Chapter 348

Benjamin's fingers trembled as he yanked the phone from the drawer. In one fluid motion, he connected the cable to Evelyn's device and plugged the other end into Samuel's computer, his thumb drive already inserted. His movements were quick, desperate—until the file transfer was just about to begin.

A cold voice sliced through the tension.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Benjamin froze. Slowly, he lifted his gaze to meet Samuel's piercing stare.

"I—I was just looking something up," he stammered.

Samuel's eyes narrowed. "On my computer?"

Benjamin swallowed hard. "I—I forgot something earlier, and I didn’t want to lose my train of thought, so I thought—"

As he spoke, his fingers twitched, subtly disconnecting the cable and slipping the phone into his pocket.

Samuel didn’t miss it. He stepped forward, palm outstretched.

"Hand it over."

Benjamin feigned ignorance, eyes darting. "Hand what over?"

"Don’t play dumb," Samuel snapped. "Is this what you’ve been focusing on instead of your studies? Perfecting your lies?"

The mention of his neglected responsibilities made Benjamin flinch. Defeated, he pulled the phone from his pocket and surrendered it.

"Samuel, I’m sorry. I took it, but I just wanted to—"

Samuel held the phone up between them. "I don’t care what you wanted. Posting that video to slander someone who once helped our grandfather—that’s unforgivable."

Benjamin’s face paled. "What? I didn’t post anything!"

Samuel scoffed. "You really thought blurring Grandfather’s face was enough? I only testified against Evelyn because I believed she hurt Amelia. But the police cleared her. And you still went after her? Do you want the world calling the Rivers family traitors?"

"Samuel, I swear it wasn’t me!" Benjamin insisted, voice cracking.

Samuel hesitated. Benjamin’s conviction made him second-guess.

Then, a soft voice interrupted.

"Samuel? Benjamin? What’s going on?"

Amelia stood in the doorway, her pajamas rumpled, concern etched across her face.

Relief flooded Benjamin. She’d believe him.

"Amelia!" He rushed to her side. "Samuel’s accusing me of something I didn’t do! He thinks I posted that video of Evelyn!"

Amelia frowned, placing a calming hand on his shoulder before turning to Samuel. "You shouldn’t accuse him without proof."

At that moment, Oliver stepped in, his expression grim.

"Sir, we found the editing software, the original video file, and the login history for the VeeTube account on Benjamin’s computer."

Benjamin’s blood ran cold.

His computer?

That was impossible.

Samuel had set a trap—and he’d walked right into it.

But how?

His mind reeled.

This wasn’t just a mistake.

This was a setup.