Chapter 169

All eyes turned to Benjamin as Shirley's words were cut off mid-sentence. Her body tensed up, and she abruptly stood from her seat when she saw Benjamin. Samuel, who was sitting next to her, noticed her reaction, and a hint of hurt flashed in his eyes. Did she truly dislike being near him so much now? In that instant, Shirley's normally flushed face turned ghostly white, making it impossible for her makeup to conceal the change. Samuel followed her gaze and saw the fear in her eyes as well. Benjamin strode into the room with the confidence and ease of a ruler. His presence commanded attention, impossible to ignore. But why was he here? Samuel's expression hardened as soon as he saw Benjamin. He went from gentle to sharp, his focus back on Shirley's face. Was it because of Benjamin that she had agreed to come to this banquet? Did she want to distance herself from him before Benjamin could misunderstand their relationship? As these thoughts dawned on Samuel, he felt a weight pressi