Chapter 99 Chapter 99
First, he drove Grace back to her apartment. Then, he switched vehicles before returning to the Norman family estate on the outskirts of Seattle. Vito had already showered and changed and was now keeping his grandfather, Old Norman, company in the living room. When he spotted Benjamin entering from outside, Vito's eyes still held a trace of disdain, yet he immediately stood up and respectfully called out, "Ben, you’re home."
Benjamin ignored him, first addressing his grandfather.
Old Norman was tall with white hair and beard, yet he looked remarkably healthy. "Sit down, both of you."
They took their places on either side of him, one to the left and one to the right. Vito glanced at Benjamin and asked with a light chuckle, "Did you take Ms. Hill back?"
Benjamin didn't answer, only lifting his eyes to stare coldly at Vito. His gaze was so fierce that Vito felt a flicker of fear. Yet, unwilling to show weakness before his grandfather, he stubbornly held his ground and met the stare.
Seeing this, Old Norman became so exasperated that he slammed his cane hard onto the floor. "Bullfighting? Do you two want to drive me to my grave?”
Only then did Benjamin curve his lips into a faint smile. Leaning back in his chair with a cigarette between his fingers, he replied, "Grandfather, you misunderstand. I was concerned about Vito's injuries and wanted to see if he had fully recovered. You didn't see how badly he was beaten. Even I was alarmed. I truly fear he might suffer lasting consequences. After all, the Norman family only has two heirs left. If another becomes disabled, the burden on me would be too great."
Vito's expression darkened instantly. He sprang to his feet, his voice sharp and cold. “Alex!”
Benjamin looked up, a faint, mocking smile playing on his lips. “Who are you calling?”
“Enough!” Old Norman slammed his cane twice on the floor. His voice was cold. "I know you both have your own agendas and no longer consider me important. But let me make this clear: You can fight however you like at home, But once you step outside, you must stand united. If either of you crosses the line, don't blame me for being ruthless."
In his prime, Old Norman had been a formidable figure. At the height of his power, his business interests spanned nearly the entire Americas. Though he had stepped back from the front lines in recent years, he remained an intimidating presence when angered.
Benjamin and Vito both stood listening to his reprimand.
Old Norman's face darkened as he paused before adding, "You have many ambitions. I won't stand in your way. After dinner, get out of my sight."
The housekeeper approached cautiously to announce that dinner was ready. The three of them then moved to the dining room. Norman felt satisfied at Vito's return and ordered a bottle of his treasured wine to be brought out. He urged both of them to drink. Halfway through the bottle, he added, "You two are at the age where you should be thinking about heirs. You can play around outside with whoever you like, but the woman you bring into this family must be proper, intelligent, and have good genes. No messy women allowed in this house.”
Benjamin remained silent, but Vito replied, "Grandfather, don't tell me that yet. Benjamin isn't married yet. Once he brings home a wife, I can find one too."
Old Norman glanced at Benjamin, noting his impassive expression, and chose not to press further.
After dinner, Vito insisted on leaving, claiming that friends were waiting to welcome him back. Old Norman made no attempt to stop him, merely waving him off with a dismissive gesture. Instead, he turned to Benjamin. "Benjamin, come with me," he said.
Benjamin followed his grandfather to the study. Over an hour later, they emerged; Benjamin left without staying the night. He took Michael out of the mansion.
Michael noticed Benjamin's troubled expression and remained silent until the car entered the underground garage of their neighborhood. Only then did he cautiously speak up, "On the way back from the airport, Vito asked about Ms. Hill."
Benjamin lifted his eyes to meet Michael's, his gaze sharp.
Michael hastened to explain, "I didn't say anything, but judging by his expression, he seems very interested in the matter. He might even ask others about it."
Benjamin and Grace's relationship was semi-public knowledge. If Vito inquired about Garma, he would inevitably learn some details. Benjamin's expression darkened slightly. After a moment of silence, he ordered, "Tell the men to keep their mouths shut, especially Isabella and her crew. Sew their lips shut. No loose talk.”
Michael acknowledged, "Understood."
Benjamin paused, then added, "Also, tell Landon and Zach that if Wendy's situation is exposed, they'd better be prepared to face the consequences."
Benjamin wasn't so much afraid of Vito discovering Grace's existence as he was afraid of Grace learning of his revenge against the Meyers. Although Grace had explicitly stated that the lives of the Meyers were no longer her concern, Benjamin knew she would disapprove of his tactics against Wendy.
He didn't want her to know these things, even though she'd long since deemed him despicable and shameless.
Back at the apartment, Grace was alone in the kitchen, making soup. Seeing him return, she asked, "Have you eaten? Would you like some?”
He went straight to her wrist and asked, "Did Dr. Willie come by?"
Grace waved her wrist at him and smiled. "He already checked it. It's fine. It's probably just overused. Two days of rest should do the trick."
Only then did he relax. He walked to the kitchen doorway and leaned against the doorframe to watch her busy figure. The corners of his lips lifted almost imperceptibly. He said aloud, "Your hand's hurt. Why are you doing all this yourself? Next time you want soup, just call the housekeeper to make it for you.”
Though the house was large, he didn't keep a live-in housekeeper. She only came daily to clean the rooms and occasionally prepare meals. Benjamin had rarely eaten at home before, but since Grace moved in, he'd started having breakfast and dinner there.
“I'm idle anyway. I need something to pass the time.” Grace replied absentmindedly, scooping some soup with a spoon and holding it out to him. "Come here. Taste it for saltiness."
Benjamin paused, then walked over. He took the spoon from her hand and drank the soup in one gulp. He couldn't quite discern the saltiness, but a warm feeling spread through him. He couldn't help but grin at her. "Delicious."
"Really?" Grace raised an eyebrow. She scooped out another spoonful, lowered her head, and cautiously sipped it. The saltiness made her spit it out immediately. Rushing for water to rinse her mouth, she turned back to him and playfully scolded, "Benjamin, were you raised on pig feed?"
Benjamin just smiled, unconcerned. "Pretty much," he replied.
Grace froze for a moment. After a pause, she asked softly, "Was life really that hard back then?"