Ben snuck upstairs when he saw that people were distracted with giving their gifts to the old madam.Even Lily had asked him to accompany her to her room earlier to get her own gift but because he was suspicious she might try something funny, he refused.He told her he would just wait for her to get back with the gifts and then they could go together to the old madam.Lily readily agreed because she thought appearing together in front of the old madam will surely give away some hint and Ben won't be able to back out.He got to the first floor successfully unaware his mother had begun to seek his whereabouts as she wanted him to accompany her to pay respects to the old madam.Ben opened the rooms one after the other but aside from staring at beautiful interior designs, there was no one else in there.He was almost losing hope when he opened the last room at the far end of the hall.There she was, sitting gracefully on a stool as her beautiful fingers brushed softly against the surface
"Here, grandma, this is for you," Mrs Palmer walked forward with an embarrassed look while Ben carried the gift.As soon as they presented it, he greeted the old woman, "Wishing you a long life grandma."Madam Powell was pleased because she pulled him in for a hug. "You have grown so well. I suspect we'd be preparing for a wedding very soon."Everyone besides Mrs Palmer and Ben burst into laughter.Thinking of this, Mrs Powell suddenly looked around. "Has anyone seen Lily? She hasn't presented her gift to her grandma yet and that's weird."Ben looked down at his mother who had a disapproving expression on her face.To avoid an embarrassing face-off later, she stepped forward and into the old madam. "Grandma, Ben and I have to leave now. My father is all alone at home and it's getting late.""I understand my child. Go on and extend my greetings to that old man.""Let me just get Lily and we can see you off," Mrs Powell added but Mrs Palmer suddenly shook her head."No need. Lily probabl
"Ben, what has gotten into you?" Mrs Palmer was dumbfounded. "Lily is the one you are going to marry, not that nameless orphan.""Don't you understand? She's a fake. If it wasn't because of the Powell's, she wouldn't have a last name. Is that the person you want as a wife?""Yes!" Ben released her hand gently."Lily is only someone you have decided for me to marry like you always do. You decide my life and coerce grandfather to support you knowing fully well I can't go against him.""Mom, I have been filial and obedient to you two for years. If you don't let me make decisions on my own now, you never will. I'll return to the barracks and never show up here.""Ben," His mother panicked as he zipped up the box. "Do you know the trouble you have caused for Estelle tonight? Are you going to leave her?"Ben scoffed. "Mom, you really haven't changed. You switched sides quickly and started to blackmail me with her. I'll take her along with me if she agrees to come. Even if she doesn't, I'll s
"Humph!" Liana snorted. "Don't think because you said sorry, I'll forgive you. I won't. I also know how to be angry.""Although I have some scores to settle with Eric, that's for another day. I don't understand why you had to take out the anger on me and ignore me... Let go."She struggled but Jed held her firmly, relishing the pleasure that came from leaning into her soft bosoms."There's a fork in my hand," She warned with a darkened look.Jed finally looked up, into her sharp gaze but didn't let go. "Do you know the issues with the tender that's caused us to work overtime is all because of Cullen?"Liana forgot to act angry in her shock. "He's back?"Jed smiled secretly at her reaction. At least, her anger subsided but to keep up his act, he put on a slightly pitiful expression."Yes... After all these years, I didn't expect we had to meet in this condition... He hasn't let go of his competitive demeanor."Liana could almost feel his sadness as he continued,"I won the tender bid o
"Ha!" Mrs Powell cackled. "What gave you the nerve to come here and still demand to see her after everything? I'm telling you as her mother. You are not allowed to see her!""She's an adult and you don't have the right to control her," Ben flared up. This only angered Mrs Powell."We are her parents and we have the right to decide who she gets to see or not. Because of the last respect I have for your grandfather, I am not asking the guards to throw you out now so leave."Ben ignored her and walked to Mr Powell. "Uncle, why don't you let me see Estelle just once? I—"Mr Powell sighed and shook his head. Although, since they adopted Estelle, he never treated her wrongly nor did he give her any preferential treatment.Ben's actions tonight have caused Estelle a lot of trouble but he didn't interfere because this also concerned his own biological daughter.He couldn't just ignore Lily's predicament, he overlooked his wife's brutal actions tonight. This was the exact reason why Ben could
"Estelle!"Ben called out and wanted to move forward but refrained himself. Estelle was looking pale and she had some tiny bruises on her delicate skin.Her knuckles and arms were red like she had been kneeling on a dashboard.Ben didn't even want to ask what happened... He just wanted to take her away from here."Estelle, this young man who was originally meant to be your sister's fiance has come here wanting to take you away. How do you explain this?" Mrs Powell's eyes were filled with hatred that frightened the poor girl."No mum... I've got nothing to do with him. I don't —" she tried to explain but Mrs Powell cut her off and turned to Ben."Can you hear that? She has nothing to do with you. What right do you have then to take her away?"Ben ignored her and walked to Estelle. He wanted to reach out to her but she shrunk away for fear of what would befall her later."Estelle, I know you are not safe here... I know you have always wanted to get away from this place. I saw your paint
"You wanted to see me?"The silence on the rooftop was uncomfortable for Eric. They had been sitting at this high end restaurant in the rooftop spot Jed chose for them just staring at the city.Eric wanted to say something since he got there but he didn't dare say anything and waited for Jed. He didn't expect the latter wouldn't say a thing after they got there so he was forced to ask that question.Jed couldn't have possibly asked him out just to sit in silence."Mhmm," Jed breathed in deeply and pointed at the natural scenery. "Isn't it beautiful? I haven't gotten a chance to sit and admire nature like this for as long as I can remember.""But the city looks the same. Barely a little thing changed except the people in it."His words engulfed Eric with guilt and so he called out, "Jed, I—""Look at that," Jed suddenly exclaimed pointing at the flight of beautiful birds flying past. This species of birds are only seen in the country."Did you see these beautiful creatures while you wer
"Why don't we just try to go to Palmer's residence in the legal way?" Eric suggested. "We'll walk up to them and just tell them we know our friend is back and we would like to meet him.""Haha!" Jed snickered. "And risk incurring that old man's wrath. In case you don't know, all the guards in that house are all trained soldiers. Did you learn how to fight during your time abroad?"Eric shuddered, causing Jed to chuckle, "I can take them down but that will waste time and we might not end up seeing Ben."Besides, he doesn't have much time left. Vendetta's countdown was chiming in his ears."Then we'll do it your way. But we can't sneak out now. I've been to the house before. During the day, there are usually more guards."Eric tapped his fingers on the table, "Exactly four pm, the guards will be getting ready for their break and shifts. So there will be fewer guards around.""Okay," Jed collected another cup of latte. "Then we strike by four. I'll meet you at..."He gave a highway desc