Chapter 14

Out of the five men, Derek had the best family background, and Benjamin was the richest. Samuel was the youngest and had the most potential. However, the three of them had their weaknesses, too. Derek and Benjamin were infamous for being ruthless in their ways, so they weren't ranked as highly. Samuel had an injured leg, so he was ranked last. Marcus and Cole were the nicest, but Cole was already married. Just like Shirley, who was engaged to Samuel previously, Cole wasn't on the invitation list this time, either. As for Marcus, Shirley had seen him a few times. She wasn't very interested. She felt that Marcus was hiding something. She especially hated two-faced people. Her best friend Janine adored him greatly and had a crush on him for many years, though. As for Derek, they had played together when they were children. Back then, he was still a decent person. He was older than Shirley by a few years and was a decently good older boy. He knew how to take care of others. However, ever since he joined the army, he cut off contact. To think of it, it was nearly ten years since Shirley last saw him. She had already forgotten what he looked like. But for some reason, he had left the army to take up business. This was recent news. Tonight, Shirley was here for Benjamin. However, she didn't see him at all, even after scanning her surroundings. On the stage, Isabelle finished her speech. She called for Benjamin and Damian. Amidst the applause, Benjamin appeared while holding Damian in his arms. He exuded the presence of a glorious hero, leaving the crowd in surprise and awe. The socialites below were fawning over him as he stood on stage. Like Shirley, they didn't know much about Benjamin. All they knew was that he had been doing work overseas. He had only returned two years ago. Immediately after returning, Benjamin kicked his grandfather, Bart Blackwood, out of the company. He was now in control of Blackwood Group. Bart was so furious that he had injured himself and ended up paralyzed from the waist down. Now, he had to use a wheelchair to move around. Furthermore, Benjamin accused his uncle, Bill Blackwood, of embezzling funds and sent him to prison. At the same time, he brought Blackwood Group back from the brink of bankruptcy. Just within two years, he had assumed control of everything. His methods were ruthless. He was decisive and cunning, and he had no regard for sentiment. Even the big shots in the business world were hateful and afraid whenever Benjamin's name was mentioned. After Benjamin had returned, he didn't appear in public often. The people there tonight weren't from the business sphere. Most of them were just rich folk who knew of him but hadn't seen him in person. In reality, not all the socialites here had their eyes on Benjamin. However, upon seeing that handsome, prestigious man on the stage, the socialites of Elderstone had their eyes drawn to him like moths to a flame. To think that the ruthless demon of Elderstone had such a charming face! Even Marcus, the most esteemed of Elderstone's Five Stars, couldn't compare to him. With that glorious demeanor of his, it wasn't likely that there would be anyone even more outstanding than him. The child in his arms was not even a concern now. As Benjamin spoke, the socialites below stirred. His voice was husky and deep, like music to their ears. Was this really the fearsome man people spoke of? Emily Bennett grabbed Marie Carter's hand in excitement. "Marie, Benjamin is clearly way better than Marcus! You'll surely be Mrs. Blackwood!" Marie curled her lips into a smile and said shyly, "Don't be so loud. People would laugh if they heard you." "I'm speaking the truth! Who else could compare to you at this banquet?" Emily said. Emily chuckled to herself silently. Behind the two was Jessica Clay. Her lips curled mockingly upon hearing what they were saying. Both Marie and Jessica were famous beauties in Elderstone. If Shirley got dragged down from her position, these two were the top candidates for being the top socialite there. Unfortunately, Jessica's family background wasn't the best. She had been trampled down by Emily all this time because of it. After a simple introduction, Benjamin introduced Damian in a grandiose manner. Rumor had it that Benjamin had brought back an illegitimate child from Newlandia. However, not many people knew that the child had severe autism. Even at four years old, he was not able to speak. Shirley looked at Damian, who was in Benjamin's arms, from afar. There was no sign of wounds on his face. His arms and legs were smooth and silky. Damian looked all the more endearing the longer they looked. Perhaps she was mistaken about Benjamin and had accused him falsely. Damian seemed at peace. He didn't seem like he was tortured in the slightest. Arthur wheeled a cake onto the stage. Shirley saw no one sitting at that grand piano, so she walked over. Her pale, supple fingers danced across the keys as she began to play a cheerful tune. "Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you…" Soft singing accompanied the upbeat music in the hall. It was a soothing, delightful melody. All eyes were on Benjamin and Damian. They thought it was a recording being played back and just sang along to the birthday music. Only a handful of people noticed Shirley sitting by the piano. Damian was one of them. Because of him, Benjamin also noticed her. He only glanced at her briefly before averting his gaze. He didn't dare let it linger, in case her beauty would be etched into his mind. Amidst the singing, Benjamin held onto Damian's hand and cut the cake. The singing quickly turned to applause and cheerful laughter. Benjamin carried Damian down the stage as they clapped. Then, the speed dating event officially began. Benjamin had just walked down the stage and was already swarmed by three socialites who wanted to make an impression. The first of the three was someone Shirley knew. That was Jessica, Wayne's daughter. She had stunning looks but was a wolf in sheep's clothing. Jessica had almost forgotten about Benjamin's infamy. With her two friends accompanying her, she walked toward Benjamin. She hadn't even approached before she froze in place after seeing his disdainful gaze. Benjamin carried Damian and walked right past Jessica coldly, leaving them to watch from behind as he walked away. Jessica didn't even get the chance to speak. She stood there with her mouth agape, disbelieved. Some other socialites were almost thankful that they didn't step forward. Some of them even gloated over her failure. Emily scoffed, "How disgraceful! Who do you think you are? It's only right that a pauper acts like one. She wouldn't know how to be sophisticated. Does she think she can throw herself at anyone just because she's slightly pretty? Hasn't she humiliated herself enough?" "Emily!" Marie called out in disapproval and tried to stop her from talking. Jessica's expression turned sour as she looked at the proud Emily and aloof Marie. She scoffed before turning to leave.