Chapter 34
He seemed satisfied with my answer, the corners of his lips curling into a meaningful smile before he turned to bid Preston farewell.
I watched his retreating figure, knowing full well that starting tonight, my position in the White family would be completely different.
And the ties between him and me had grown even tighter.
The moment Benjamin left, the strange atmosphere in the living room—tense yet lively because of him—instantly dissipated.
Preston's smile hadn't faded yet. He was completely immersed in the enormous joy of the upcoming marriage alliance with the Wilson family, looking at me with unprecedented warmth.
On the other side, Marlowe and Amelia's expressions were quite a sight to behold.
"Dad, what... what's going on?" Amelia was the first to lose her composure. She looked at me in disbelief, as if I were some monster that had appeared out of nowhere. "Isn't Benjamin rumored to... to avoid women?"
She was so angry she was practically grinding her teeth, her pretty face slightly twisted with jealousy.
She probably couldn't accept that Benjamin, who stood at the top of the pyramid, Benjamin whom countless socialites couldn't even meet despite their best efforts, would actually become my fiancé.
And before, this marriage arrangement was supposed to be hers. It was only because of the rumors that Benjamin avoided women, was ruthless, and ugly that she refused to marry him.
Marlowe's expression was equally unpleasant, but she had more composure than Amelia. She simply looked me over from head to toe with those calculating eyes, her gaze full of scrutiny and resentment.
Preston was clearly dissatisfied with their reactions. His face darkened as he scolded, "What rumors! Benjamin is handsome and talented, a perfect match for Ophelia. This is wonderful news! Stop being so passive-aggressive."
Then he turned to me, his tone so gentle it felt strange: "Ophelia, why didn't you tell Dad about you and Benjamin earlier? Stay for dinner tonight. I'll have the kitchen make a few more of your favorite dishes."
This shift from arrogance to servility was so realistic that it made me sick.
I responded flatly: "Okay."
The atmosphere at dinner was strange from the start.
Preston kept asking me about Benjamin's preferences, as if he wanted to bet all his future wealth and glory on this marriage alliance.
Marlowe and Amelia were unusually quiet, only occasionally exchanging knowing glances.
I knew they were waiting for the right moment.
Sure enough, Marlowe put down her utensils, dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin, and sighed as if concerned, "Ophelia, we as elders are naturally happy for you being with Mr. Wilson, but there's something I feel I should remind you about."
Here comes the performance.
I looked up, watching her quietly, waiting for her to continue her act.
"Didn't Michael come to the house a few days ago?" She brought it up as expected, her tone full of pitying regret. "Poor thing, he even knelt and begged you. You can see he's truly repentant, but you wouldn't even look at him properly, spoke so harshly, showed no consideration for old feelings. Ophelia, you can't be so cold-hearted. If word gets out, it'll be bad for your reputation. If Mr. Wilson finds out, I'm afraid he'll have thoughts about it too."
Her words seemed to be for my benefit, but were actually cutting to the bone.
She was not only labeling me as "cold and heartless" in front of Preston, but also hinting to the other party in this marriage alliance that my character was flawed.
Amelia immediately chimed in, "Yes, Ophelia, Michael had a connection with our family after all. You were really too harsh."
Before I could respond, a cool and steady male voice spoke from beside me.
"Is that so?"
My heart jumped. I turned my head sharply to find that Benjamin had returned at some point and was now standing at the dining room entrance, looking at Marlowe with an indifferent expression.
He must have left something behind and happened to witness this little show.
Everyone in the living room was startled by his sudden appearance and stood up.
"Benjamin?" Preston reacted fastest, hurrying over warmly.
"I left a document in the car, came back to get it," Benjamin explained briefly, but his gaze moved past Preston and landed directly on Marlowe, his lips curling into a faint smile. "I just heard Marlowe suggesting that Ophelia should show consideration for an ex-husband who cheated during marriage and tried to swindle his wife's family assets?"
He cut straight to the point, ruthlessly tearing away Marlowe's tender facade.
Marlowe's face went white. She opened her mouth, stammering, "I... I didn't mean that, I just thought..."
"Hesitation brings trouble." Benjamin interrupted her, his tone calm but carrying an undeniable pressure. "Ophelia's handling was very wise. Much better than some people who can't tell right from wrong and don't understand the situation."
He was practically pointing at Marlowe's nose and scolding her.
Marlowe's face flushed red, but she couldn't say a word in rebuttal. After all, she was just a stepmother with an awkward status. In front of Benjamin's absolute power, her petty schemes seemed laughable and pathetic.
Preston immediately agreed: "Benjamin is right! That ungrateful person should have been cut off long ago! Ophelia did nothing wrong!"
The dinner table trial aimed at me was thus easily resolved by Benjamin.
I looked at him, feeling a complex emotion I couldn't quite describe.
He always appeared when I least expected him, clearing obstacles for me in his unique way.
Amelia stared at this scene blankly, the emotions in her eyes changing constantly.
Watching Benjamin's cold and forceful manner as he defended me, the jealousy in her eyes was gradually replaced by a strange light. It was the obsessive look of a woman eyeing her prey with determination.
She quickly put on a sweet smile, took the initiative to step forward, and spoke in an innocent tone, "Mr. Wilson, please don't misunderstand. My mother was just concerned about Ophelia. By the way, I heard from Dad that you've been investing in new energy recently. My college major is related to that, and I have many ideas I'd love to discuss with you!"
She thrust out her chest, trying to show off her impressive curves, looking at Benjamin with eyes full of undisguised admiration and seduction.