Chapter 93 Massaging the Ankle
Benjamin's deep, icy voice suddenly cut through the silence.
"Hey, can you move?"
The woman immediately stood up, almost on instinct.
Benjamin leaned down and gently placed Sophia on the couch, then knelt on one knee, reaching out to hold her slender ankle.
This action drew quite a crowd and elicited several gasps.
Benjamin's features were sharp and refined, exuding an air of authority that made people hesitant to approach.
But now, seeing him kneeling, tender and affectionate, many women couldn't help but feel their hearts flutter.
Who said Benjamin was terminally ill?
That princess carry just now was the epitome of masculinity, wasn't it?
And the kneeling, it was just like a man proposing to the woman he loves.
How romantic!
Sophia was confused, her cheeks still flushed.
"What are you doing?"
"Hold still, let me check your ankle. Does it hurt?"
Benjamin held Sophia's ankle, his brow furrowed slightly.
He knew Sophia was thin, but he didn't expect her ankle to be so delicate and fragile, as if it might snap with just a bit of pressure.
Only then did Sophia realize there was a pain in her ankle.
She had worn about three-inch heels today.
Though that height might be nothing for many women, for Sophia, who barely ever wore heels, it was sweet torture.
Earlier, Hayden had yanked her forcefully, causing her to stumble and twist her ankle.
Sophia had been preoccupied with how to deal with Hayden's pestering and had subconsciously ignored the pain.
Benjamin had noticed it, though.
Seeing Benjamin kneeling, treating her ankle as if it were a precious treasure, Sophia felt her heart skip a beat.
Her heart began to race uncontrollably.
However, Hayden's mood was far from pleasant.
Being ignored repeatedly by Benjamin, he was starting to feel irritated.
He had only instinctively pulled Sophia to his side to have her prove her identity.
Who could have known she was so delicate, getting injured over such a small thing?
Hayden couldn't help but show a look of disdain.
"Does it still hurt?"
"No, not anymore."
Sophia answered obediently.
Seeing Sophia's smiling eyes and her face free of pain, Benjamin's heart finally settled.
He helped Sophia put her shoe back on and slowly stood up.
Under the lights, Benjamin's side profile was exquisitely deep, his demeanor cold and elegant.
Even such an action as massaging a woman's ankle was done with grace and nobility.
Many women present showed infatuated expressions.
Rumor had it that Benjamin was ruthless and violent, and anyone who crossed him met a grim end.
But who could have imagined that this cold, violent Benjamin would humble himself and show such extreme affection for a woman?
It seems rumors can't always be trusted!
Benjamin was completely unaware that his image in others' minds had undergone a dramatic change.
He turned and looked at Hayden.
"If I recall correctly, Sophia has no ties with your Brown family anymore, so why call her family?"
Benjamin's tall, imposing figure and sharp, penetrating gaze exuded an aura of dominance as he looked at Hayden.
Hayden swallowed nervously, unsure of how to respond.
In just thirty seconds, his forehead was already covered in cold sweat.
Benjamin's reputation for being cold and violent was well-deserved. His gentleness and affection were reserved solely for Sophia.
Hayden suddenly regretted provoking Benjamin. He was clearly a cold-blooded lone wolf.
"Mr. White, let me explain... it's all a misunderstanding."
"Oh? I'd love to hear what kind of misunderstanding would make our Sophia sever ties with your Brown family."
Benjamin's lips curled slightly, a hint of amusement in his deep eyes.
Facing Benjamin's icy gaze, Hayden's heart sank. What could he say? Should he publicly admit that he, Hayden, had tried to force his newly found biological daughter to marry into the White family for the sake of family benefits, causing her to sever their father-daughter relationship? No, he couldn't say that.
"It's just a child's tantrum, nothing worth mentioning," Hayden mumbled.
"Mr. Brown, if you can't handle it, don't play. If you don't want to ruin Isabella's engagement party, stay away from me." Sophia stood up from the couch, her gaze icy as she looked at Hayden.
"What's going on? Why is it so lively downstairs?"
Olivia had just changed into her gown and came downstairs, noticing the crowd. Today, Olivia was in a great mood because it was Isabella's engagement party. Isabella was someone she had watched grow up, showering her with all her love.
Seeing Hayden, Olivia quickly walked over.
"Hayden, there are so many important guests today. Why aren't you out there entertaining them? What are you doing here?"
Hayden's face was extremely unpleasant, a hint of bitterness in his eyes. Only then did Olivia notice Sophia and Benjamin. She frowned, a look of disgust flashing in her eyes.
"What are you doing here? I don't recall inviting you."
Olivia's tone was icy, her gaze towards Sophia filled with disdain, not at all like a biological mother. More like a sworn enemy. This realization made the surrounding guests frown, curious about what had happened within the Brown family.
Sophia's lips curved slightly as she gave Olivia a cold, distant smile.
"Of course, Isabella personally invited me. There's even a video online."
Mentioning the video online, Olivia's expression changed dramatically. She glared at Sophia angrily. "I haven't even settled accounts with you yet! Isabella is kind-hearted and always thinks of you, but what about you? You posted dirt about Isabella online, trying to ruin her reputation!"
At this, the surrounding guests were in an uproar.
What? Did they hear that right? Sophia posted the dirt online?
"Mrs. Brown, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't speak carelessly. Can you handle the consequences of slandering the White family?"
Benjamin instinctively stepped forward, blocking Olivia's cold, angry gaze from Sophia.
"Slander? If it weren't for her, Isabella wouldn't have suffered so much. The biggest regret of my life is giving birth to such a troublemaker!" Olivia grew angrier as she spoke.
Olivia's face, meticulously made up and well-maintained, now showed a few sinister lines, making her look particularly terrifying.
"You know the truth of the matter. Mrs. Brown, do you really think I have no temper?"