Chapter 68 Chapter 68
Landon drove over to see Benjamin. Benjamin was in the middle of a video conference. Seeing that there was no meeting with Landon on the schedule, the secretary asked him to wait in the conference room until the meeting ended. Then, she sought Benjamin's permission to meet with Landon.
Due to unexpected complications with Norman Science's new project in Mexico, Benjamin's schedule had become even busier, leaving no room for anything else.
When he heard that Landon had come, Benjamin's first instinct was to decline the meeting. He was about to suggest that Landon speak with Michael instead when Grace came to his mind for some reason. He then instructed his secretary to let Landon in, saying, "You wait downstairs. I'll be out in ten minutes."
Landon bumped into Aron outside Benjamin's office door. As they passed, Aron glanced at Landon—perhaps an unintended glance—but the hint of disdain in his eyes left an unpleasant sting in Landon's chest. It lasted only seconds, though. By the time Landon pushed open the door, he had already slipped back into his easy smile.
"Hey, bro," he said, casually sliding into the swivel chair before Benjamin could speak. "I already met with Ms. Hill at the school. Everything's taken care of."
Benjamin lifted his eyelids slightly, his tone cool. "Did she cut him?"
Landon didn't answer directly. Instead, he chuckled twice before saying, "Ms. Hill really isn't an ordinary woman. She didn't cut off Zach's finger. She just stabbed his palm once. Just a little blood.”
Upon hearing Landon’s words, Benjamin knew Grace’s cut was far from superficial—she’d pierced Zach’s palm clean through.
He had forbidden her from amputating Zach’s finger, and she had obeyed. Yet, by piercing his palm, she’d satisfied her rage without defying his order.
This woman was too cunning and vicious; not a trace of her former self as a teacher remained.
Yet, a hunger stirred within him. He wanted to pull her close, spank her hard, and pin her beneath him while he fucked her until she couldn't form a complete sentence.
Benjamin asked again, “How's Zach doing?”
Landon chuckled. "What could he do? He had his wounds tended to, then ran off to Garma to find Xena."
Benjamin nodded and glanced at his watch over his wrist.
Landon noticed and immediately stood up. "I'll head out. Dawson said that Garma is opening a branch soon. I need to keep an eye on things over there."
The Normans owned several hotels and entertainment venues, but those holdings were insignificant within Norman Science. Benjamin said, "Don't worry too much about those. They're just places for the us to hang out—not meant to turn a profit. If you have time, come help out at the company. We just landed a few major infrastructure projects. You can work with the team on those.”
Landon's heart leapt with excitement, though his expression remained as rough as ever. "I'm no good at proper work, bro. Don't put me on the spot."
Benjamin merely smiled. "Give it a try. If it doesn't work out, we'll see.”
Only then did Landon agree. "All right, I'll learn the ropes."
Benjamin exchanged a few more words with him before heading downstairs. Michael and Aron were waiting by the car. They all got in and drove straight to the airport. Aron handed Benjamin the documents he needed to review, saying, "The flight route has been approved. The plane arrives at 8 p.m., so it won't interfere with tonight's cocktail reception. The two more important meetings are scheduled for tomorrow morning.”
Benjamin nodded slowly and studied the documents in silence.
Aron added, "Mr. Martin will be at the reception. Word is he prefers French. If you can speak French during your meeting with him, it might make a favorable impression."
The original Benjamin was proficient in French, but the current Benjamin was not. Two years was simply too short a time to learn much.
Benjamin closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
He wasn't Benjamin. He could mingle with Landon's crew, chat with the big shots in the underworld, and control Norman Science's illicit operations firmly. But in situations like this, he felt powerless.
A strange thought suddenly flashed through his mind: Grace and the real Benjamin belonged together. They both had received excellent educations since childhood and possessed sharp minds, impressive résumés, and innate linguistic talent. No matter how convoluted the language, it flowed beautifully from their lips.
However, he had spent two-thirds of his life as a mobster, dealing with knives, guns, chips, prostitutes, and drugs.
Aron received no response and cautiously studied his expression.
"I understand," Benjamin said, still expressionless. He waved his hand, signaling Aron to leave him alone. Silently, he flipped through a few pages of documents, though he had a hard time focusing his attention. He pulled out his phone and dialed Grace's number. "What are you doing?"
Grace had just stepped out of the school gate and was hesitating between taking the subway or the bus. Upon hearing the call, she paused before answering, "Getting ready to go home."
Suddenly, he asked, "Do you have a visa for Y Country?"
It was an emerging nation in South America. Grace had never been there and had no plans to visit anytime soon, so she didn't have a visa for it. Besides, even if she did, she would have answered "no" if he had asked.
Benjamin paused on the line before asking, “Did you stab Zach's hand?”
"Yes." Her reply was matter-of-fact, tinged with a hint of triumph. "I didn't cut off his finger, but since you let me retaliate, I followed your orders."
He didn't sound angry; in fact, he let out a soft chuckle. After a few seconds, he said, "I'll be back the day after tomorrow. Go to the apartment after work and wait for me.”
He paused and lowered his voice, asking, "Your period should be over by then, right?"
Grace ignored his teasing; her mind was already calculating other matters. She only asked, "Are you going to Y Country? When?"
He smiled, not answering, but countering, "What? You care about me?"
Only then did she realize her impatience. Covering it up with a cold laugh, she said deliberately, "Of course. I'm not just concerned about which flight you're on. I'm also concerned about when your plane might fall out of the sky. If it weren't for the innocent passengers sharing your flight, I'd pray in church for three days and nights, begging God to strike your plane down with lightning.”
He laughed, completely unfazed. "You can come if you want. There's no need to worry about the other passengers. I'm on a private jet flying straight to Country Y, and you'd better hurry. My plane takes off in half an hour."
This was truly effortless. Grace felt a surge of joy and was momentarily speechless as she calculated how long the flight would take.
Benjamin seemed to sense her distraction and chuckled softly. "Grace, don't get any ideas. Even though you changed phones, I can still track it. I have records of everywhere you go. If you go after Adrian, I'll have my men chop off his other nine fingers.”
"Is that so?" she replied casually, her eyes darting around for a payphone. The moment Benjamin hung up, she used a payphone to call the information desk and contact a local courier service.
Since it was an express delivery, the courier arrived quickly. Grace silenced her phone and tucked it into the shipping box. She wrote her own name as the recipient, but she listed her parents' address. She tipped the courier generously, pointed out her usual route, and instructed him, "Just deliver this package. Follow the route I mentioned. There's no need to rush—just get it there before nine.”
It was an odd request, but the courier had encountered all kinds of peculiar customers before. He didn't ask questions, took the extra money, gave her a receipt, and left.
Grace wasted no time hailing a taxi. She immediately gave the driver Mrs. Meyer's address and added, "I'm in a hurry! Go as fast as you can!"