Chapter 30
Are You Giving Me an Attitude?
Benjamin didn't answer the question. His expression visibly cooled.
He slightly narrowed his eyes and said flatly, "Lauren, I'll take you back to the hospital."
"Benjamin, are you upset? Is it because Harper is angry and you feel for her? Tell me the truth, I won't blame you. I understand that a lot has happened in the year you've been married, things that should and shouldn't have happened. If you tell me now that you've fallen in love with her, then I will leave. I won't cling to you."
Lauren's emotions surged as she stared at him, waiting for an answer.
His gaze was shallow, his face emotionless, stern to read any feelings, and his tone was very mild. "Lauren, what are you worried about? I've already told you I will divorce her and marry you. Or do you actually hope I fall in love with Harper and completely cut ties with you? If that's the case, I suppose I could try, hmm?"
"No! Benjamin, I don't want it like this," Lauren said in desperation, gripping Benjamin's hand tightly. She explained, "I'm just afraid... I'm afraid you'll leave me. Benjamin, can you divorce Harper quickly? I'm really scared..."
"Lauren, be confidence!"
Benjamin looked down at Lauren before him, who used to shine with self-assurance but now seemed overwhelmed with unnecessary worries, becoming more and more of a stranger to him. In the parking lot...
Harper and Lily got into the car, and Lily looked at her with an apologetic face. "Harper, I'm really sorry. I apologize on behalf of Benjamin. It's all his fault. Tonight, I'll make him come back to the Martin Manor, and I'll give him a good talking-to. If there's anything you want to share, just tell me, okay? Don't keep it all bottled up inside, alright?"
Harper simply smiled faintly and shook her head, "Lily, I'm fine, don't worry about me. Let me take you back to the hospital."
"Okay," Lily said, not entirely reassured but unsure what more to say. After all, it was clearly Benjamin's fault for his actions. She had caught him this time, and there might have been many times it happened without her knowing.
Seeing Harper's demeanor, it was clear she was well aware of the situation and could only imagine how much she had suffered. Although Benjamin was her son, Lily, as a woman, could never condone the tyranny of a mistress.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Harper said, "Lily, I won't go up. You and Scott have been dealing with grandpa's situation, but please let me know immediately if anything happens."
"Okay, don't worry, and drive safely on your way, her mother replied."
"Yeah, I know. Bye..."
Harper's words trailed off as she couldn't help but retch. Though nothing came up, her face turned pale.
She dared not look directly at Lily, murmuring instead, "Lily, please go up."
Lily didn't move, and she asked softly, "Harper, what's wrong with you? Are you feeling alright?"
"I've been having some stomach issues lately; I've already seen a doctor. Don't worry, I'm fine."
Harper quickly explained, preempting any further questions from Lily.
Lily didn't think much of it; she just reminded her to take good care of herself before turning to enter the hospital.
Watching Lily leave, Harper breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that she hadn't given anything away.
Back in the hospital room, Lily tossed her purse aside and grumbled to Scott, "Your son is out of control. Do you know what he's done? No wonder Harper wants a divorce." Scott, ever the doting husband, looked at Lily with a gentle expression and poured her a glass of water, saying, "Take your time, tell me everything."
Lily spilled everything that had happened at the restaurant.
Scott's expression turned grave, and he said coldly, "Has he grown too bold? Tell him to come back to the Martin Manor tonight."
Lily hurriedly made a call and muttered. "I don't know who he takes after. We don't have anyone like that in our family. Could it be they switched him at birth?"
Scott frowned, "Don't talk nonsense."
The call connected at that moment.
Lily said sternly, "Benjamin, come to the Martin Manor tonight. We're having a family meeting, and trust me, you'll regret it if you don't show up."
"Mom..."
"What? Can't hear your mother's call anymore?" Scott took the phone, cutting off Benjamin's response, "You better straighten up. Don't forget who you are. Your actions reflect not only on yourself but also on the Martin family and the Martin Group. Most importantly, they affect your grandfather's reputation."
Benjamin, with a stern face, replied, "Dad, don't listen to mom's nonsense. I didn't do anything."
"Are you still arguing? Do you want me to check on that woman personally?"
"Alright, I got it. I'll be back tonight."NôvelDrama.Org (C) content.
Benjamin had barely finished speaking when the line was abruptly cut off.
With a helpless expression, he furrowed his brows tightly.
Lauren noticed, too, and softly asked, "Benjamin, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing."
"Is it because of me that Mr. Martin and Mrs. Martin are mad at you?"
"No, don't overthink it," Benjamin replied coolly.
Lauren still looked worried as she and Benjamin returned to the hospital room. Seeing Benjamin's somber expression, her heart was also uneasy. She said, "Benjamin, what if Mr. and Mrs. Martin don't want us to get married after you and Harper divorce?"
Benjamin narrowed his eyes and glanced at Lauren, and he said, "Didn't I tell you, this isn't something you should worry about? Isn't your manager here? You two talk; I'm leaving."
Lauren didn't try to stop him, simply nodding in agreement.
Watching Benjamin leave the hospital room, Lauren's expression grew somber. Rue asked, "Lauren, why do you always yield to him? It wasn't like this between you two before." Before, Lauren would be imperious and make Benjamin yield to her.
But now...
"Rue, we haven't been together for over a year. Now that he's willing to divorce Harper and marry me, this is my last chance. I know it's not right to always yield to him, but what else can I do?" Lauren asked. "Men, they're always about the same old things. You need to bring out your charm and confidence."
Rue's words deepened Lauren's gaze, a flicker of hope shining in her eyes.
Benjamin returned to the Martin Manor in the evening.
Naturally, he was met with a scolding. Scott pointed at him with a cold voice, "Mr. Henry saved Martin family. If it weren't for Mr. Henry, neither you nor I would be here. Your mother and I owe Harper gratitude, and it's not your place to insult her!"
Benjamin had heard such remarks since a year ago. He nodded and said, "You're right."
"If you really think I'm right, then cut ties with Lauren immediately. Your grandpa still hasn't come to, and if something were to happen, are you sure you won't regret it?"
Leaving the Martin Manor, Benjamin got into his car.
His face was stern, and his face was sullen. Scott's words echoed in his ears. He said, "Are you sure you won't regret it?"
The more Benjamin thought, the heavier his thoughts weighed on him, a subtle chill emanating from him.
Arriving at Pineview Villa, it was just seven o'clock in the evening.
As he entered, Draven heard him and came out to greet him. "Benjamin's back, have you had dinner yet? Harper's eating, do you want to join?"
At that, Benjamin's brows slightly furrowed. He hummed softly in acknowledgment and headed towards the dining room.
As Benjamin entered, he saw Harper at the dining table, chewing her food slowly. Their eyes met, and Harper was the first to look away, continuing to eat her meal as if he wasn't there. Benjamin stared at her. "Harper, are you giving me an attitude?"