Chapter 28
Evelyn looked at the photo in Matthew's hand, a hint of hesitation flickering in her eyes.
She didn't doubt Benjamin's feelings for her, but whether he would arrange things so she could only stay by his side - that was another matter.
Come to think of it, she had been in a car accident, but had only had a minor injury on her forehead.
Could it be...
"See it now? He's only using you; there's no real feeling."
Watching the changes in her expression, he suddenly grabbed her wrist: "I'm your real family. How could you distance yourself from me because of him?"
With all the possibilities flashing through her mind, she didn't pull her hand back right away.
But his words still disgusted Evelyn.
"Family?"
She let out a cold laugh, her eyes devoid of any amusement, instead filled with endless mockery.
"You clearly didn't like me before, yet you'd send me a few meaningless gifts now and then. You were just stringing me along, weren't you?"
"Your hot-and-cold act back then only made me look down on you. Now playing the family card just makes me sick."
Evelyn leaned in slightly, looking at the shocked expression on Matthew's face. Her voice became even softer, but each word cut deep.
"For Sophia's sake, you took so much that belonged to me, and you still expected me to like you? Impossible."
Benjamin stood in the distance, unable to hear their conversation, only able to see their somewhat intimate-looking posture.
"Mr. White, there must be some misunderstanding here."
Chase felt his back starting to sweat, his voice beginning to stutter.
Evelyn had said she would go see Preston while he explained things to Benjamin. How did she end up tangled up with Matthew again?
Benjamin gave them one long look, then turned and left without saying a word.
Chase opened his mouth to call out to Evelyn, but was stopped by one look from Benjamin, the threat in his eyes crystal clear.
To avoid getting fired, Chase could only give the oblivious Evelyn one resentful look before leaving.
Evelyn felt a chill run down her back. She turned to look, but found nothing.
"Evelyn," Matthew tightened his grip on her hand, "how can you think this way? We grew up together..."
"If I could choose, I wish my parents had never adopted you, never even met you."
She yanked her hand back, making no effort to hide the disgust in her eyes: "That simple, kind little boy from before has long since become a scheming jerk who only calculates his own interests."
Evelyn threw out these words, turned and left, with no intention of saying anything more.
But in Evelyn's mind flashed the image from the photo of Benjamin together with the drunk driver.
Could Benjamin have deliberately set this up to make her see Matthew's malicious nature?
His methods seemed a bit crude, not like something he would do.
Even if Benjamin really wanted to play tricks, shouldn't they be more sophisticated?
But this thought only flashed through Evelyn's mind briefly - she didn't dwell on it.
Even if Benjamin did do it, he was doing it to stop her from being a silly, lovesick fool.
The Thomas Villa.
"Evelyn, you're back..."
Hannah's smiling voice paused, suddenly tinged with alarm: "How did you get hurt?"
The Thomas family had been through enough troubles lately, so to prevent Timothy and Hannah from worrying, Benjamin hadn't told them about Evelyn's car accident.
"It's nothing, I just bumped myself a bit. No big deal."
Evelyn quickly walked over, sat on the sofa, and leaned on Hannah's shoulder: "But I really want to eat Mom's beef."
Evelyn's acting cute, combined with the bandage on her forehead, made Hannah both heartbroken and happy.
"Alright, I'll go make it for you right now." She patted Evelyn's hand and stood up, not forgetting to order Timothy around, "Stop looking at those financial reports and spend more time with Evelyn."
"Yes, ma'am."
Timothy answered with a smile.
Timothy and Hannah had been married for twenty-five years, yet their feelings for each other remained very deep.
"Dad, you and Mom really have such a great relationship. If by the time I reach your age, I can be as loving as you two, I'll be content."
Evelyn spoke with a hint of envy and a flattering attitude.
Timothy raised his eyebrows, the smile obvious in his eyes: "You will. My daughter is smart and kind; she'll definitely manage her own little family well. But..."
He paused, his expression becoming more serious.
"About the engagement with the White family, what are you really thinking?"
For the Thomas family, the most important thing was Evelyn's happiness.
Everything else came second.
Benjamin... Evelyn suddenly thought of his retreating figure today, feeling a sourness in her heart, along with some anxiety.
Chase should have explained everything clearly, right?
He would forgive her, wouldn't he?
Her distraction made Timothy's brow furrow slightly. He let out a silent sigh.
"Evelyn, tell me what you really think. If you really don't like Benjamin, we won't force you."
"Dad, you've never forced me. It was me being stupid before."
Thinking about all the things she'd done for Matthew before, she really felt incredibly foolish.
Just because Matthew had saved her from drowning when they were kids, she had to devote herself to him for life?
Timothy saw Evelyn's slightly reddened face and shook his head with a smile.
"Don't say that. There's nothing wrong with liking someone."
"Your mom and I firmly opposed you breaking off the engagement before because of Matthew's hot-and-cold attitude toward you."
"Now his attitude has changed, and the Thomas family saved his life."
"I believe if you're together, he'll treat you well."
How is that possible?
Thinking of Matthew's resentful eyes, Evelyn knew that an insurmountable gulf had long since formed between them.
Forget being together - even simple peaceful coexistence seemed impossible now.
"Dad, I won't be with him."
"Still lying to your dad?"
Meeting Timothy's teasing eyes, she didn't explain further.
Everyone around her thought she was deeply devoted to Matthew and wouldn't give up easily. Her explanations wouldn't have much effect.
Better to do something concrete instead.
"Dad, I want to work at the Thomas Group." She directly changed the subject, catching Timothy off guard.
Evelyn wrinkled her nose and immediately put on an aggrieved look.
"What, you don't want me at the company? Are you worried I'll do something harmful to the company?"
"Of course not. You're part of the Thomas family - how could you do such a thing? But don't you like design? The complicated management of a company might not suit you."
Meeting Timothy's eyes full of affection, she instead showed a dissatisfied expression.
"Are you doubting my abilities? I've been managing Belle & Chic all by myself. How can you say I can't manage a company? You're underestimating me!"
As a daughter-doting father, how could Timothy handle her saying this?
Just as he was about to cave, Hannah's voice rang out: "Dinner's ready!"
"Great." Timothy responded, looking at Evelyn with a smile, "Let's eat first. We can talk about work later."