Chapter 8

After Nina and her entourage departed, the grand lobby buzzed with chatter. Everyone was abuzz with speculation about Benjamin's identity. A man so strikingly handsome and exuding such natural authority—especially one personally greeted by Nina—was bound to spark curiosity. Brook frowned as he watched the man's tall, imposing figure disappear into the distance. Benjamin Blackwood. It was a name that struck fear into Elderstone's business world. Known for his ruthless methods and complete disregard for family ties, he was a man whose actions left lasting scars. Even Brook's older brother, Cole Gray, had suffered more than a few underhanded blows from him. Unaware of Brook's dark musings, Shirley tugged his arm, urging him to move quickly and follow. It didn't take long for people in the lobby to recognize Shirley and Brook. Someone couldn't help but exclaim, "What a day! First, we see Elderstone's top heartthrob Samuel Moore, then the legendary Nina Gale, and now, the city's number-one socialite Shirley Weiss, along with the infamous playboy Brook Gray. Talk about luck!" Samuel? He was at Valiant Lounge? Hearing that name, Brook instinctively glanced at Shirley. Her face was perfectly composed, her expression icy and indifferent. But the tight clench of her fists betrayed her. There was a time when merely hearing Samuel's name would bring a smile to her lips. Now, every mention felt like a stab to the heart. Shirley didn't want to hear that name. Not now. Not ever! As they stepped into an elevator capable of holding 20 people, Shirley and Brook slipped in behind the last of Nina's bodyguards. The atmosphere was suffocating as all eyes immediately turned to them. Even Nina seemed surprised. With their formidable presence, it was rare for anyone to dare share an elevator with them. However, Shirley saw this as an opportunity she couldn't pass up. She moved closer to Nina, but one of the bodyguards stepped forward to block her path. His expression was a clear warning to stay back. Shirley was the most dignified lady in Elderstone, and she had seen such situations countless times. She remained unfazed and gave him a polite smile, her gaze shifting to Nina. "Ms. Gale, do you remember me?" At the sound of Shirley's voice, the boy resting his head on Benjamin's shoulder perked up. His sullen demeanor vanished as he straightened his tiny frame, his bright eyes locking onto Shirley. Benjamin noticed his son's reaction and frowned slightly. Nina studied Shirley for a few seconds before nodding. Her tone was cool as she asked, "Ms. Weiss, are you here to see Kyle?" She knew? Shirley was caught off guard, her expression giving away her surprise. Nina smirked lazily. "I've heard about the Weiss family's situation. But let me tell you this—Kyle can't help you." Shirley's heart sank. "Why not?" Nina seemed in an unusually good mood as she replied nonchalantly, "Wayne paid Kyle a visit three days ago. So as far as the Weiss family is concerned, Kyle won't be getting involved." Wayne had already met with Kyle and struck some sort of agreement, which meant Kyle wouldn't be helping the Weiss family. Shirley's heart sank. Her face paled as the hope she had clung to crumbled away. If Kyle was out of the picture, she was left with only two choices—report this to the authorities or endure Wayne's threats and exploitation. But calling the police wasn't an option. Megan's life was at stake, and Owen was still lying unconscious in a hospital bed. If something happened to her baby sister, she feared it would destroy Rachel completely. As the elevator doors opened, Nina glanced back at Shirley. "Ms. Weiss, Kyle never changes his mind once he's made a decision, and he won't see you. You should look for someone else to help you." Shirley's mind raced, and she quickly latched onto an opportunity. "Ms. Gale, please, any advice you can give would be invaluable. I'll make sure you're rewarded handsomely." Nina's gaze flickered briefly to Benjamin's chiseled features before she smirked. "I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do for your family." With that, she turned, clearing the path for Benjamin and his son, Damian Blackwood. They disappeared into the corridor as the elevator doors slid shut. Shirley darted forward, only to be blocked by one of the bodyguards. "Ms. Weiss, please stay here." Seeing how Shirley remained where she was standing, Damian tugged at Benjamin's sleeve, his bright eyes fixed on her. Benjamin glanced down at Damian. Ignoring the silent plea in Damian's eyes, he strode forward without hesitation. As Shirley's figure grew smaller and smaller in the distance, Damian's frustration reached its peak. He yanked hard on Benjamin's collar, glaring at Benjamin with fierce determination. Before long, Benjamin, Nina, and their entourage disappeared into a private suite at the end of the hallway. A line of bodyguards stationed themselves outside the door, standing like an impenetrable wall. Shirley stood frozen in place, her thoughts churning. Brook walked over, his heart aching at the sight of her despair. "Let's go back. We'll think of something else." After a long pause, Shirley finally spoke, "No. Nina wanted to help me just now. She just couldn't say anything with so many people around." She replayed the moment in her mind. Before Nina rejected her, she had glanced at that man. It was as if she was trying to tell Shirley something. Shirley lifted her gaze to Brook. "That boy's father—do you know him?" Brook hesitated, momentarily caught off guard. Of course, he recognized Benjamin. But Benjamin was a man notorious for his ruthless nature and utter lack of mercy. Brook didn't want Shirley entangled with someone so dangerous. So, he shook his head. "No, I don't." Shirley felt a pang of disappointment. In the elite circles of Elderstone, she couldn't claim to know every billionaire, but she could recognize at least 80% of them. For someone she and Brook didn't know, it was likely this man wasn't a local. Just as she was contemplating her next move, the door to the suite at the end of the hallway opened again. Nina's alluring figure appeared, her gaze falling directly on Shirley. "Brook, it looks like we still have a chance." A faint smile graced Shirley's pale face, and the gleam in her clear eyes was as dazzling as the stars. Her beauty at that moment was breathtaking, leaving Brook momentarily stunned. Ignoring her usual composure, she hurried toward Nina. "Ms. Gale." Nina's crimson lips curled into a teasing smile. "Lucky you. Someone's agreed to let you in. Remember to follow my lead once we're inside." Moments later, Shirley stepped into the large, private room. It was luxurious yet tastefully refined. Every piece of furniture and decorative detail exuded elegance. At the center of the room was a round dining table, where two men and a child were seated. The two men were none other than Kyle and Benjamin. Their striking features and commanding presence made them an imposing pair. If not for the chilling demeanor they radiated, the scene might have resembled a masterpiece painting. Brook tried to follow Shirley inside but was blocked by the bodyguards. Shirley turned back, offering him a reassuring glance before the door closed behind her. Nina walked over to Kyle and gave Shirley a subtle look, signaling her to stand behind Benjamin. Without hesitation, Shirley moved to Benjamin's side. Sitting beside Benjamin, Damian froze, his small frame stiffening like a startled rabbit. He didn't dare turn his head, but his curious, bright eyes kept sneaking glances at Shirley, his fondness for her evident. Kyle gave Shirley a cursory glance before shifting his focus back to Benjamin, his lips curling into a faint smile. "I'll drink the first round. You can take your time." With that, Kyle lifted his glass of vodka and drained it in one gulp. Nina cast Shirley a quick glance, then leaned down to refill Kyle's glass. Her silent cue was clear—she wanted Shirley to drink on Benjamin's behalf. Shirley noticed the untouched glass of vodka in front of Benjamin. She hesitated briefly, her brows knitting together. She was accustomed to sipping red wine, and she rarely touched hard liquor like vodka. But the hesitation was fleeting. She quickly reached for the glass. At the same moment, Benjamin moved his hand toward the same glass. Shirley was faster. Her slender fingers closed around the glass just as Benjamin's hand came to rest on top of hers. Her skin was smooth and delicate, and her hand was petite but not frail.