Chapter 131: Are You Dismissing a Beggar?

Sophia's kiss could hardly be called sincere. It felt less significant than a mosquito bite.

Benjamin furrowed his brows, "What was that supposed to be?"

Was she dismissing a beggar?

Sophia tilted her chin up towards the ceiling, retorting convincingly, "You just asked me to kiss you, not how. I did kiss you, didn't I?"

Dissatisfied, Benjamin was not ready to let it go just yet.

He propped himself up on the bed with his uninjured left hand and slowly moved closer to her.

"Kiss me again."

Benjamin tried to entice Sophia, his voice intentionally low.

"Kiss here."

He lifted his long, slender index finger to his cool lips, clearly indicating the spot this time.

The deep, magnetic voice filled Sophia's ears as she sat by the headboard, her gaze clear.

She watched as Benjamin's handsome face drew closer, his tall nose nearly touching her petite, delicate one.

Since Sophia wouldn't initiate, Benjamin leaned in to press his lips against hers.

Sophia raised her hand to cover Benjamin's mouth and firmly pushed him away.

"Benjamin, if you go back on your word, I'm done caring for you."

They had an agreement. If she kissed him, he'd tend to his wounds.

If he wouldn't keep his word, she saw no reason to treat him too kindly.

Benjamin, feeling dejected, slowly withdrew and sat up straight.

She really was terrible.

She knew exactly what he wanted yet gave him only a fraction, just enough to tease him, making him crave more uncontrollably.

At that moment, his overwhelming desire was more agonizing than the bloody wound on his hand.

Benjamin cautiously observed Sophia.

To avoid her long hair irritating the wound on her neck, she had braided it and draped it over her slim left shoulder.

Her complexion was pale, her lips nearly as white. Perhaps it was the nervousness of being alone with him that made her occasionally purse her lips, bringing a slight blush to them.

She seemed tired and fragile as a ceramic doll that might shatter at the slightest touch.

She was so delicate and yet so stubborn. He couldn't bear to press her further.

Benjamin stood up like a loyal, obedient large dog, an invisible tail slowly wagging behind him.

"Sophia, I'll tend to my wound now."

Hearing this, Sophia finally looked up at him and replied, "Mm."

A light sparked in Benjamin's eyes, the invisible tail wagging more eagerly.

"Shall I come back to keep you company after I'm done?"

This time, Sophia didn't respond but turned to lie on her side.

She didn't need his company.

The tail drooped, and the smile on Benjamin's face faded.

As he stepped out of the main bedroom, he saw Laura and two maids waiting by the door.

With others, Benjamin was authoritative, carrying a cold, distinguished demeanor.

"Help her change her clothes, and be careful not to touch her wound."

His voice was low and cold, his command firm.

Laura nodded respectfully, "Sir, we'll take good care of Mrs. Taylor."

"Mm."

Benjamin nodded, his eyes lingering on the bedroom door for about ten seconds before he moved to tend his wound downstairs.

In the living room, Daniel stood by the window facing the little garden, talking on the phone.

The servants had already tidied up the mess, and the bodyguards were stationed at every entrance of Oakleaf Estates.

Gabriel, who had been waiting on the couch, breathed a sigh of relief seeing him descend.

"Mr. Taylor, let me take care of your wound!"

His hand needed attention, or it would only get worse.

Benjamin strode to Sophia's favorite sofa and sat down, handing his injured hand to Gabriel.

"No need for anesthesia. Just stitch it up."

"Aren't you afraid of pain?" Gabriel was surprised.

Benjamin frowned and glanced at Gabriel irritably.

Gabriel understood instantly.

Benjamin wasn't afraid of pain, except perhaps when Sophia was concerned.

Without further discussion, Gabriel focused on treating Benjamin's wound.

Daniel finished his call, approached Benjamin, and reported, "Mr. Taylor, I've handled most of today's issues. I'll have the lawyers secure a restraining order to keep Charlotte and Kimberly from approaching Mrs. Taylor."

"Where are they now?"

Benjamin leaned back lazily on the sofa, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

"We can't track them," Daniel reported truthfully.

Kimberly was a foreign noble with significant influence in Pinecrest. She had her ways of concealing her whereabouts.

Even with a restraining order, it might not much affect them.

"Look into it."

Benjamin's gaze darkened, cold as charcoal, his pupils filled with icy resolve.

"Use whatever means necessary to retrieve my mother-in-law's belongings!"