Chapter 160

Chapter 160

Benjamin had sharp eyes—he spotted the name on my screen instantly. His normally gentle gaze turned ice-cold in a heartbeat, a dangerous aura radiating from him.

"Who's Francis?" He stared at me, his voice freezing over.

I didn't hide anything. I told him the truth. "Grandpa's business partner in Europe, the young master of the Brooks family. He's trying to set us up. He helped cover for me today so I could shake off the bodyguards and come see you."

Benjamin's expression visibly darkened. He let out a cold laugh, his eyes filled with menace. "Set you up? Mr. White's playing quite the game."

He reached out and gripped my chin, forcing me to look at him. His gaze was frighteningly obsessive. "He likes you."

Not a question. A certainty.

"There's nothing between us." I stated immediately, meeting his eyes without flinching. "I made it crystal clear to him that I'm married. Today I just used him as an excuse to come see you. We're not even close to being friends."

Benjamin studied me, and the violence in his eyes finally lessened. He released my chin, his fingertips gently rubbing the red mark he'd left there. His tone softened. "I believe you."

He paused, something unreadable flickering in his dark eyes. "But I want to meet him."

I froze. "Meet him? Why? You're so weak right now, what if—"

"To meet my rival." Benjamin's lips curved into a cold smile, his tone carrying both teasing and unquestionable dominance. "Someone Mr. White has his eye on for you—I need to see him myself. Can't have anyone stealing my wife away."

I knew his possessiveness was kicking in. He might trust me, but he'd never allow anyone to covet what was his.

Seeing his determination, I could only give in.

I texted Francis back, arranging to meet at an outdoor café near the hotel.

Half an hour later, at a café on the streets of Suncrest City.

Early autumn sunlight filtered through plane tree leaves onto the table. Benjamin had changed into a black trench coat and sat by the window. His face was still pale, but the oppressive aura of someone long accustomed to power was unmistakable.

Francis arrived right on time. He wore a beige casual suit, his demeanor refined and gentle. When he saw Benjamin, something flickered in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

The two men sat facing each other. Their presences were utterly different, yet both carried hidden edges.

"Mr. Brooks. I've heard much about you." Benjamin leaned back in his chair, his gaze coldly assessing Francis. He made no move to shake hands.

"Hello." Francis settled into his seat gracefully, smiling at me. "Ms. White, won't you introduce us?"

"This is my husband, Benjamin Wilson." I moved to Benjamin's side and took his hand, making my position clear through action.

Francis's smile faltered for a moment before he nodded. "Mr. Wilson, a pleasure."

Benjamin gripped my hand tighter and turned to look at me, his tone suddenly gentle. "Ophelia, I'd like some black coffee from that shop on the corner. Would you go get me a cup?"

I paused. This café obviously had coffee. Why did he need me to go to the corner shop?

Looking into his deep eyes, I understood immediately. He wanted me out of the way.

"Okay." I didn't call him out on it. I picked up my bag and stood, unable to resist a warning. "Don't do anything crazy."

Benjamin chuckled softly. "Don't worry. Mr. Brooks and I are just going to chat."

I left the café and crossed the street. The streets of Suncrest City bustled with people, but my heart hung in midair. With Benjamin's obsessive personality, I genuinely worried he and Francis might clash.

I waited in line at the corner coffee shop for a black coffee, deliberately killing ten minutes before heading back.

I pushed open the café's glass door and hurried back to the table.

The atmosphere was surprisingly calm.

Benjamin still leaned back in his chair, his expression neutral. Francis held his coffee cup, an appropriate smile on his face.

They seemed to have finished their conversation.

"Coffee's here." I set the paper cup in front of Benjamin, carefully studying both men's expressions, trying to detect any clues.

"Thank you." Benjamin lifted the coffee and took a sip, then looked up at Francis, his tone unreadable. "Mr. Brooks, thank you for looking after my wife today. If you ever visit Harbor City, I'll be sure to show you proper hospitality."

Francis stood and straightened his suit jacket, his smile still refined. "You're too kind, Mr. Wilson. Ms. White is a very special person. It's my honor to help her. It's getting late—I should take her back now."

Benjamin didn't rise, only nodded slightly, his deep gaze falling on my face with reluctance and restraint.

I followed Francis out of the café.

On the early autumn streets of Suncrest City, plane tree leaves rustled in the wind.

I stopped and turned to Francis beside me.

"Mr. Brooks, what did you two talk about?" I couldn't help asking. With Benjamin's aggressive personality, I worried he might have made things difficult for Francis.

Francis stopped and glanced back at the café's floor-to-ceiling windows.

Benjamin still sat in his spot, his gaze following us through the glass.

"Mr. Wilson is a very generous and decisive man." Francis withdrew his gaze, his tone calm. "He offered the Brooks family a 'gift' we currently can't refuse. In exchange, he asked me to look after you in Solstice and keep your secret."

Something stirred in my chest.

I knew Benjamin's methods. For Francis to call it a gift they "couldn't refuse," it wasn't some simple favor—it had to involve massive interests in the European market.

Even dragging his weakened body around, he was still paving the way for me in his own way.

"Thank you for today." I thanked him sincerely.

"Mutual benefit." Francis opened the car door for me. "Let's go, Ms. White. Time to report back to Mr. White."

By the time I returned to the White manor, dusk had fallen.

In the living room, Sawyer sat in his wheelchair, eyes closed in meditation. Hearing footsteps, he opened his eyes, his sharp gaze sweeping over me.

"You're back." His voice was heavy. "How did things go with Francis today?"

I changed into slippers and walked over, settling onto the sofa with a perfectly relaxed smile.

"Mr. Brooks is very nice." I stuck to the script, fabricating my story. "He showed me around several famous districts in Suncrest City and introduced me to the local business environment. We had a great conversation. His insights on the European market are truly exceptional."

Hearing this, Sawyer's tense face finally showed a satisfied smile. He waved his hand, signaling the nearby bodyguard to leave.

"I told you—Francis is steady, and his family background is impeccable." Sawyer's tone softened considerably. "Spend more time with him. It'll benefit you greatly when you take over the operations here. As for the Wilson family, you'd better give up sooner rather than later."