Chapter 120 Chapter 120
He didn't avoid her. He answered the phone right in front of her. The room was quiet, and Grace could hear Vania speaking on the phone. There really wasn't much to hide. Vania said that her parents were angry about her sudden decision to call off the engagement. They were convinced it was her fault and refused to believe that Benjamin agreed with the decision.
Benjamin asked Vania gently, "What do you need me to do?"
"If it's convenient for you, could you come to my house and explain to my parents that postponing the engagement was a mutual decision?" Vania spoke politely, clearly aware that her request was inconveniencing him.
Benjamin casually twirled a strand of Grace's hair around his finger as he replied, "Sure. When?"
Vania hesitated before asking, "Could you come now?"
Before he could answer, Grace flashed him an OK sign and silently mouthed, "Go now."
He couldn't help but smile. He told Vania, "Alright, I'll come right over."
He hung up the phone, lowered his head, and gently nibbled Grace's lips. "Now I think marrying Vania wouldn't be so bad," he teased. "You two get along so well."
It's as if every man secretly wishes he could have three or four wives who get along like sisters.
Grace couldn't be bothered to respond. She slipped out of his embrace, shifted restlessly in the bedding, and settled back into a comfortable position. "Hmmm," she murmured lazily. "This is a nice dream. We should have more of these."
Benjamin chuckled softly, gave her pert bottom a light pat, then rose to leave. When he arrived at the Taylors', Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were present, as well as several of Vania's uncles, aunts, and other relatives. The entire room was packed, and everyone was glaring at Vania as if she were on trial. The moment she spotted Benjamin, her eyes lit up. She immediately pulled him over to join her in facing the interrogation.
Benjamin remained composed and unruffled. Given his status, aside from Mr. Taylor, no one dared to direct questions at him. Still, he explained why they had canceled the engagement.
This was the story he and Vania had agreed upon beforehand—they both felt they needed more time to get to know each other better and getting engaged now felt rushed.
Mr. Taylor's expression remained grim as he demanded, "Why didn't you say anything sooner? Waiting until the night before to inform us—what kind of nonsense is this?"
They had made the decision to cancel the wedding that morning, after which they went their separate ways to inform their families. Benjamin arranged for Michael and others to notify relatives and friends as soon as Vania left. However, Vania didn't tell her parents until that evening, which was unexpected. Benjamin felt a flicker of surprise, glancing at Vania but saying nothing. He replied in a subdued tone, "I'm sorry. It's my fault."
By taking the blame off Vania, Mr. Taylor had little left to say. Vania looked at Benjamin with gratitude. When no one was looking, she whispered, "Thanks."
Benjamin smiled faintly, sat for a moment, then excused himself, citing company business.
Vania saw him out. Once outside, she couldn't help but exhale a long sigh of relief. Then she apologized to Benjamin: "I'm so sorry."
Benjamin smiled, saying nothing.
Vania hesitated, then asked, "Are you free at noon? How about I treat you to lunch? I really don't want to go back and get yelled at by them.”
Today was supposed to be their engagement day, and Benjamin didn't have any work scheduled. However, he had worked hard to carve out this free day, and he couldn't bear to spend it eating lunch with Vania. So he declined. "I have other things to do. Let's do it another time."
Vania seemed disappointed but didn't say anything. She just said, "Then we'll see about another opportunity later."
Benjamin gave a faint smile and asked her, "So, any news from your friend?"
Vania knew he was referring to Grace. She shrugged helplessly. "Still can't get in touch."
Benjamin pursed his lips slightly and said with feigned concern, "Send me her details later. I'll see if I can help you look for her, too.”
"Sure," Vania agreed, then frowned slightly. "Benjamin, do you think Grace might be playing a joke on me? Maybe that's why she made that strange phone call.”
Benjamin glanced at her and said, "That's not funny at all."
Vania flushed with embarrassment and hastily added, "Maybe it was just a misunderstanding or a mix-up with the name."
"Let's hope so," Benjamin replied. He said goodbye to Vania, climbed into his car, and, once the vehicle had turned out of the residential compound, instructed Michael, who was driving, to head back to the villa.
Michael acknowledged the order and turned the wheel, heading out of the city. At first, everything seemed normal. But as they neared the city limits, Michael suddenly said, "Mr. Norman, a car has been following us."
Benjamin had been reclining in the backseat with his eyes closed, resting. Hearing this, he sat up straight and glanced through the rearview mirror at the black sedan trailing not far behind. "When did it start following us?"
Michael couldn't pinpoint the exact moment. He had initially dismissed it as a coincidence, testing the waters by accelerating and decelerating and overtaking numerous vehicles. It was only when the black car persistently tailgated him that he confirmed they were being followed. Michael stole a glance at Benjamin's expression through the rearview mirror and asked, "Should we shake it?"
Benjamin's brows furrowed slightly as he replied, "Force it to stop."
This order made Michael hesitate slightly. Given the Norma family's background in the underworld, they had encountered plenty of ambushes before. The usual response to such situations was to quickly shake off the tail and head to a safe location without thorough preparation. After all, you never knew the other side's capabilities—stopping the car might play right into their hands.
"Should we call for backup first?" Michael tentatively suggested.
Benjamin frowned, clearly displeased with Michael's hesitation. He ordered, "No need. Just force the car behind us to stop.”
"Yes, sir." Michael responded promptly, deliberately accelerating to widen the gap between the two vehicles. Once the pursuing car caught up, Michael abruptly changed lanes, cutting in front of it. Then, he slammed on the brakes and jerked the wheel, forcing the car to the side of the road. Michael exited first and stormed over to yank the driver out of his seat. The man struggled, but he was no match for Michael. Within seconds, his arms were pinned against the car.
Michael demanded, "Why were you following us?"
The man feigned ignorance, shouting, “Who's following you? Let me go, or I'll call the police!”
By then, Benjamin had also gotten out. With a cold look on his face, he walked over, sized the man up, and, without saying a word, kicked him a good distance away. He was unable to get up. Benjamin then strolled back, stepped on the man's head, and said calmly, "Tell me the truth."
The man hadn't expected Benjamin to be so ruthless. Terrified, he panicked. "I'm a private investigator! I was hired to follow you!"
Meanwhile, Michael had retrieved binoculars and a camera from the car and handed them to Benjamin. Benjamin glanced through the binoculars, then asked the man again, "Who hired you? What's their name?"
"A woman named Taylor," the man answered.
Benjamin paused slightly, then couldn't help but smile. No wonder Vania had sent him on this errand—she'd been planning something like this all along.
It seemed that, after leaving yesterday morning, she hadn't immediately informed her family about canceling the engagement because she'd been busy hiring a private investigator.
She was truly worthy of being Grace's friend—the two really did share a few similar traits!
In a good mood, he decided not to bother with the investigator. Rising to his feet, he said coolly, "Two options: Either my men beat you half to death and send you to the hospital for a long stay, or you tell your client exactly what I instruct you to say." He nudged the man with his shoe and demanded, "Which one?"
Terrified by the kick, the man immediately answered, “The second one! I choose the second one!"
Benjamin curled his lips in mockery and ordered Michael, "Follow him. Take him to the apartment."
He then turned and got into his car. He sat in the front driver's seat and drove alone to Grace's villa. This delay meant he arrived around noon. Grace was sitting alone at the dining table, eating lunch. Seeing him suddenly return, surprise flashed across her face. "Why are you here?" she asked curiously.
He had always come at night; he'd never come during the day before.
"Just stopping by for lunch," Benjamin replied casually. He asked the housekeeper to set his place and then removed his jacket to wash his hands. When he returned, he noticed only a salad on the table. He couldn't help but express his surprise: "Why so simple?"
Grace paused, offering an awkward smile. "Dieting," she answered.
Benjamin looked up at her. "You don't need to lose weight right now. You need to gain some."
He called the housekeeper over and instructed her to prepare a few simple dishes in the kitchen. She hurried off and, shortly after, brought out a plate of roast beef.
The moment the platter touched the table, Grace’s face froze. She covered her mouth with her hand and gagged uncontrollably. It was only a slight retch, though, and she quickly lowered her hand and regained her composure. Looking up, she saw Benjamin staring at her in surprise. She wrinkled her nose in disgust and said, "It smells awful."
Benjamin seemed unconcerned. "Then don't eat it."
He picked up his bowl and began eating leisurely. Suddenly, Grace, who was sitting across from him, set down her chopsticks, stood up, and said, "I'm full. You eat on your own. I'm going upstairs to sleep some more.”
Her bowl was barely touched, yet she claimed to be full. Benjamin’s expression grew complex. He said softly, "Sit down, Grace. Stay and eat with me for a while."