Chapter 121
"You got lucky, Benjamin!" Zachary stood up, yanking the betting contract from his pocket. He crushed it violently between his palms before hurling the crumpled paper at him.
Benjamin caught the projectile, smoothed it out to verify its contents, then shredded it without hesitation.
"You would've lost even without cheating. Why can't you just admit defeat? Want a rematch? If you lose this time, you'll call me 'papa'! Got the guts for that?"
"I don't have time for your childish games!" Zachary's face darkened as he turned away, signaling his entourage to follow in humiliated retreat.
For the first time in weeks, Benjamin stood tall.
Meanwhile, Evelyn lounged lazily on the sofa. Exiting the game interface, she opened her [Speed Demons] chat group and transferred a hefty bonus. [Nice carry. Enjoy the spoils.]
Sebastian's avatar pinged immediately. [You drag us into your mess, then try to pay us off like hired help?]
Evelyn typed back, [What do you want then?]
[You.] Sebastian attached a winking kiss emoji.
Another notification popped up - Alexander's mountain landscape profile. [Boss, it's been weeks since you last visited headquarters.]
[Seconded!] Sebastian chimed in.
Evelyn sighed. [I'll drop by this week. Behave yourselves.]
Tucking her phone away, she rose to leave.
"Evelyn, wait!" Benjamin called out.
She paused mid-step. "Yes, Mr. Rivers?"
He approached awkwardly, avoiding eye contact. "Ahem! Why help me after everything?"
"Consider it repayment for earlier." She shrugged.
Benjamin scoffed. "Please. Someone like you didn't need my help. You'd have destroyed them either way."
"Flattering." Evelyn's lips quirked. Her gaze lingered on his bruised face. "Curious though - why not call your security when getting beaten on home turf?"
His jaw tightened. "They'd report to my father and brother. I don't need their interference."
Evelyn patted his shoulder. "Pride has no place in survival. Next time, swallow your ego and call for backup."
Benjamin flinched away. "I don't need life lessons from you!"
"Suit yourself." She turned to leave.
"Hold on!" He blocked her path, chin raised. "After today... I'm willing to be friends. You're decent at gaming."
Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Friends? After I 'stole' Nathaniel from your sister?"
"That sham marriage?" Benjamin snorted. "I know the truth. Nathaniel would never betray Amelia."
"Oh?" Evelyn crossed her arms. "And why isn't he married to her then?"
"Family politics." His expression darkened. "But make no mistake - you're just a temporary obstacle. Nathaniel married you to appease his grandfather. Don't develop feelings unless you enjoy heartbreak. The only woman he'll ever truly marry is my sister."