Honey, You're a Billionaire?

A hint of fierceness flickered in Jonathan's dark gaze. With a mocking laugh, he retorted, "A misunderstanding? Mr. Cyrus, perhaps you've never truly known the person sleeping beside you. Whether it's a misunderstanding or not, you'll have the chance to see for yourself."

Cyrus froze, wariness filling his eyes as he stared at Jonathan. "What... are you planning to do?"

Jonathan knew that until Cyrus truly saw Lizzie's true colors, he would continue to defend her blindly.

However, Jonathan wasn't in a hurry. He glanced at the others in the room-Elijah, Clover, and Miles. Even if Jonathan didn't act, it was clear that the Xanth family, especially Miles, would not let this slide.

The silence from Jonathan only deepened Cyrus' growing unease. His thoughts raced, and he tried to convince himself that the woman they had just seen on the surveillance footage couldn't be Lizzie. It had to be a mistake. After all, the Lizzie he knew was pure and innocent.

When they first met, she was still a university student-full of youthful energy, kindness, and innocence. Over the years, her elegance and grace blossomed, and she became just as refined as any elite woman in Regalia. More importantly, she had always been by his side throughout their years together. Even though she knew there was someone from his past he could never forget, she had continued to shower him with warmth and affection. "How could she possibly be the woman Jonathan accused her of being? How could she be anything like the person in that surveillance footage? No. It was a misunderstanding. It had to be," Cyrus mused. Later that night, after the group dispersed, Cyrus returned to the villa he shared with Lizzie, his mind still clouded with doubt.

"Cyrus. You're back? Where have you been today? I thought you were at home, but when I went to the art studio, you weren't there." Lizzie's sweet, melodious voice pulled him out of his thoughts. She was still wearing the dress she had worn to the banquet. Her gentle smile warmed his heart like it always did.

Her kind and gentle demeanor fortified Cyrus's resolve as she walked toward him. He dismissed Jonathan's suspicions and firmly believed that the woman before him was the real Lizzie.

"Cyrus? What's wrong? Why do you look so pale?" Lizzie inquired softly, her gentle touch upon his cheek reaffirming his conviction.

"Lizz..." Cyrus suddenly grasped Lizzie's wrist.

Just as he was about to question her about the rooftop incident, Jonathan's warning flashed in his mind.

"Mr. Cyrus, you can leave, but if Lizzie finds out about today's events, the consequences will be more severe than you can bear."

"Mr. Cyrus..." Cyrus thought. He couldn't even remember when Jonathan had stopped calling him "Dad". Now, Jonathan only addressed him as "Mr. Cyrus", and even that was only used when there was no way around it.

He couldn't help but wonder how their relationship had deteriorated so badly.

"Cyrus? What's wrong?" Lizzie asked again, her voice pulling him out of his thoughts.

This time, Cyrus completely snapped back to reality. He didn't know exactly what consequences Jonathan had been referring to, but he understood that not only Jonathan but also Miles and the powerful figures in the Xanth family were aligned against him on this matter. A shiver of fear ran through him, but he refused to acknowledge his cowardice. Instead, he silently scoffed.

He couldn't accept that the Lizzie he knew had a hidden side. Convinced that Jonathan was mistaken, Cyrus believed he would watch his son realize the error of his judgment.

He reckoned that Jonathan had always misunderstood Lizzie, who had once been his tutor, which likely contributed to his inability to accept their marriage.

Cyrus' expression softened as he squeezed Lizzie's hand. "I'm fine. I felt cooped up at home, so I went for a walk."

He didn't mention that Jonathan's men had taken him away, nor did he bring up anything about the rooftop.

Before Lizzie could ask more, Cyrus changed the subject. "Why are you home so early? Didn't Mom take you to the Xanth family banquet?"

A flicker of sadness flashed across Lizzie's eyes, but she quickly masked it.

"I brought the painting, but once I left it there, my help wasn't needed, so I came home."

Recalling Eleanor's cold attitude, Lizzie suppressed her irritation. For years, she had prioritized securing her husband's sympathy and affection, knowing they were her most powerful tools for maintaining control. FindNovel

Kon

"Indeed, his sympathy and affection are all ed..." she thought.

"Cyrus, there were so many people at the banquet, but only by your side do I feel truly happy," Lizzie said softly, resting her head against Cyrus' chest.

She could hear the steady beat of his heart, but she knew all too well that it wasn't her who occupied that space.

But even knowing this, Lizzie didn't mind. She had never wanted his heart. What she wanted was something entirely different.

Lowering her gaze, she wrapped her arms around his waist before looking up, her smile bright and radiant.

Cyrus found himself mesmerized by her beaming expression, reminiscent of its untainted purity from years ago. Instinctively, he held her shoulders, drawing her nearer. "Lizz, all these years with you have been wonderful. Today..." He paused as if holding back unspoken words.

Collecting himself, he swiftly

changed the subject. "Regarding the painting you gifted Mom, don't

worry. make it up to you. With net`

I

your birthday fast approaching I'm determined to give you a celebration like no other."

"Thank you, Cyrus. Your presence is all I need for a perfect birthday," Lizzie replied, her voice soft.

However, Cyrus' heart harbored

different thoughts. Perhaps it was his guilt for hiding that day's events from her or his determination to makedonathan see that he had misunderstood Lizzie all along.

Regardless, he decided to make this birthday a grand celebration like never before.

...

The Xanth family's banquet continued in full swing. Rose found herself encircled by smiling faces offering their warm congratulations.

Even some of Yara's socialite friends, who had previously mocked Rose behind her back, were now being encouraged by other madams to offer their apologies.

One madam admitted, "Ms. Shaffer, my daughter's friendship with Ms. Maize was only superficial. She can be easily influenced, so please forgive her if she ever offended you.

Another madam nodded in agreement. "Yes. My daughter is the same. She's not the best judge of friends. Honestly, a friend like you would be much better for her!"

As Rose stood amid the crowd, her gaze drifted past them before landing on Yara in the distance.

Yara's hands were clenched into fists, her face twisted with fury, and her eyes brimming with venomous resentment as she watched the scene unfold.

Rose smiled softly. "Don't worry. I don't hold grudges."

Sighs of relief filled the air as the madams and socialites relaxed.

Rose found the entire situation absurd. She was well aware that her newfound status had brought about these drastic changes.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

With connections to both the Xanth and Young families, it was clear that living a low-profile life would no longer be possible.