Chapter 19

Minerva let out a long sigh. She had already said everything that needed to be said last time, and she had made herself perfectly clear. But she knew Benedict too well. There was no way he had truly listened. He would definitely come back and try to bother her again. Sensing her tension, Lucas gently took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay. I'm here with you." Because it was a private event, the banquet had exceptionally tight security. No one without an invitation could get in, which gave the guests a strong sense of safety. Only then did Minerva finally begin to relax. Hand in hand, she and Lucas strolled toward the garden to get some fresh air. Just as they were about to step inside, a figure suddenly emerged from the side. "Minnie!" Benedict stared at the two of them—so close, so intimate—and a flash of pain crossed his eyes. Even though he had seen countless photos of them together online, nothing compared to witnessing it in person. The ache in his chest