Chapter 417

"I get it now, Amelia! You must've misheard Evelyn asking you to kneel, lost your balance, and fell. Then Samuel just happened to see that part and assumed Evelyn kicked you."

Amelia's jaw tightened. Is this fool really related to me? How can he side with her instead of me?

Evelyn arched a brow, surprised by Benjamin's sudden clarity. Well, looks like he finally grew a brain. After all these years of blindly defending Amelia, he's finally seeing the truth.

Amelia forced a dry laugh. "Yes, that must be it. I was feeling lightheaded from the cold... must've misheard."

She had always maintained her sweet, gentle facade. Even though she disagreed, she wouldn't dare argue openly.

With the misunderstanding cleared, Benjamin eagerly shoved the plate of chicken wings toward Evelyn.

"Here! Try my special sauce wings. They're a bit cold now, but trust me—you've never tasted anything like this."

Hungry, Evelyn didn’t hesitate. She grabbed one and took a bite.

"Wow. These are actually amazing."

Benjamin puffed up with pride. "Told you. No lies here."

Evelyn gave him an approving nod. "You weren’t exaggerating. Best barbecue in the city, hands down."

The praise made him flush, so he deflected by bragging more. "Obviously. My skills are legendary."

Amelia watched them, her smile brittle. The cozy scene made her blood boil. Why does it feel like I’m the intruder? He’s MY brother, not hers!

She stepped forward, sweetly asking, "Benjamin, can I have one too?"

Her hand reached out, a silent challenge to Evelyn—See? He’ll always choose me.

But Benjamin pulled the plate away.

Amelia’s face darkened instantly.

"You shouldn’t eat cold food, Amelia. You know it upsets your stomach."

For a second, she froze—then beamed. "You’re so thoughtful. But you should extend that care to Evelyn too. Cold food isn’t good for anyone."

Ha! See that, Evelyn? He doesn’t care about your stomach at all!

Benjamin coughed awkwardly. "Uh, don’t take it wrong, Evelyn. Amelia’s always had a weak stomach. For normal people, it’s fine."

To prove his point, he grabbed a wing and ate it.

Evelyn couldn’t care less. If he favored his sister, so what? That was natural.

"Then can I have the rest?" she asked.

Thrilled she liked them, Benjamin grinned. "Of course! Take them all."

Evelyn pulled the plate closer. "Great. You two can leave now."

Benjamin blinked. He didn’t want to go. Something about Evelyn felt... familiar. Like family.

He scrambled for an excuse to stay when he noticed something odd.

"Evelyn... why is there a towel around your neck?"