Chapter 304 Supporting Her
Arabella saw Celestia's face turn pale white, looking completely scared out of her wits, and quickly stepped forward.
"Benjamin, Celestia was just talking nonsense, don't take it to heart!"
"Nonsense?" Finnley raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but sneer, "I think she sounded pretty confident and serious about it. Didn't seem like nonsense to me."
Arabella didn't expect Benjamin to embarrass her like this in front of everyone. Her smile froze for a moment.
"Benjamin, we're all family here. Why are you being so aggressive?"
Finnley clicked his tongue quietly, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes. "Family? Because we're family, you can all call my wife unlucky, but I can't stand up for her? Being family with you all... what a loss."
Arabella hurriedly explained, "That's not what we meant, Benjamin, don't get the wrong idea!"
Celestia stood up from the steps, glared at Sophia with resentment, and said arrogantly, "Benjamin, I'm your sister. Do you really need to question me like this over an outsider? So what if I said that? Isn't it the truth?"
Arabella's face changed, and she quickly covered Celestia's mouth to stop her from saying more.
This idiot Celestia—it's one thing to say such things privately, but she dared to say it in front of Benjamin.
Did she think they were living too comfortably at the White Manor?
Finnley's expression darkened immediately, his eyes narrowing slightly with a bloodthirsty glint.
"Sister? You can stop being one anytime."
As soon as he said this, everyone gasped.
No matter how much trouble Celestia caused before, Benjamin had always left them with some dignity.
Today he was actually going to kick Celestia out in front of everyone?
This showed just how angry he was.
When Arabella met those cold eyes, her heart jumped. "Benjamin, what do you mean by that?"
"Exactly what I said. As long as I'm the head of the White family, Sophia is the lady of the White family. If you dare disrespect her, you'll face the consequences." Finnley reached out his long arm and pulled Sophia close to him, holding her tight.
He made it clear he would protect Sophia no matter what.
Arabella's eyes darted around, and she quickly pulled Celestia forward. "Quick, apologize to Sophia!"
"Mom! You want me to apologize to that little bitch..."
Seeing Celestia still cursing at Sophia, Arabella quickly snapped, "Shut up and apologize!"
Sophia didn't even glance at Celestia and Arabella. All her attention was on Finnley.
After two years apart, he still protected her just like before, as if nothing had changed.
Just having him by her side somehow made her feel safe.
Celestia reluctantly lowered her head. "I'm sorry."
Though she said the words, she felt utterly humiliated inside.
Why?
Why should she apologize to that bitch Sophia?
And Benjamin—she was the one who was part of the White family, so why would he rather side with an outsider?
She wasn't willing to accept this!
Finnley caught all her emotions, feeling more sympathy for Sophia.
Just as Celestia said, after that accident two years ago, Sophia lost her husband and became an outsider in this house that anyone could bully.
How much had she suffered these past two years?
His hand on Sophia's shoulder tightened, and a complicated feeling rose in his heart.
He asked quietly, "How many times has she cursed at you in the past two years?"
"What?" Sophia looked up, confused.
Finnley asked patiently, "Situations like just now—how many times have they happened in the past two years?"
Sophia had always had a good memory. After thinking briefly, she quickly came to a conclusion. "26 times."
Everyone in the living room was shocked, especially Preston and Cillian.
After his surprise, Cillian felt a pang of guilt. "Benjamin, I'm sorry. I didn't take good care of Sophia."
"It's my fault. After you left, I felt like the sky had fallen. I just stopped managing household matters and let Sophia suffer."
Preston had been bedridden for the past two years, and most household affairs were handled by Finn.
He had no idea that Sophia had suffered so much without his knowledge.
"Mr. Preston White, please don't say that. If anyone's to blame, it's me. I didn't take good care of Mrs. Sophia White." Finn bowed apologetically to Sophia with sincere regret.
Sophia quickly helped him up and waved her hand dismissively. "It's not your fault. It's all in the past."
Although she'd been provoked so many times, Celestia had never gotten the better of her.
In short, she hadn't really suffered any losses.
However, Finnley didn't see it that way.
He said firmly, "Finn, dock 26 months of her allowance and cancel all her cards."
Finnley's words hit like thunder, striking Celestia hard.
She felt like she'd been struck by lightning, her legs going weak, almost collapsing to the ground again.
Cancel all her cards?
How could this be?
She'd just spotted a diamond necklace a few days ago and was planning to ask Preston for money to buy it.
She walked up to Benjamin and pleaded quietly, "Benjamin, I'll never do it again. Please forgive me, okay?"
Without her bank cards, how could she buy her favorite jewelry and handbags?
"I'm settling old accounts. If it happens again, pack your things and leave."
In his view, rather than hearing a meaningless apology, it was better to make her lose what she cared about most.
Next time she thought about disrespecting Sophia, she'd better think carefully about whether she could handle the consequences.
Celestia's body staggered, and Arabella had to support her to keep her from falling.
Tears immediately streamed down her face as she turned to Arabella for help.
Arabella panicked too, not expecting Benjamin to be even more ruthless and cold than before.
She looked at Preston, hoping he'd say something fair.
But Preston not only didn't speak up for them, he actually nodded approvingly.
"Benjamin did the right thing. Celestia has been spoiled by Arabella and needs to be taught a lesson."
Arabella and Celestia were completely disappointed. She lowered her head without speaking, but her resentment toward Preston deepened.
Before, Preston had favored Magnus, and later gave him the company inheritance rights.
When Magnus gave up his position, Preston would rather let the young Benjamin manage the company than give her husband any chance.
When Benjamin finally died, she thought their opportunity had come at last.
But unexpectedly, Preston handed the company directly to Alaric.
Even favoritism should have limits, right?
Preston ignored Arabella and Celestia and walked toward the dining room with his cane. "Lunch is ready, let's eat."
The group followed Preston.
Sophia led Finnley to his usual seat and asked the servants to bring his usual tableware.
After the servants left, Finnley leaned close to Sophia's ear and asked, "Mrs. White, how did I do just now?"