young attendees.

In Gloria's room at Barlow Manor...

Cynthia stood in front of a massive mirror, feeling a bit uneasy. "Gloria, isn't this dress too extravagant? Aren't you afraid I'll steal your thunder?"

Gloria smiled playfully. "Extravagant is good! I want you to steal my thunder. The more stunning you are, the better! Everyone will see you're a gem they failed to appreciate!"

She picked up a set of exquisite jewelry and started adorning Cynthia with it. With millions worth of jewels on her, Cynthia looked even more dazzling and radiant!

"Chin up and shoulders back. Be confident! Remember what you said before!" Cynthia obediently complied.

Gloria, satisfied with her handiwork, took Cynthia by the hand and led her out.

Under the night sky, the Barlow Manor's ballroom was brilliantly lit, with guests already gathered. The party began.

After William Barlow's opening speech, accompanied by the melodious sound of a piano, Gloria and Cynthia made a graceful entrance.

Everyone turned to look at the two girls descending the stairs. One wore a white knee-length dress, cute and playful. The other was in a golden, shimmering gown adorned with expensive jewelry, her slightly curled hair pinned up elegantly.

For a moment, the guests couldn't tell who the star of the night was.

Gloria cheerfully approached the microphone to thank everyone, while Cynthia stood beside her with a slight smile, basking in the admiring glances from all directions.

As the eldest daughter of the Johnson couple, Cynthia had never been taken to social events by Yolanda and Thomas. Her marriage to Andrew was kept secret, and she had never publicly appeared as his wife. Therefore, hardly anyone in New York's high society knew her.

Among the crowd, Rebecca was so furious she could almost grind her teeth to dust. She recognized Cynthia the moment she appeared.

After that drama at the hospital two days ago, Cynthia had disappeared. Rebecca heard that Cynthia had moved out of Andrew's villa and thought she had finally won. She never expected to see a dazzling, seemingly reborn Cynthia here tonight!

She glanced at Andrew and, sure enough, his eyes were fixed on Cynthia with an unreadable expression.

Rebecca, anxious, quickly took out her phone to call Yolanda.

On stage, Gloria finished her speech, and the lights dimmed as the ball began.

Gloria pulled Cynthia off the stage and whispered in her ear, "Good luck tonight!" Then she slipped into the crowd, leaving Cynthia alone.

Seeing Cynthia by herself, several gentlemen approached to invite her to dance. Cynthia, feeling awkward, stepped back repeatedly. She had never faced such a situation and didn't know what to do.

"May I have this dance, beautiful lady?"

A familiar male voice reached her ears. Turning around, Cynthia saw Wayne's face, adorned with a roguish grin.

Seeing someone familiar, Cynthia felt relieved. She gently placed her hand in Wayne's and accepted his invitation.

Amid the envious stares of the surrounding men, Wayne triumphantly led Cynthia into the dance floor, where they started to dance gracefully.

In a corner of the ballroom, Andrew stood with a drink in hand, exuding an aura that warned others to stay away. His cold gaze was fixed on Cynthia and Wayne dancing.

In just a few days, the same scene was happening again.

"Well, who do we have here? Why do you look so familiar?"

A cheerful, mocking female voice interrupted his thoughts.

Andrew turned and saw that it was Gloria, the star of the party.

"So, it's Thia's ex-husband. Why are you here drinking alone? Why not go dancing? Look how happy Thia is over there!"

Gloria pointed in Cynthia's direction, almost gleefully.

Andrew remained expressionless. "You're very generous, letting someone else steal the spotlight at your party!"

"Of course! Thia is my best friend! Can't you see how popular she is tonight? You thought she couldn't live without you, didn't you?" Gloria tossed her head and walked away.

Andrew nodded, maintaining his gentlemanly composure, but his grip on the glass tightened until his knuckles turned white!

What had happened to Cynthia? Why had she gone from being meek and timid to seeking the spotlight?

This wasn't like her at all!