Chapter 85 Chapter 85
Benjamin was about to start a meeting when he received a text from Grace. After glancing at it, he froze for a moment before letting out a sarcastic chuckle. He tossed his phone onto the conference table and signaled to Aron that the meeting could begin.
The meeting focused on Norman Science's expansion into new European markets. The project lead delivered a polished presentation, weaving French phrases into his English and occasionally throwing in obscure words of unknown origin. Countless charts flashed by on the projector screen in rapid succession, dizzying the audience and leaving no room for thought.
This was Benjamin's style—his mind always raced ahead of everyone else's. Those who knew him feared speaking too slowly for fear of falling behind his pace.
But the current Benjamin couldn't keep up. He struggled to grasp everything, yet he still had to appear relaxed.
Some things require time; no matter how hard you try, they can't be attained overnight. Benjamin's lips curved into a self-mocking smile as his mind drifted off. His gaze fell on the phone on the table, and Grace's text flashed through his mind again: She told him she was going to kill herself.
But he didn't believe her. A woman like her would still struggle even with a knife to her throat. How could she choose to end her own life?
He didn't believe her, but it was just another test, a feigned retreat to advance further. He knew that woman too well.
Besides, even if she really died, what difference would it make? To him, it would merely mean losing an entertaining plaything and ending the game prematurely.
Yet, despite these thoughts, an unease crept into his heart and slowly expanded until it pressed down on his chest like a heavy weight.
He picked up his phone and deliberately asked Grace, How would you choose to die?
She didn't reply. Time ticked by, and his phone remained silent. He frowned and dialed her number directly, only to find that it was turned off.
The meeting was still in progress when Benjamin abruptly stood up. Ignoring the stunned stares, he strode toward the door and ordered Michael, who was waiting outside, in a cold voice, " "Get the car ready. Track down Grace's current location.”
Michael quickly reported back, "Her phone shows Ms. Hill returned home this morning and hasn't left since."
Benjamin was already climbing into the car. He nodded slightly at the news and said in a low voice, "Go to her house. As fast as possible." He paused, then added, "Have Dr. Willie head there, too."
Dr. Willie was Benjamin's personal physician and was highly skilled in medicine. More crucially, he was exceptionally adept at treating traumatic injuries. Michael sensed that something was amiss and immediately called Dr. Willie. He gave him Grace's address and warned him, "There may be a suicide attempt. Bring the emergency kit.”
The driver sped the car along. Benjamin's face was dark and sullen, and he remained silent the entire journey. When they arrived at Grace's building, he didn't wait for Michael to open the door before stepping out. His expression grim, he strode quickly toward the house. Only when he reached her door did he realize that he no longer had her house key.
He took a step back, then kicked the door lock with all his might.
The sturdy security door broke after two kicks.
The door burst open with a loud bang, and he spotted her on the sofa immediately.
She was slumped back on the sofa, still conscious, and her face was deathly pale. Her hand rested on the armrest; blood slowly seeped from her wrist, dripped through her fingertips, and pooled into a large stain on the floor.
Seeing the color of the blood, his heart finally eased, though his anger intensified. He stepped forward and looked down into her eyes. He sneered. "Such a clever Ms. Hill. And yet, you didn't know that slitting your wrists rarely kills you? Next time, make the cut deeper. It's better to sever an artery directly."
She actually smiled and murmured, "No wonder the bleeding always stopped so quickly. I was doing it wrong.”
He froze at her words and noticed the multiple wounds on her wrist for the first time—three or four cuts, some deep, some shallow. He laughed, pulled her up from the sofa, and demanded, "What is this? A suicide charade? Or a gamble on my mercy?"
Blood loss had left her face unnaturally pale, and she could barely stand. Yet, she remained calm, staring at him as she countered, "I won the bet, didn't I?"
Benjamin seethed with rage, wanting to throw her out the door. But, seeing her teetering on the edge, he felt an urge to catch her and lift her up.
Reason and emotion battled within him, threatening to tear him apart. After a long moment, the ruthlessness in his nature prevailed. He suddenly smiled, released her, and let her slump down limply. He turned and walked to the sofa on the other side of the room. He sat down calmly with a faint smile. "Since you put it that way, fine. Let's see who's tougher—you or me."
Dr. Willie had hurried in behind them. Seeing Grace's injuries, he moved to administer first aid, but Benjamin stopped him. "No need," he said. Then he turned to Michael and ordered, "Close the door. Don't alarm the neighbors.”
Michael genuinely couldn't fathom what these two were up to. He simply obeyed, closing the door. After exchanging a glance with Dr. Willie, they stood in the corner like statues.
Time ticked by. The cut on Grace's wrist began to clot again. Benjamin noticed and smirked. "Need some help?" he asked her.
Grace forced a weak smile and whispered, "No, thank you."
She lay back on the sofa and reached for the bloodstained blade. Just as she was about to cut again, she paused.
Benjamin watched her mockingly. "What? Scared now?"
She didn't answer. Gritting her teeth, she reached for her phone, turned it on, and, without acknowledging Benjamin's gaze, dialed Adrian's number slowly.
He was clearly no longer in the country, yet the call connected. Within moments, he answered, his voice full of surprise and delight. "Grace?"
"It's me." Grace replied softly, a genuine smile lighting her face. “Are you okay?”
Benjamin froze, realizing she was speaking with Adrian. He couldn't hear what Adrian said, but Grace remained calm and composed. Her smile radiated happiness. She spoke to Adrian slowly and deliberately. "Nothing serious. I just missed you and wanted to hear your voice. Take care of yourself.”
Benjamin sat there coldly, watching her with indifference.
Her forehead was covered in cold sweat, yet she persisted in exchanging a few more words with Adrian. They said their goodbyes before she hung up.
Just as Benjamin was about to mock her, he saw her trembling hand grasp the razor blade again. Stunned at first, he suddenly realized what she intended to do. His face drained of color, and without a second thought, he lunged toward her.
But he was a step too late. Her motion was so fierce and resolute, as if she had summoned every ounce of strength within her. Without hesitation, she sliced down across her wrist.
Blood spurted from her wrist, blindingly crimson. He seized her wrist with a violent grip and roared at Dr. Willie, who stood frozen in place: "Come here!"
She merely watched his fury calmly and asked softly, "Alex, do you really think I fear death? No, I don't. For me, living requires far more courage."
Gritting his teeth with hatred for her, he had never felt such fury. Staring at her, he said slowly, "Grace, you can forget it."
Forget it?
She smiled, letting her soul drift away.
With her artery injured and having already lost significant blood, the situation was critical, even with Dr. Willie present. After administering emergency treatment, Dr. Willie cautiously turned to Benjamin. "Mr. Norman, the patient has lost too much blood. She needs to be transported to the hospital immediately for a transfusion."
The car was parked downstairs. It sped away faster than on the way there, yet Benjamin still felt it was too slow.
He lowered his head and gazed at her pale face.
How had it come to this?
He didn't know where this feeling had come from. The only thing he was certain of was that he didn't want her to die. He didn't want her lying quietly in his arms, slowly losing her warmth.
She was exceptionally clever, seeing this even before he did. She used her own life to blackmail him, forcing him to face this fact.
He understood it, too; yet he had still walked into her trap.
When Grace woke up again, it was late at night. All she could see was solemn white. With great effort, she turned her head to look at Benjamin beside the bed. He was watching her, too, expressionless. She smiled, her voice hoarse. "I won."
This woman possessed mental fortitude and courage in the face of death.
She was cunning, sly, calculating, and a habitual liar. Crucially, she had wanted his death all along.
But what could he do?
He simply liked her—it was uncontrollable.
Benjamin continued watching her silently. After a moment, he let out a resigned laugh, admitting defeat. He nodded. "Yes, you won."
A seemingly aged document lay on his knee, its paper slightly yellowed. He lifted it for her to see and asked, "You went to such lengths to get my fingerprints just for this?"
Grace had seen this document before, though only as a photocopy. She hadn't imagined that he would find the original and replace it in just one day. She couldn't help but smile bitterly as she nodded. "Yes."
He looked at the document again. It was a statement from years ago bearing his fingerprints—the only evidence remaining that linked him to Alex.
He pulled out a lighter, glanced at her, and set the document ablaze, reducing it to ashes before her eyes. He asked again, "From now on, is there any other way to prove I'm Alex?"
“No.” She replied.
"Good." He nodded with satisfaction and added, "From now on, stay by my side. Can you do that?"
She didn't answer immediately, turning her gaze toward the ceiling. After a moment, she offered a faint smile and countered, "Not for revenge anymore?"
He pressed his lips together and answered, "No."
"Until you grow tired of it?"
"Yes."
"All right." she said.