Chapter 157

Benjamin's mischievous smile greeted her as he regarded her intensely from the door. How did he know she was here? Had he been following her? The idea made Eleanor uneasy.

"How did you know where to find me?" she went ahead to demand.

"I just knew," Benjamin replied with a nonchalant shrug. "I'd taken a stroll in the woods and was on my way back to join the family for dinner when I decided to stop by the clinic."

Eleanor eyed him closely, suspecting there was more. "You were hoping to see Merit instead, were you not?"

She had always wondered about the nature of Merit and Benjamin's relationship. There was something about the way they interacted that left her feeling unsure. She had seen them too frequently. Was it really nothing like he had claimed or something more?

She knew she shouldn't be bothered by the dynamics of other people's relationship.

Benjamin's amused expression at Eleanor's question was characterized by a raised eyebrow, a slight grin, and a twinkle in his eye. "Your s