Chapter 106
Benjamin's cold gaze had already shifted over, and Freya's already flustered expression turned pitiful.
Matthew, who had appeared so gentlemanly just moments ago, let out a soft sigh, a hint of melancholy seeming to cross his features.
"Evelyn's marriage does need to be arranged, but..."
He paused, looking at Evelyn with a gentle gaze. "Marriage is a big deal. We must be careful."
"Don't worry, with me here, I'll make sure you marry the right man."
These were perfectly normal words for a brother to say to his sister, but considering the relationships between the four of them, the statement took on a deeper meaning.
Evelyn really didn't understand why Benjamin insisted on having dinner with Matthew.
Matthew clearly had bad intentions, and even before the meal had started, her good appetite was already fading.
"Thanks."
She spoke with a forced smile. "But there's no need. My marriage was settled long ago. Benjamin and I getting married is just a matter of time."
"It's just that Grandpa's situation is still unclear, so we have to delay it."
At this point, she found it hard to continue.
It was clearly a legitimate reason, but somehow the way Matthew looked at her made it seem like she was desperately making up excuses.
If she felt uncomfortable, what about Benjamin?
"Our marriage doesn't need Mr. Thomas's concern."
Benjamin took over the conversation. After ordering a few dishes, he spoke calmly.
"Make it a bit sweeter, she likes sweet flavors."
"Sir, you're really attentive to your girlfriend." The server was a young woman who said with a smile, "Don't worry, I'll tell the kitchen right away. These dishes will be as sweet as your relationship."
While those who didn't know the full story couldn't detect Matthew and Freya's passive-aggressive remarks, anyone with eyes could see Benjamin's attentive care for Evelyn.
All of Matthew's carefully calculated words were completely neutralized by the server's spontaneous comment.
Benjamin narrowed his eyes slightly. "Excellent service. I'll remember to give you a twenty percent tip."
Clearly, what they ordered today wasn't cheap, and twenty percent of the bill would be a substantial amount.
The smile on the server's face grew even brighter, and her steps were noticeably lighter as she went to the kitchen to arrange their order.
As smiles appeared on Benjamin and Evelyn's faces, the pleasure on Matthew and Freya's side naturally diminished considerably.
Evelyn's appetite, which had been fading moments ago, instantly returned.
Evelyn ate heartily while Benjamin served her food and peeled shrimp for her, putting on quite a display of affection.
Finally, full and satisfied, she ate cake with her eyes half-closed, in an excellent mood.
"Thank you for treating us, Mr. Thomas." Benjamin's voice was emotionless. "The tip I just promised will have to come out of Mr. Thomas's pocket."
For people like them, it doesn't matter who pays when they go out to eat.
But Matthew had originally wanted to drive a wedge between Benjamin and Evelyn, only to end up watching them eat their fill.
Matthew hadn't achieved his goal and still had to pay the tip for the sweet-talking server. How could he feel good about that?
Evelyn, in an even better mood, also thanked him along with Benjamin, her narrowed eyes looking exactly like a little fox.
Walking out of the restaurant, Evelyn hooked her arm through Benjamin's. "We're going to browse around elsewhere, so we won't keep you company."
Without giving them a chance to respond, she pulled Benjamin away, afraid they might follow.
Only after turning a corner did her pace slow down.
"They didn't follow us, did they?"
As Evelyn spoke, she looked back, pouting with dissatisfaction written all over her face. "No sense at all. Who wants to eat with them?"
"I thought you enjoyed the meal quite a bit."
Anyone could see that the restaurant's food really suited Evelyn's taste.
Even though she was about to perform and was watching her weight, she couldn't help but eat a few extra bites.
"That's because the chef's skills are good; it has nothing to do with Matthew!"
"Is that so?" He looked down at Evelyn, who was frowning in thought, and chuckled. "I thought it was my attentive care that gave you such a good appetite. Looks like I was being narcissistic."
As he spoke, he shook his head and sighed, looking quite regretful.
She immediately hugged his arm tighter. "It does matter, it does! With you by my side, I could eat an extra bowl of rice."
"Eye candy makes the meal better. Having such a handsome guy next to me naturally helps me eat more."
Her eager expression made the smile in Benjamin's eyes deepen even more.
Evelyn blinked her beautiful eyes, which held a hint of cunning.
He lacked security, so she would keep telling him how important he was to her.
On the day they arrived in Shadow City, Gregory arranged for everyone to have free time to rest and recover.
After Evelyn and Benjamin spent the afternoon browsing around, she returned to the hotel, took a shower, and flopped onto the bed.
Her calves were raised, swinging back and forth.
"What are you looking at?" He walked over, his hand naturally falling on her shoulder, patting gently.
She laughed and rolled to the side. "That tickles, don't pat me."
"So ticklish?"
"Women who are ticklish have someone who cares for them, didn't you know that?"
Evelyn smiled, her eyes incredibly bright.
"Tomorrow we have a rehearsal. Do you want to come watch?"
His brow furrowed slightly, his eyes showing a hint of embarrassment.
"I'm afraid I won't have time."
"What's wrong?"
The reason he came was to keep her company.
How could he have something to do after just one day with her?
"Do you have to go back tomorrow?"
"No," he rubbed her head. "Since I'm here, there are some things that need to be handled."
Hotel safety was very important, especially for women.
Even if Benjamin hadn't been there today, Evelyn wouldn't have panicked.
After all, she had the enormous Thomas family backing her up, but what about ordinary people?
Just looking at those playboys and the lobby manager, you could tell they knew each other and might even be in cahoots.
Thinking about the red-light district incident in Zephyria in her previous life, the resentment in Evelyn's heart grew stronger.
"They do need to be dealt with properly. Those bastards deserve to be taught a lesson. They need to learn the importance of character."
He smiled and pinched her cheek. "Don't worry, I'll get revenge for you."
"This isn't just about getting revenge for me, it's about establishing good corporate culture!"
Benjamin raised an eyebrow, seeming surprised she would say that.
Evelyn rolled back to his side and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Sure, you've already attracted countless employees to the White Group with just your face. But add excellent corporate culture to that, and wouldn't you be unbeatable?"
What Evelyn said was funny, but it hit the essence of corporate management.
If a company's internal culture has problems, how good can its external image be?
His chin gently rubbed against the top of her head.
"Why do I need to be that unbeatable?"
"To prove I have good taste."
"What do you mean?"
"Countless female employees enter the White Group because of your looks, then go crazy over your character. But then they discover..."
She smiled and raised her hand to wrap around his neck, her face full of pride.
"You already have a fiancée."
"Just thinking about it makes me happy. Such an excellent man is my fiancé."