Chapter 16
Who did Catherine think Benedict was?
With all his years of experience in the world of power and ambition, he instantly saw her for what she really was, which was the daughter of a
homewrecker.
There was no doubt
Catherine was her mother’s child, a woman who was just as scheming and manipulativer, moactly the hand of people he despisest the
Right then, the elevator doors opened again.
Benedict turned and stepped in, leaving without hesitation.
Catherine didn’t dare follow. That one glance from Benedict earlier had frozen her in place, as it she were encased in ice. Her legs felt like lead, weighing her down and stopping her from moving forward.
It took a long time before Catherine recovered from the powerful pressure of his presence.
Benedict was way too terrifying..
She pressed her lips together. Her back was drenched in sweat, but slowly, a twisted smile crept onto her face, which then shifted into one of determined ambition.
She had thought Adrian was already good enough for her, but the more she interacted with Benedict, the more she realized just how perfect he was.
Adrian was nothing but dust underfoot compared to Benedict.
That was the kind of man she should set her sights on.
With that in mind, Catherine reluctantly withdrew her gaze from the direction of the elevator. She
She figured such a grand appearance by Benedict had to be because of the legendary Taylor.
Since Taylor had helped her once already, if she reached out again, he surely wouldn’t refuse. If she could get Taylor to treat Murphy, Benedict would definitely see her in a new light.
By then, if everything went eccording to plan, she might just get her chance.
Losing herself in her fantasies, Catherine was practically buzzing with excitement. She could already see herself basking in the glory of being the future Lady of the Fletcher family!
was fantasizing about had just gotten into his car, his face dark as thunder. He immediately
While she was getting lost in her thoughts, the very man she was f
pulled out his phone and made a call.
Failing to find Taylor had left him in a foul mood.
The man on the other end sensed his mood and teased, “No wonder I’ve been having a bad feeling all day, like something was going to happen. Who would have thought that it was because I’d be getting a call from you?”
Frederick Strickland was Benedict’s old friend. Since their families were acquainted, the two came to know each other since they were little.
Back in school, everyone kept their distance from Benedict, except for Frederick, who had always been different.
No matter how cold or indifferent Benedict was, Frederick stuck to him like glue. Eventually, Benedict just stopped trying to shake him off.
As they became adults, the Benedicts and Stricklands remained close, working closely together.
Frederick then went abroad to further his studies, so he hadn’t been back for years. Even so, the two never stopped contacting each other and were the same as always.
In the confined space of the car, Benedict lowered his eyes, his gaze growing even more unreadable under the dim light. “I heard you came back a few days ago.”
H
“Yeah, I did!”
At the moment, Frederick was lounging on the couch with his legs crossed. A faint smirk appeared on his devilish face
“What’s this? Did you call because you wanted to throw me a welcome back party, or is there something you need from me?”
No one knew Bedarf beter than he did. After all, they’d been friends for a long time. If the ice block of a man was calling, it had to be for something important. Otherwise, he’d never call.
Sure enough, Benedict got straight to the point. “I need you to find out everything you can about someone.”
Friderick used to be a hacker. With his skills, digging up someone’s entire family history was practically child’s play.
And right now, Benediet was desperate to find Taylor
Even with his reach and resources, tracking someone who was actively avoiding him in this massive city had proven difficult
“Sonicone?” Frederick swiped at his screen, then chuckled. “Let me guess you’re looking for Taylor, right? There’s been plenty of gossip online lately Who would’ve thought you, of all people, would hit a wall?”
Staying silent, Benedict pressed his lips together, his eyes dark as ink
His long search for Taylor always brought him back to Janelle. The only reason he hadn’t suspected her of being Taylor was that Taylor was said to be a iman, Benedict would’ve sinpected her long ago if it weren’t for that
Frederick remarked playfully, “Benedict, I swear, you’ve only ever lost your mind over two things. The first on
one is finding Taylor to treat Murph, and the other is that one–night stand with the mystery woman. Hasn’t it been five years since you started looking for her?” Benedict’s face turned icy cold when he heard that. He said menacingly, “Frederick Strickland.”
d thing that woman i
is great at staying hidden. If you’d caught her,
for the w
worse if Benedict was in
Frederick immediately dropped the topic. “Alright, alright! Still touchy as
as ever. Good she’d be.. Ch, never mind!”
From the sound of it, Taylor had really stumped Benedict. Frederick guessed Murphy’s condition must have taken a turn for such a hurry.
With that in mind, he started to get worried, “Ben, how’s Murph been doing? That Idd’s always so quiet. He barely says a sentence a day! Don’t l turn out like you, man
“At his age, he should be rowdy and full of energy. You need to find a way to liven him up, or his mental health will suffer.”
Benedict’s face twitched, his tone low as he said, “Frederick, his condition is worsening.”
Just thinking about Murphy made his heart sinic
Murphy had always been quiet and withdrawn, something Benedict would worry over constantly,
let him
He also used to hope that Murphy would one day be as energetic and playful as a normal child. But now that the wish had come true, it only made him
more uneasy.
The current Murphy, was acting like he was on the verge of a psychotic break. He was delusional, extremely hyper, and his preferences had changed Completely.
How could Benedict not be worried?
you to find Taylor as soon as po
Benedict lowered his gaze, the shadow of his lashes dimining the cold gleam in his gaze. “That’s why I need yo can’t afford any more delays now that his condition is worsening”
as possible. We
Hearing the tone of Benedict’s deep voice, Frederick finally realized how serious things had gotten. Dropping his unserious act, he nodded solemnly Got it. Just leave it to me,”
Since Benedict was not in the mood for small talk, they ended the call shortly after.
What neither of the knew was that the real Murphy was already fully invested in his new life’s mission, which was playing matchmaker for his
Iso was currently making arrangements for a grand Michilin feast on Benedict’s behalf.
Last night, not long after Janelle left, Murphy called Roger
When the call connected, Roger asked in a stern voice, “Hello? Who’s this?“
Murphy, who had an angelic face, placed his storybook aside. “Roger, it’s ine, Murphy.”
for his parents.
Roger was stunned for a second, then delighted. “Oh, Mr. Murphy! What can i do for you? Since you called, it must mean you’d like to make another food request, right? Just name wherever you want!”
Murphy lifted his chin slightly, his voice cool and commanding as he said, “Roger, I’m bringing someone over tomorrow. Please coordinate with Velmont Hotel staff to ensure the grandest possible reception is prepared, Also, be sure to showcase all of your best signature dishes.”
Hearing Murphy’s tone made Roger feel an increasing sense of respect. Despite hi
reminiscent of Benedet
young age, Murphy was already speaking with an air of authority
Even from just hearing his voice, one could imagine the authority behind that angelic face.
Of course, Mr. Murphy! Leave it to me. You don’t have to worry about a thing. However, might I ask who the honored guest is?” Roger asked. Murphy’s autism was severe, after all, and he was even colder than Benedict. Who could possibly matter this much to him?
