Chapter 118 Chapter 118
At that moment, it seemed like the only solution. Vania wasn't Grace. She had unwittingly fallen into Benjamin's trap. After a moment's hesitation, she replied, "All right."
The engagement was set for tomorrow, and both families were prominent. Though they hadn't planned an extravagant affair, invitations had already been sent out. Canceling the engagement wasn't something to be taken lightly! Old Norman nearly choked on his anger when he received the news. He tried calling Benjamin to demand an explanation, but the man wouldn't even answer his calls. Left with no other option, Old Norman went to the company headquarters.
Compared to a year ago, Benjamin's attitude had shifted considerably. While he didn't outright disregard Old Norman, the respect he once showed was gone. First, he waved Michael away, then turned to his grandfather with a composed expression. In a measured tone, he said, "I've given it serious thought. A union with the Taylors wouldn't benefit the Norman family much. Instead, it would draw unnecessary attention. You know better than anyone what the Normans have done in the past. If those things were brought up again, the Taylors wouldn't lift a finger to help us.”
Old Norman hadn't expected him to reason with him right away. He was surprised and had to admit there was some truth to what he said.
Old Norman's anger vanished instantly, yet he refused to concede defeat. He snorted. "Don't take me for a fool. You waited until the last moment to cancel the engagement. Is there really no other reason?"
Benjamin smiled faintly. "Whether or not there are other reasons, you're eighty-four years old. Why bother thinking about so many things?"
The remark stung. Old Norman's face darkened instantly. He slammed his cane hard on the floor and roared, "You bastard! Do you think you're all grown up now? Mark my words, boy. I can do anything to you even if you've replaced everyone with your own people. If I can hand over power to you, I can take it back!"
"Take it back to whom? With all the illegal businesses the Norman family runs, who else but me could handle them?" Benjamin asked calmly, a faint smile on his lips. "Vito? If he had wanted to, why would he have sacrificed his life to get you out? Grandpa, you should know better than anyone that if Vito were to take the helm, the only outcome would be shipwreck and death."
Old Norman turned pale with rage, yet he had no retort.
The Norman family had always been involved in illegal activities. The original Benjamin had considered going legitimate after taking over, but some things are impossible to shake off once you've touched them.
Benjamin was a business genius. Under his leadership, the Norman family's legitimate businesses grew exponentially. Unfortunately, he couldn't sever the family's hidden, shadowy operations.
In fact, he nearly lost his life over them.
Having lived so long and witnessed so many people and events, Old Norman understood these matters best.
His hand, clenched tightly around his cane, slowly relaxed. His expression gradually softened, and he let out a long sigh. "I'm old now. I can't manage things anymore. But you must marry a woman who can help you in your career."
Without a trace of subservience, Benjamin responded, "But I believe that if a man can't decide what kind of woman he wants, that's the real failure."
Old Norman sneered. "Which woman do you want? The married Grace?"
Benjamin didn't flinch. "Yes."
"You really are hopeless!" Old Norman snorted, rose with his cane, and started toward the door. After just two steps, though, Benjamin called out, "Grandpa, don't touch her. I fought hard to get her back. Besides, you know I grew up without a father's guidance. When I lose control, who knows what I might do?"
This was clearly a threat. Old Norman trembled with rage as he slowly turned to face Benjamin. "If I harm that woman, will you kill me to avenge her?"
Benjamin merely smiled faintly. “Grandpa, you speak as if I would ever wish you harm. You've worked hard your whole life, and I'll make sure you have a peaceful ending. But everyone has someone they care about, don't they? If you harm someone I care about, don't blame me for harming someone you care about.”
Who could Old Norman possibly care about? In the past, it was Benjamin. Now, only Vito remained.
"Fine!" Old Norman repeated the word several times, then turned and stormed out without saying anything else.
It was quite some time before Landon dared to enter. He cautiously studied Benjamin's expression and tentatively said, "He didn't look pleased when he left. Take it easy. Don't push him to the point of illness again. Besides, he's so old now. How many more times can he even leave the house? Why get angry with him?"
Benjamin ignored him, his thoughts drifting to Wendy instead. He only asked about her situation.
Landon had always had people watch Wendy. Upon hearing Benjamin's question, Landon paused before answering, "I think you should go see her.”
“That girl is stubborn. She fear nothing, but if she run into Ms. Hill again, who knows what trouble she might stir up?”
Landon paused, chuckled softly, and added, "Last night, Ms. Hill asked me if you ever slept with her."
Benjamin raised his eyebrows slightly in surprise. But then he thought that if Grace asked that, it must be for some other reason—certainly not out of jealousy.
The thought brought a wry smile to his lips. After a moment, he replied, "I'll go see her tonight. Have someone buy me a new phone. Make sure to transfer all the contacts from her SIM card.”
Landon nodded, then hesitated before asking, "Why not use the original SIM card?"
The old SIM card was obviously unusable. Knowing Vania, she wouldn't stop until she traced that number.
With that number, she'd quickly find Wendy. Even if he managed to placate her, the truth would eventually come out if Wendy was still using it.
Vania would find out about him and Grace sooner or later, but definitely not now and certainly not like this.
Seeing that Benjamin had no further instructions, Landon prepared to leave. He said casually, "Anything else? If not, I'll head out."
Benjamin nodded slightly but added, "Wrap up your current tasks. In a few days, you'll accompany me south. If all goes well, we might stay there for a while.”
By "the south," he meant Mexico, where the Norman family had made their fortune—and where their illegal operations were rooted. Landon’s heart lurched and his throat went dry. He forced himself to remain composed. His Adam’s apple bobbed before he replied in a low voice, "Got it."