Chapter 263

Sebastian's car had barely disappeared around the corner when another sleek black vehicle pulled into the same spot.

Benjamin practically leaped out before the car fully stopped, rushing toward the imposing figure in a charcoal-gray suit. "Samuel! Is everything okay?" he asked breathlessly. "Did you find Grandfather?"

The man was none other than Samuel Rivers, Benjamin's older brother.

Having just convinced their grandfather to return home, Samuel turned at the sound of his brother's panting. He ignored the question. "Where were you?"

Normally brash and arrogant like any spoiled heir, Benjamin transformed into a meek mouse around Samuel. His shoulders hunched defensively.

"Samuel, I... I was at Silver Moon Estate..."

Samuel's expression darkened. "School starts next week. Shouldn't you be studying? This is your third senior year. Determined to keep your 'Campus Prince' title forever?"

Benjamin flushed. The nickname stung.

Sure, being voted most handsome by the student body was flattering—the first time. But failing university entrance exams twice had turned the title into a humiliating joke.

"This time is different! There was a special occasion today—"

Samuel cut him off with a derisive snort. "Every day is a special occasion in your world."

Benjamin's eyes widened earnestly. "I'm serious! Amelia's back! Nathaniel decorated the entire estate with pink tulips—it was like something out of a fairy tale! I had to see her happy moment!"

"Amelia's back?" Samuel stiffened.

His sharp eyes narrowed. Something wasn't right. "Nathaniel is married now. Why would she return?"

Instantly defensive of his sister, Benjamin lifted his chin. "That marriage is just for his grandfather's sake. You know he doesn't love that woman. Amelia nearly died last time we kept them apart!"

Samuel's jaw tightened. He rubbed his temple. Family drama was exhausting.

Just then, a black-suited subordinate approached. "Sir, what should we do about the influencer?"

"Influencer?" Samuel glanced at his buzzing phone, scanning the latest headlines. His expression remained impassive. "Blacklist her. Ensure she never 'influences' anyone again. Make her—and that illegally parked car—disappear from this city."

The man nodded sharply. "Understood."

Moments later, another subordinate returned—the one who'd chased after Evelyn. He held out the rejected check. "Sir, the young lady refused the compensation and left."

Samuel paused mid-text. His lips quirked in genuine surprise. "Integrity. Impressive."

Oliver Kingsley, the team leader, cleared his throat awkwardly. "Actually... I believe she implied the amount was... insufficient."

Samuel studied the check in Oliver's hand, recalling Evelyn's proud posture. If money was her goal, she wouldn't have walked away so easily. Some people still valued dignity over wealth.

Benjamin peered at the check and whistled. "Who turns down 750K? If she doesn't want it, I'll take it!" His hand darted out greedily.

Faster than a striking viper, Samuel snatched the check and shredded it. "You forfeited access to family funds when you failed your exams. Now, home. Study."

"...Yes, Samuel."

Benjamin's head drooped so low his chin nearly touched his chest. All his tears had dried up long ago.