Chapter 12

In the blink of an eye, six years of being completely in love with Samuel had already gone by. From today onward, Shirley was done. Shirley's gaze landed on the box in the middle of her bed. She eventually stuffed it into the corner of her closet. After doing all that, Shirley took a bath. She picked out a purple evening gown and wore it. She sat before her mirror and put on some light makeup. The woman before the mirror had long, luscious hair. Her face was dolled up intricately. She had an air of charm and elegance about her. She thought for a moment before tying her hair up instead. She took out a hair curler and fixed her bangs. Though she didn't look as elegant as before, she looked much more energetic and innocent. Her light purple gown was all the more fitting. Then, she put on some simple jewelry. Surely, the elders would like her attire! She initially wanted to apply some perfume, but she recalled how Benjamin seemed repulsed by women. He probably wouldn't like the smell of perfume, either, so she didn't spray any. Putting on her high heels, Shirley took a good look at herself in the mirror. Her lips curled in self-loathing and sorrow. After all these years, she had only dolled herself up for Samuel. This was the first time… This was the first time she had dressed up for a guy she didn't know. There was no time to keep ruminating. Shirley cleared the self-loathing and sorrow from her mind and kept her horoscope information in her bag. She picked up her gift and hurriedly left Weiss Manor. … Since the banquet was for Damian's birthday, it was held rather early. The sun hadn't gone down yet. The ladies from various families arrived at Blackwood Manor along with their sons and daughters. Normally quiet and empty, Blackwood Manor was now bustling with activity. Shirley sat in the car until the crowd began to disperse. Then, she went in, keeping a low profile. She handed the gift and horoscope information over and signed her name on the guest list. The Blackwood family's villa was large and luxurious. The atmosphere in the grand hall was lively. A beautiful woman was there, playing the piano and showing off her skills. The sound of the music was melodic and moving. Outside the hall, people were chatting. Shirley avoided the crowd and sat in an inconspicuous location. She was waiting for the real "main event" to begin. Just then, Benjamin was in the main building of Blackwood Manor. His expression was dark and menacing, a cold air exuding from him. The birthday banquet was beginning soon, but Damian had locked himself inside and was unwilling to come out. The butlers, trembling with fear, tried to coax him out, saying, "Damian? Damian, please hurry and come out…" Regardless, that door remained closed. "The keys, Mr. Blackwood." Arthur arrived in a hurry, holding the keys. "Open the door," Benjamin commanded coldly. But right as the key was inserted, a loud noise was heard from indoors. Everyone outside was spooked by the sound. The family butler, Arthur Whitlock, turned to Benjamin. Benjamin repeated in a darker tone, "Open it." Arthur turned the keys, and the door opened. "Argh!" This time, there was the sound of something shattering and a boy screaming hysterically. Benjamin stepped in, and a lamp was smashed against his head. The butlers behind him held their breaths. They watched as he slammed the door behind him. They were all thinking the same thing. Was Benjamin going to just beat Damian to death? Then, everyone turned to look at Arthur. Arthur's brows were furrowed, too. He seemed anxious. Within the sea blue room, Benjamin and Damian locked eyes. One's expression was ice cold, while the other was like a rampaging beast. "Come here." Benjamin took a step forward. "Ah!" Damian backed away and roared at him in frustration, as though he could only communicate like this. With every step Benjamin took, Damian screamed in anger and tossed things at him. He was warning Benjamin to stay away. What on Earth was that sound? Shirley was alone, so she heard the sound coming from upstairs clearly. She lifted her head in confusion. The sound of things shattering and the screaming was becoming more clear. Shirley just had to stand up. With the last shout, Shirley saw a small figure climb out onto the guardrails of the balcony. It was fast. Damian? Her eyes met with his. Damian was frozen in place. Shirley didn't expect this to happen. She quickly ran below the balcony just in case he fell off. She wanted to call for him to go back in, as it was dangerous. But before she could even open her mouth, a not-quite-unfamiliar voice was heard. There was a sense of undeniable authority in his voice. "Get down from there. What is the point of throwing a tantrum like this?" Despite his harsh words, Benjamin stopped approaching. His deep eyes were filled with worry. Damian grabbed onto the guardrails and squatted there, unmoving. He might have jumped down at any moment. Downstairs, Shirley watched in panic. "Don't move! Hurry—" "Get down. Don't make me repeat myself!" Shirley was interrupted by the stern voice coming from indoors. That tone made her furious. Did Benjamin think he was ordering his subordinate around? Couldn't he see that Damian was in danger? Couldn't he at least coax him a little? Damian's eyes were locked on Shirley. His lips tightened, as if he would burst into tears if he didn't. He looked pitiful. Looking at Damian's pitiful figure, Shirley couldn't help but think she was just an outsider. She had no right to butt into their family matters. She was worried that Damian would lose his grip and fall from the top floor. But right after that, she saw a large hand reach over and grab Damian back in. Shirley barely even had the time to breathe a sigh of relief before she heard another hysterical scream from upstairs. Was Damian being beaten? She was reminded of Benjamin's bad reputation. She thought back to the scene of Damian running to the balcony and wanting to jump off. Now, his hysterical screams made her imagine a scene of domestic abuse. She didn't have time to think any further. She shouted frantically, "Benjamin! He's just a kid! Talk things out properly! Don't hit him!" For some reason, the hysterical screaming stopped as she said that. Right then, she saw a face that could make any woman swoon. At this distance of a few feet away, she could clearly feel the air of power and coldness coming off of Benjamin. His deep eyes were sharp as daggers, and they made her feel a tinge of fear instinctively. After all, he was the Ruler of Elderstone. That gaze lingered on her for a few seconds before he left. After that, the sound of Damian screaming stopped. Benjamin chuckled scornfully, though, as if mocking her for meddling in others' business and not knowing her place. Shirley felt a bit regretful. Perhaps having faith in such a cruel and cold man was a mistake. As of then, Shirley didn't know that Damian made a fuss with Benjamin because of her.