Oops My Toyboy Is A Hidden Tycoon
My Toyboy 174

Chapter 174

After Cynthia left, Jonathan stayed on the grass for what felt like ages. By the time Cynthia returned, the horizon was starting to glow with the approaching dawn. Sleep had long abandoned her. Instead of going into her tent, she perched on a large rock by the sea, gazing out at the vast, misty grayness. The waves lapped at her toes, their foamy touch tickling her feet before receding. The sea was as still as a pond, much like Cynthia's recent mood. But now, it seemed something had stirred up that calm surface.

"Men, so annoying," Cynthia muttered, raking a hand through her hair. Suddenly, she felt the rock shift as someone sat down next to her. She looked over to find Preston.

"Hey," she said, surprised. "Aren't you asleep yet?"

"Nah, I woke up and figured I'd take a walk," Preston replied. "What are you doing up?"

Cynthia kept her eyes on the endless sea. "Just waiting for the sun to rise," she said, her voice flat.

Preston nodded. "Mind if I join you?"

Cynthia frowned but didn't object. She'd decided to cut ties with Preston and Jonathan once the show was over. It wasn't time to end things up now.

"Preston, why do you like me?" Cynthia asked suddenly.

Preston seemed taken aback. It was the first time Cynthia had asked such a question and also the first time she recognized his feelings. "I guess I fell for you the moment I saw you, Cynthia," he said, a smile in his voice. "First sight? More like you were just taken with my looks," she teased.

Preston didn't argue. "Well, you are really beautiful," he admitted, his gaze bright.

Cynthia glanced at him, noting the sparkle in his eyes. She felt annoyed and then turned away, her tone carrying a hint of something more.

Cynthia said calmly, "Preston, you're young. You don't know real love yet. With your charm and energy, you'll find someone way better than me someday."

Preston grumbled, "Are you trying to give me the 'nice guy' speech?"

Cynthia chuckled. "No way. I've never even seen you as a man."

"I am an adult, you know. Maybe it's because I look too young, and you don't see me that way?" Preston said, unconvinced. "You can't judge by appearances."

With that, Preston moved closer to Cynthia, crouching down to meet her gaze. "Cynthia, Hike you. Give me a chance. If you don't go for the younger look, I can pull off more mature," he said, flexing his biceps for emphasis. Cynthia kicked him playfully. "Scram! I'm not into you, not even a little."

Caught off guard, Preston tumbled onto the sand. He dusted himself off, a little dejected, and plopped back down next to her. "Am I that awful?"

"You're not awful, just not my type," Cynthia replied.

"Then who is? Someone like my uncle?" Preston ventured.

1/3

+5

09:49 Sat,

Chapter 174

Cynthia turned to him, surprise written all over her face. She thought to herself, 'Did Preston figure it out?'

Preston seemed to read her mind. "Uncle Jonathan told me you two used to be together," he said, a hint of disappointment

in his voice.

Since the cat was out of the bag, Cynthia saw no point in hiding it. "Yeah, your uncle and I were together for three years, but we're history now."

"If you're single, why can't I chase you?" Preston asked.

Cynthia was firm. "Preston, I just don't feel that way about you."

Preston pressed on. "Haven't you noticed we look alike? I can change my hair, dress like him, and even act like him. If that bossy CEO vibe is what you're into, I can be just like Uncle Jonathan." Cynthia shook her head. "No matter how much you change, you're not him. You're just copying him."

Feeling a bit disheartened, Preston asked, "So, do you still have feelings for my uncle?"

"Yes," Cynthia said without hesitation. "I love him."

Preston was taken aback, recalling how he'd asked his uncle the same question the night before. Their answers were identical. Love was a whole different ball game from liking someone. Preston fell silent, gazing out at the vast ocean. His voice seemed to be deeper. "If you love him, why'd you break up?"

Cynthia was evasive. "Some things are none of a kid's business."

Of course, Cynthia couldn't say it involved too many people, even Whitney. Jonathan had said before that Preston was a kid living in the sunshine. Those dark, damp secrets were not for him to see. Frustrated, Preston stood up. "I'm going for a swim," he announced. As Cynthia pondered the conversation, Preston sprinted towards the water and dove in.

At first, she watched him swim, enjoying the view. But in the blink of an eye, he was gone.

Cynthia's heart skipped a beat, and she leaped to her feet. "Preston!" she called, racing towards the water.

But there was no sign of him. Her heart sank, then began to race. The sea may have looked calm, but no one had been in it yet. Undercurrents could be deadly, and if Preston got caught in one... Feeling her knees go weak, Cynthia charged into the sea, shouting Preston's name until the water lapped at her waist.

Suddenly, Preston's head popped up just a few yards away. "Cynthia, were you looking for me?" he asked.

Relief washed over Cynthia at the sight of him. Her heart started beating again. She let out a long breath, turned with a stern expression, and began trudging back to the shore.

Preston noticed Cynthia's distress and hurried after her. "Cynthia, don't be mad. I didn't mean to worry you."

Cynthia had just let out a string of worried shouts. Preston had heard them underwater but hadn't surfaced right away.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I found this huge, beautiful seashell and wanted to give it to you."

Cynthia glanced down to see Preston holding out a stunning seashell. Her heart softened a fraction, but she maintained her stern facade. "Do you have any idea how scared I was?" Preston looked apologetic, scratching his head. "I didn't mean to worry you. I know my way around the water. My uncle taught me how to snorkel."

2/3