Chapter 69
The beef she had eaten since childhood tasted bitter in Evelyn's mouth at this moment.
She never imagined that one day her own father would think of her as cruel.
Just because she liked Matthew, she would go after Sophia?
If Timothy thought this way, there must be even more people outside who thought the same, right?
She slowly swallowed the food in her mouth before looking up at Hannah, who seemed somewhat uneasy beside her.
"Mom, do you think the same way?"
Evelyn's expression was calm as she asked coolly, as if this matter did not affect her at all.
"I..."
Hannah's throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton, her voice muffled when she spoke.
But thinking of the lifeless Matthew, she still made her choice.
"Evelyn, I know you feel resentful, but feelings are something that can't be forced in this world."
"Now that Matthew has lost his love, stop fighting with him. Just leave the company to him."
After a pause, she added: "This wasn't Matthew's idea - your father and I want to make it up to him."
"Matthew has been troubled since his family had problems when he was young."
"Now that such a big thing has happened, he's already very upset. Just give in to him."
As Hannah spoke, her eyes reddened.
How could she not feel for a child she had raised by her side?
Besides, from the looks of the whole thing, it only proved that Sophia had once schemed against Evelyn. Matthew had just been confused by his feelings and hadn't done anything he shouldn't have.
If Evelyn kept fighting, it would only make Hannah and Timothy more disappointed.
Even if they compromised in the end because they favored her, they would feel even more guilty toward Matthew in their hearts.
She took a deep breath and put on a smile.
"I accept whatever you decide. But the project with the White Group - I pushed for it, and I want to keep working on it."
It was a reasonable request, and Timothy didn't object.
Hannah didn't want to damage her relationship with Evelyn, so she served her a bowl of soup.
"Bone broth that's been simmering for hours. Drink more, it's nutritious."
Was it specially made for Matthew?
She didn't want to be so sensitive - in her past life, Hannah and Timothy had given everything for her.
But today, a small demon grew in her heart, spreading a layer of resentment through her.
"If you don't want to drink it, then don't."
The sudden voice brought different expressions to the faces of everyone in the dining room.
Evelyn looked up to see Benjamin striding toward her.
Benjamin's hand naturally fell on top of her head, gently stroking it soothingly.
She didn't know when it started, but whenever he appeared, he made her feel safe.
The hurt she had tried so hard to suppress came flooding out all at once, impossible to hold back.
"Why are you here?" Her voice broke with tears as soon as she spoke.
The already strange atmosphere in the dining room became even more awkward.
Benjamin's expression remained unchanged: "To take you home."
He naturally stroked her head, his tone calm and steady.
"Timothy, Hannah, it's getting late. I'll take Evelyn home now."
His manner was polite, but he had no intention of asking anyone's permission.
He bent down and scooped Evelyn up from the dining table, nodded slightly to Timothy and Hannah, and strode out carrying Evelyn.
Hannah wanted to stop them, but Timothy held her back.
After they left, Hannah couldn't hold back: "What's this about? She's not even married to Benjamin yet, and you're letting him take her away."
"What do you think of Benjamin?"
Timothy didn't answer but asked instead, his eyes still looking in the direction they had left, even though Benjamin and Evelyn were long gone from view.
She paused, not understanding what he meant, but still answered.
"Very good. Both his family and he personally are top-notch."
"Most importantly, he truly cares for Evelyn."
At this point, a smile appeared on her face: "If they could get married soon, I'd be relieved. Benjamin won't let anyone bully her."
"But how long can his kindness to her last?"
Timothy sighed softly. "I still hope she can get along with Matthew. After we're gone, family support is more reliable."
Evelyn leaned against Benjamin's shoulder, breathing in his familiar scent, her eyes reddening pathetically.
He looked down at Evelyn, quiet and curled up in his arms.
Evelyn was a small bundle, very quiet, her exposed pale face giving off a soft, vulnerable feeling.
But he could clearly feel her tears falling.
"Feeling hurt?"
Her arm around his neck tightened, and she nuzzled his neck.
She said nothing, yet seemed to say everything.
Benjamin looked at the well-behaved Evelyn, who trusted him completely, and kissed the top of her head.
"Why are you unhappy?"
"My parents think that now that Sophia is dead, the past should be forgotten."
Evelyn buried herself deeper in his arms, her voice muffled: "They also think Matthew is innocent, that he's been hurt now, and I shouldn't keep going after him."
Matthew.
When she mentioned Matthew, Benjamin instinctively disliked it.
His eyes narrowed slightly, but his steps remained steady.
"Have you been going after him?"
"Of course not. The company is the Thomas family's business - why shouldn't I fight for it?"
As she said this, she lacked confidence.
Before, she was the one who convinced her family to groom Matthew as the heir.
Now that everything was about to fall into place, she was starting to object. No matter how you looked at it, it made her seem greedy.
If her family thought this way, who could guarantee what Benjamin thought?
Evelyn's mood dropped even lower.
"Of course you can fight for it."
Benjamin's deep voice sounded above her head: "What you want should be yours."
Benjamin's words seemed casual, but if you thought carefully, you could understand the arrogance in them.
"Then I want the White Group, too. Is that okay?"
"Of course."
Benjamin answered almost without thinking, as if it couldn't stand up to scrutiny, yet also seemed to declare that everything he owned would be hers.
She sneaked a glance at him, then buried her face in his neck again, her long lashes lightly brushing his skin.
His throat moved slightly, his voice becoming a bit hoarse.
"Whatever you want, I can help you get it."
"You say such nice things, but when something happens, you'll probably be the first one I can't count on."
Not only was Benjamin not angry, he actually laughed softly: "So unhappy - want me to deal with them for you?"
"Deal with who?"
Evelyn, who had been still just a moment ago, suddenly lifted her head with a fierce expression: "Those are my parents. Try touching them and see what happens!"
His expression didn't change. He carried her into the car, his large hand stroking her back rhythmically.
"Aren't you upset they're not on your side? I'll help you make it so they can only choose you."
"If necessary, making Matthew disappear isn't impossible either."
Benjamin had been annoyed with Matthew for a long time anyway. Having such a legitimate opportunity to get back at Matthew couldn't be better.