Chapter 117

Evelyn responded to Benjamin with forced pride. "That's none of your business."

Benjamin glared at her angrily. "Whatever! I don't have time for this anyway. Just wait—I'll make you pay for this!"

He stormed off as if late for something urgent.

Evelyn scanned the room for Cassandra but couldn't spot her. Cassandra and that middle-aged man had vanished from view. Her search proved futile.

Instead, she noticed several boys around Benjamin's age chasing after him.

"There he is! Heading toward the east wing!"

"Get him!"

"Stop running like a coward, Benjamin Rivers! Face us like a man!"

Benjamin bolted outside but got cornered in the hallway by his pursuers.

"What's wrong, Rivers? Too scared to admit you lost?"

Trapped, Benjamin squared his shoulders defiantly. "I didn't lose!"

"Then honor our bet!" The ringleader smirked, waving a signed document. "Black and white right here. You promised to transfer Silver Moon Estate to my family if you lost the game!"

Benjamin paled. "That's my family's property! I can't just—"

Zachary Montgomery of the Hoyts sneered. "Then why gamble with it? Thought you controlled everything in your family? Pathetic liar."

Benjamin's face flushed crimson. "You cheated! I never would've—"

"Excuses won't cut it." Zachary's smile turned cruel. "Since you're clearly powerless, I'll be generous. Kneel and bark like a dog. Do that, and I'll tear up this contract."

Benjamin's fists clenched. "You—"

"Choose. Either that, or I take this to your father. Let's see if the Rivers men keep their word."

"No!" Panic flashed across Benjamin's face. He couldn't let his family suffer for his mistake. "Fine! I'll—"

He inhaled sharply, shoulders slumping—then suddenly bristled like a cornered animal.

"In your dreams!"

His fist connected with Zachary's jaw. The taller boy slammed him against the wall. "You little—! Get him!"

A brutal punch to Benjamin's stomach sent him crumpling to the floor, clutching his abdomen in agony.

Zachary loomed over him, laughing. "Beg, and maybe I'll stop."

Gritting his teeth, Benjamin glared up through the pain. "Never!"

"Have it your way." Zachary nodded to his friends. "Again."

Benjamin's scream echoed down the hall.

Then—

"Enough." A calm female voice cut through the chaos.

The boys froze, turning toward the speaker.

A plainly dressed woman stood watching them.