Chapter 5: Chaos in the Roberts Family

Sophia glanced at Benjamin sitting elegantly beside her, who seemed completely detached. He had really betrayed her? What was he trying to achieve? On one hand, he demanded her not to be caught. On the other hand, he went straight to her father and reported her for not returning home. Catching glimpses of the expressions on the faces of other family members, Sophia felt suffocated. Her half-sister, Charlotte, wore a mocking smile, evidently waiting to see her embarrass herself. Her half-brother, Owen Roberts, set aside his phone, eyeing her and Benjamin with curiosity. Carter was seated next to his wife Harper Roberts, whom he married three years ago. Harper was pretty and petite. Despite the seventeen-year-age gap between her and Carter, their May-December relationship seemed harmoniously matched. Compared to Charlotte and Owen, Harper appeared much more indifferent, focused on serving food to Carter and showing no interest in Sophia's personal affairs. "Sophia, Dad's asking you. Did you spend the night fooling around with some guy?" Charlotte asked gleefully. Sophia was struck by a sense of panic. In this world, the person she feared the most was Carter. She had fallen out with Benjamin, and now her only reliance was the Roberts family. If Carter found out about her affair, he would beat her first and then kick her out of the Roberts family. She would be left with nothing. Carefully, Sophia reached out and tugged at Benjamin's sleeve, pleading for help. With an indifferent expression, Benjamin withdrew his hand, clearly indicating he wouldn't help her. Sophia frowned. As expected, she couldn't count on Benjamin. In a moment of inspiration, she straightened up and boldly questioned Benjamin, "You didn't come home last night. Why did you lie to Dad?" The Roberts family didn't have maids at Oakleaf Estates. The only ones who knew she didn't come home were she and Benjamin. As long as she denied everything, it was a game between her and Benjamin. Benjamin couldn't blame her for this. Carter frowned at Benjamin, "Benjamin, what's going on here?" although his tone wasn't as harsh as it was when he spoke to Sophia. He was harsher to his own family than to outsiders. Benjamin glanced sideways at Sophia. Bravely, Sophia met his gaze with defiance in her eyes as if to say, "Dare to confront me." With a casual smile, Benjamin said, "Seems to be a misunderstanding." He explained to Carter, "I've been busy lately. I got home past three in the morning and didn't want to wake Sophia, so I slept in the study. When I left in the morning, I called for Sophia and got no response, so I assumed she hadn't come home." With a coquettish smile, Sophia eagerly wrapped her arms around Benjamin's arm. "This really is a misunderstanding. You know I'm a heavy sleeper." Benjamin's lips quirked up in a spoiling smile, his handsome face filled with affection, but his eyes held a cold glint. "My mistake." Listening to Benjamin and Sophia's obviously fabricated responses, Charlotte couldn't help but scoff. Owen maintained an indifferent expression and continued to reply to messages on his phone. Carter sternly scolded Sophia, "Sophia, you're married now. You can't keep indulging yourself. You need to be more responsible!" Sophia clenched her fists, adopting an obedient demeanor. "There won't be a next time..." Benjamin hid his mocking smile, only to meet Harper's gaze. Harper continued to serve Carter, "Don't be so serious." Carter showed a gentle smile, pinching her hand, "Let's eat." After lunch, Carter proposed an afternoon of horse riding, and a lively group made their way to the Royal Equestrian Club. As Benjamin selected a horse, Harper, having changed her clothes, also came to the stable. Seeing Benjamin alone, Harper approached him. "Which one did you pick?" Benjamin gave Harper a cool look without answering, instead reaching out to stroke the strong black thoroughbred horse in front of him. Harper chuckled, "You have a good eye for horses, but not so much for people." Her blunt words meant she felt that Sophia wasn't good enough for Benjamin. Benjamin said indifferently, "None of your business." Taking a deep breath, Harper moved closer to him, her voice low, "Ben, it's been three years. It's time to let go of the past and stop betting your life on a fit of anger." Benjamin turned to face her, "You're advising me as what? A mother-in-law? Or an ex-girlfriend?"