CHAPTER 79: ECHOES OF REGRET

"I don't mean it like that," Benjamin persisted, his voice tinged with defensiveness. "The past is the past, and now is; we've got to keep them separate. Plus, you can't deny that Lauretta did use underhanded methods to marry you back then. You know this yourself." George's eyes narrowed, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. The words stung, but he struggled to find the right response. He had hoped for understanding and for Benjamin to acknowledge the complexity of their situation. Instead, he heard justification and an unwillingness to accept responsibility. "And about today's incident – Lauretta wasn't really harmed, was she? And since she discovered the plot in advance, why are you being so harsh with Carol? Don't you see that you're overreacting? We've never been on the same path. If we're not, we shouldn't force ourselves to walk together." Benjamin's voice grew more confident, and his logic seemed to sound logical. But George felt a bitter taste in his mouth, a mix o