Chapter 49
Quentin paused for a moment, his gaze turning to me, that sharpness instantly softening into warm affirmation.
"Regarding all matters of the engagement, we, the Wilson family, only have one principle," he said, word by word, with firm conviction, "and that is, everything will be based on Ophelia's wishes. The engagement date, the process, the gifts—we, the Wilson family, will accommodate all her ideas completely. We will never let her suffer any grievance."
Quentin's voice wasn't loud, but it echoed in everyone's ears.
Amelia and Marlowe's expressions could no longer be described as just unpleasant.
And my money-grubbing father, after a brief moment of shock, had his face plastered with barely suppressed wild joy.
Seeing this, Sloane smiled even more deeply. She held my hand and added in an unhurried manner, "We've also discussed with Benjamin that the land the Wilson Group just bought east of the city will be transferred to Ophelia's name. Additionally, Benjamin has a private residence in a quiet area, which will also be given to Ophelia. As for other things—jewelry, company shares—we'll listen to Ophelia. Whatever she likes, we'll give her."
With each sentence Sloane spoke, Preston's eyes brightened a bit more, his breathing growing heavier.
Marlowe's originally stiff mouth corners also began to twitch uncontrollably, the greed in her eyes nearly overflowing.
My heart stirred slightly, but my face remained composed.
I knew the Wilson family was backing me up, using the most direct and forceful way to declare my value to the White family, shutting down all gossip.
As the atmosphere was pushed to its peak by the temptation of money, Marlowe quietly leaned toward Amelia's ear and whispered urgently in a voice only they could hear, "Did you hear that? This is a rare opportunity for wealth! Benjamin hasn't arrived yet. When he does, be smart and use your best skills. Whether you can seize this opportunity depends on you!"
The humiliation in Amelia's eyes was quickly replaced by a kind of sick excitement. She clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms, looking toward the door with eyes full of determined ambition.
Just then, the private room door was pulled open from outside by a server.
Benjamin hurried in. He'd obviously just come from a meeting, still wearing that dark gray suit, though his tie was loosened a bit, adding a touch of lazy sexiness.
His gaze swept across the room, and when it landed on me, those deep eyes instantly softened, like finding a lighthouse guiding him home.
"Grandfather, Grandmother, sorry I'm late." He spoke in a deep voice, then turned to Preston and Marlowe, nodding slightly with proper courtesy, "Mr. White, Mrs. White, sorry to keep you waiting."
"Not late at all, not at all. Mr. Benjamin Wilson is so busy with important matters, we should wait." Preston immediately stood up, looking so fawning that he seemed ready to personally pull out a chair for him.
But Benjamin walked straight to my side and naturally pulled out the empty seat next to me to sit down.
Luca, who was behind him, immediately stepped forward and placed several beautifully wrapped gift boxes on the table one by one.
"First formal visit, these are gifts for you." Benjamin looked at Preston, his tone calm but naturally authoritative.
Preston accepted them with flattery and, opening them, found a vintage luxury watch. His face immediately lit up with joy. Marlowe received a diamond necklace, and Amelia got a limited edition luxury brand handbag from the latest collection.
"It's the Starry Sky series from this brand!" Amelia squealed with delight, clutching the handbag lovingly. "Mr. Wilson, how did you know I've always wanted this bag? You have such great taste!"
Benjamin picked up the cup in front of him, and hearing this, merely glanced at her indifferently, his tone distant, "As long as Ms. Amelia White likes it."
Preston was extremely satisfied with Benjamin's generosity and thoughtfulness, his mouth corners nearly splitting to his ears.
As the dishes were served one by one, the conversation at the table gradually turned to the details of the engagement.
"We've looked at several dates for the engagement, all next month. Which one is convenient for you?" Sloane asked with a smile.
Preston nodded repeatedly: "All convenient, all convenient. We'll follow your arrangements completely."
But Amelia, as if seizing an opportunity, immediately interjected: "Mr. Wilson, what kind of wedding style do you like? Ophelia is rather dull and just says 'whatever' to everything, but I think for a girl's once-in-a-lifetime engagement, it should be properly planned."
As she spoke, she looked at Benjamin with what she thought was her most charming gaze, her body unconsciously leaning slightly in his direction.
Benjamin didn't look at her, just forked a piece of fish, carefully removed the bones, then placed it on the plate in front of me.
After doing all this, he raised his eyes, as if only just hearing Amelia's words, his tone still polite but distant, "Ophelia's preferences are my preferences."
With one sentence, he blocked all of Amelia's deliberate attempts.
Amelia's expression stiffened, but she still wouldn't give up, continuing to ask, "Then what hobbies does Mr. Wilson have? Like, do you prefer golf or racing? My dad also likes golf, maybe you could play together sometime."
She chattered on like an annoying fly, turning what should have been a family dinner to discuss my and Benjamin's marriage into her personal interview with Benjamin.
Benjamin's handsome brow finally furrowed slightly, almost imperceptibly.
Not wanting to embarrass me on this occasion, he could only respond with the briefest words, "Pretty busy, not much time."
Seeing Amelia about to speak again, even Preston felt she was making a fool of herself. He darkened his face and scolded in a low voice: "Amelia! The adults are discussing serious matters. What's a junior like you interrupting for? Just eat quietly!"
Amelia, publicly reprimanded, immediately teared up, looking at Marlowe with grievance.
Marlowe immediately pulled Amelia into her arms lovingly, patting her back while laughing to ease the atmosphere: "Preston, why are you being so harsh with the child? Amelia is just concerned about Ophelia's marriage, asking more questions for Ophelia's sake. She's worried that after marriage, Ophelia won't have common topics with Mr. Benjamin Wilson."
As Marlowe spoke, she changed the subject, looking at me meaningfully and sighing, "Ophelia's personality is just too cold and reserved. She keeps everything inside, not lively and outgoing like Amelia, who knows how to care for people. In the future, we'll have to trouble Mr. Benjamin Wilson to be more understanding. After all, Ophelia has been stubborn since childhood, very opinionated, and doesn't really understand some principles of dealing with people."