The call was from Rex. "Have you been busy recently, Aunt Victoria?"His voice sounded low and depressed. It was as if he was worried that Victoria would say that she was busy. He then hurriedly continued before she could even answer."I accidentally overheard Great-grandpa and Granduncle Abraham's conversation. Tim, Steve, and my uncle were caught by a group of atrocious drug dealers."Those people are cunning and their demands are crazy. They said they'd kill my brother and the others otherwise. It'll be hard to rescue them. I know I shouldn't ask you for this, Aunt Victoria, but I …"Rex was choking on emotions at the end of his words.Victoria's sleepiness had evaporated suddenly. She looked solemn. "Are you sure? Don't be too anxious. Let me call Uncle Abraham and ask about the situation."Benjamin noticed something was not right. He then asked, "What happened?""It seemed like Rex and the others were caught. It should be those people whom Uncle Abraham had mentioned before
Ethan looked at Victoria. His brows furrowed as he thought about it.He drummed his fingers on the table. "There are people from the Summers family among the hostages right, Vicky? You're digging my grave for me!"Yves looked at Victoria. "People from the Summers family? Who are they?"Yves mimicked the way Ethan had acted and thought about it seriously.But he couldn't understand it after thinking for a good while."How can you tell it was related to the Summers family?"Why couldn't Yves figure that out himself?Victoria ignored Yves and answered Ethan, "It was indeed someone from the Summers family. What, do you think they are undeserving?""The Summers family is Benjamin's maternal family. They're also his backing. Aren't you worried?""Worried about what?""Worried that I'll join forces with those people and overthrow the entire Summers family!"Yves bit his tongue in shock and looked at Victoria.Victoria stared at Ethan. Her gaze was full of trust. "I trust that you
Ethan's expression changed out of shock. He looked at Victoria and was met with her cold and scrutinizing gaze."You'll need a certain amount for it to cause harm to the body, no matter what it is. You've only had it once, and it's from smoke inhalation."It wouldn't affect your fertility unless there was something wrong with your body in the first place."You … Didn't you do it with Vicky that night, Benjamin? Have you not thought about experiencing that sort of physical pleasure again?"Victoria pointed at Benjamin and said seriously, "Tell the truth.""I have. A normal person wouldn't be able to resist the pleasure brought by that thing. It was very addictive, but I'm not an ordinary person."Yves looked at the way Benjamin was reliving the memories. He was extremely curious."Tell us how it felt like, Ben. Did it bring ecstasy? It must be good stuff if you're even saying that."Do you still have some, Ethan? I'll try it!"The way Ethan looked at Yves was as if he was looki
Yves quickly ran as soon as he saw that the situation wasn't right.After Yves left, Victoria looked at Benjamin. She then called him in a honeyed tone, "Benjamin."Benjamin had a straight face. He was stubborn. "I'll disguise myself as Ethan's underling and go with him. You can help us from the outside."Victoria had also put away her cheeky smile. She firmly rejected him."No way! Do you think those people are stupid? Drug traffickers are all smart, and none of them are easy to fool."I'll still stand firm on my previous point. I'll sneak in with Ethan and you can help from the outside."You're powerful, smart, resourceful, and capable, Benjamin. You'd be able to handle it even if anything happens. This is the safest way to do it!"Victoria stared at Benjamin as she tried her best to persuade him."Are you hesitant because you're worried about my safety, or are you worried about me and Ethan?"Benjamin's lips were pursed. The atmosphere was beyond icy.It was the first time
Victoria listened to Isaac's blunt and incisive analysis at the side. She couldn't help but be in awe.With age came wisdom after all.Benjamin glanced at Victoria. He calmly answered Isaac, "Just get someone to investigate if you're worried."He then ended the call.Benjamin stared at Victoria. "Are you keeping something from me?"Victoria smiled like she was in a good mood. She denied, "What do I have to keep from you?"Even if there is, that means you're not supposed to know about this, and I also don't want you to know about it. You shouldn't be asking me about it further."Jamie had told Isaac that he had fallen in love and was considering marriage. It seemed like the fish was already on the hook now.Benjamin tactfully stopped asking."What about Ethan's account number? Has he sent it over yet?"Victoria glanced at her phone and passed it over to Benjamin."Copy and send it to me."Victoria then copied the account number and sent it to Benjamin."I'll give Quinton a
Looking worried, Victoria rested her chin on her hands.Yves tensed up upon seeing that. He asked nervously, "What is it?"Victoria's brows furrowed. She said with a solemn expression, "I'm just a little concerned about Benjamin."You saw how he was at the Harper manor. Going to the Lacus Triangle will be very dangerous. What if—"Yves blurted out, "Then don't go!""What about Timothy and the rest? Do you think Benjamin will just leave them high and dry?"Yves sighed. He looked stressed, too. Giving up on them was not an option. "But Ben will be worried if you go!""And I'll be worried if he goes."The topic was left hanging in the air.Another two hours passed. It was slightly over 10:00 pm when Quinton left the study. Yves saw him off personally.The moment they were out of Benjamin's sight, Yves put his arm around Quinton's shoulders. "What took you so long? What were you guys talking about?""We talked about work."Yves nudged him. "I don't believe you. Talking about wo
The day soon came when they were supposed to leave.After having dinner, Victoria signaled to Wendy. Then, she went out to contact Ethan.Wendy made a cup of coffee and respectfully served it to Benjamin, sitting in the living room. She smiled flatteringly. "Here, Benjamin. I've run out of money to spend on novels."Benjamin took the cup from her. Instead of drinking it, he placed it on the table.Seeing that, Wendy picked up the cup and offered it to Benjamin again. "I just made it. Care to try it?"Benjamin stared at her thoughtfully before standing up. "Come upstairs with me."Then, he looked at Yves. "You, too."Yves pulled himself together as he looked at Benjamin, feeling anxious and uneasy. He hummed in reply before following Benjamin up with Wendy.Wendy was still holding the cup of coffee. She looked at Yves inquiringly. He looked baffled, too.Yves didn't know what that was about, either. Somehow, he felt as though Benjamin had realized something.Benjamin looked at
Yves saw Victoria and the others off.When he returned, he saw Benjamin standing on the stairs with one hand on the railing. He could sense the frost emanating off Benjamin from a distance."Ben!" Yves looked up and called.He was dismayed. He did his best and gave Victoria her last chance. Why couldn't she just take it?Benjamin was emotionless. His gaze seemed able to pierce through anyone like an arrow.Yves was mentally prepared. He aptly comforted Benjamin, "Mrs. B is only worried about you. Your safety is her top priority, and she won't allow anything at all to happen to you. Hence her choice."That proves all the more that she loves you, right? I'd be moved to the core if a woman would care that much about me. If you were in her shoes, you would've definitely made the same decision!"Benjamin slowly walked down the stairs. "No, I wouldn't. I'd bring her wherever I go."I believe she can look after herself and that I can protect her. But she doesn't believe in me!""Stil