Chapter 8: Shocking Revelation

"What?" The shock on both Evelyn and Ezra's faces was evident as they turned their attention towards Benjamin, who remained blissfully unaware of the mounting tension.

Evelyn's mind raced with questions. What could this possibly mean? She wondered, her thoughts racing.

Unbeknownst to Benjamin, he retrieved his phone and glanced at the screen before placing it back on the table, dismissing the call that had now ended. His focus remained on his meal.

Evelyn's heart pounded in her chest, her anxiety escalating. She turned to Ezra, her tone determined. "Call the number again."

Ezra nodded, quickly redialing the number. As soon as he did, Benjamin's phone once again rang, joining the chorus of uncertainty that hung in the air.

Evelyn seized the phone from Ezra's hand and held it to her ear, her gaze still fixed on Benjamin, who had now put down his spoon and picked up his phone. "Benjamin Hayes speaking, who's this?" he asked.

Gasp!" The revelation shook Evelyn to her core, causing the phone to slip from her hand, only to be caught by Ezra in the nick of time.

Evelyn's eyes welled with tears, and she pointed towards Benjamin, her voice trembling. "He... He's... He's my son? My long lost Hayes?"

Ezra nodded solemnly. "President, I'm as shocked as you are. It appears to be true. We were tracking his location yesterday, and then we had an encounter with him right at the spot that the location was showing." He said.

"Also your son was named Benjamin and he's also having the same name, so it's hundred percent confirmed." He said

Tears streamed down Evelyn's face as she gazed at Benjamin, who had now set the phone aside and was taking a sip. The realization struck her like a lightning bolt—this was her blood, her long-lost son, the heir to her vast empire. She didn't expect the guy who called her mom for fun to really be her son.

The butler, understanding the gravity of the situation, nodded and suggested, "President, you should go and talk to him. Let him know everything."

Evelyn managed a smile, still fixated on Benjamin. "You are right, he has suffered a lot and it's time for him to enjoy all the riches made." She wiped her tears and made her way inside.

Upon her return, Benjamin greeted her with a warm smile. "You're back. I'm almost finished here."

Evelyn couldn't contain her emotions. She gently ruffled his hair and said, "Enjoy everything. If you want more, just let me know."

Benjamin expressed his gratitude. "Thank you. Your kindness has truly touched me."

"You're my son of course I'll do more for you." Evelyn muttered to herself.

As they settled back at the table, Evelyn cleared her throat and inquired, "Who keeps calling?"

Benjamin glanced at his phone and explained, "Oh, that? I'm not sure. It started last night. My phone isn't in the best shape. I'll check it when I get back to my campus."

Evelyn studied him, a surge of joy coursing through her. "Benjamin, you mentioned your parents are no longer with you. What happened to them?" She asked, her voice filled with concern.

Benjamin placed his spoon down. The joyful expression on his face suddenly changed. He cleared his throat and said,

"Actually, I grew up in an orphanage. I was told I was brought up In the orphanage home at age 5, it seems my parents didn't like me and came to leave me to suffer. Anytime I ask if they could find my parents for me, I'll only be told that I should forget about them because there's a high possibility that they are dead. I was convinced that they weren't alive anymore, and since then, that is how I've lived my life on my own."

Evelyn's body began to shake lightly; she was stunned as she looked at Benjamin. "Do you really think your parents never liked you and sent you to an orphanage home?" She asked

Benjamin sighed and said, "I don't really know, and I don't care much, although sometimes I miss not having parents." Saying this, tears came out of his eye, dropping on the table.

"I'm sorry, I have to leave. Thank you so much for the treat, ma'am." Benjamin said, wiping his tears as he stood up.

"Leave? What's wrong? Can't you rest a bit and have fun? I can get them to buy PlayStation and others so you can enjoy your short stay." He said

Benjamin smiled lightly and said, "Madam Evelyn, this is so nice of you, but I don't want you to waste money because of me. Thank you so much; I'll leave." He said, walking away towards the dining entrance.

"Benjamin Hayes, what if your family isn't dead like you think? What if I can tell you who your parents are?" Evelyn asked right after Benjamin was about to walk out.

Puff!" The word hit Benjamin; it hit him so hard that his other leg, which he had raised about to step, froze while the other one began to shake. He quickly turned, staring at Evelyn.

"What do you mean by you can tell me who my pa..r.ents are?" He asked in a shaking tone.

Evelyn, taking the opportunity, stood up and walked towards Benjamin, standing right in front of him, facing each other.

"Please tell me, what do you mean by knowing who my parents are? Were you just trying to say that in order to stop me from going?"

Evelyn shook her head and said, "I'm going to tell you a short story, and with this story, you'll find all the answers that you need."

Benjamin gulped. The tension in his body was rising faster, and he was growing impatient every second. All he wanted was to know about his parents, and now he didn't know if this woman was just joking or serious.

"Please, instead of a story, just tell me who my parents are if you really know them." He said

Evelyn nodded and then placed her hand inside the pocket of the attire she was wearing, took out a photograph, and showed it to Benjamin.

"Do you remember who this is?" She asked, staring at him.

Damn!" Benjamin took a step back, staring at the picture, before his eyes went back, staring deeply at Evelyn's. In the photograph was a young boy with a smile, looking handsome.

He walked forward quickly, standing right in front of Evelyn again. "Madam Evelyn, please tell me the truth. Where did you find this picture? This guy in the picture is me. I still remember clearly when I took this picture."

Evenlyn herself wanted to cry, but then she controlled herself and extended her palm, touching Benjamin's cheeks.

"You really want to know who you are?" She asked

Benjamin gulped and nodded like a lizard. "Yes, please tell me." He said

Evelyn nodded, her eyes meeting those of Benjamin. "Benjamin, I'm… I am.. I'm your mom; you are my son, and you are the heir to the multibillion-dollar properties; you aren't poor like you think you are; you are the master of all these trillions of assets and it's time to enjoy the riches made." She said

Boom!" The reply was so heavy that it shook Benjamin's body at once.