Chapter 248
“My personal affairs are none of your concern,” Isabella’s voice dropped low. “Focus on yourself.”
She suddenly remembered something and turned to Nathaniel. “Head to the Montgomery Manor first. Drop him off there.”
“Understood.” Nathaniel adjusted the steering wheel.
“I refuse to go back to the Montgomery Manor!” Benjamin protested urgently.
“Do you want a repeat of tonight? Can you guarantee your own safety?” Isabella countered sharply.
Benjamin fell silent, her words hitting a nerve. After a moment, he insisted, “I’d rather die than return there!”
“That’s exactly what they want,” Isabella scoffed.
Victoria had subtly spoiled Benjamin since childhood. She encouraged his school truancy, facilitated his gaming addiction, and even formed a team to enable his habits. Consequently, Benjamin wasted a decade on games while neglecting his education.
To him, Victoria was his only true friend who supported his gaming ambitions. He trusted her completely, unaware of the malicious intentions beneath her sugary facade.
Benjamin frowned at her tone. “I won’t deny Victoria made a huge mistake, but it’s only because she loved Alexander too much. She’s not inherently evil—nothing like what you imply! She treated me wonderfully all these years.”
Isabella merely scoffed, unwilling to explain further. It wasn’t the right time, and he wouldn’t believe her anyway. Besides, Benjamin couldn’t stay outside; it was too dangerous. Isabella had numerous enemies, and she still didn’t know if Victoria or Seraphina was behind Benjamin’s kidnapping.
“Regardless, you’re staying at the manor for now,” Isabella insisted firmly. “I’ll convince Grandpa to let you game at home.”
“Impossible! Don’t even try! Just take me to the Elite Gaming Club,” Benjamin retorted coldly.
He had pleaded with his family about gaming countless times since childhood. He dreamed of becoming a professional gamer, entering the national esports scene, and making a name for himself. Yet no one ever supported him. How could Isabella possibly succeed where he failed?
Isabella glanced at him briefly before pulling out her phone to text Theodore Montgomery. Moments later, Benjamin’s phone rang.
“Benjamin,” Theodore’s voice came through the speaker, “come home immediately. Bring your gaming equipment. I’ll allow you to game at home and won’t force studies on you anymore.”
Benjamin’s eyes widened in shock. He stared blankly for several seconds.
Did he hear correctly? Grandpa actually permitted gaming at home and wouldn’t force studies? Grandpa was the most traditional figure in the family, always insisting his only grandson focus on business school to eventually take over the family empire.
Yet suddenly, he was supportive…
He looked at Isabella incredulously. “What did you tell Grandpa?”
A faint smile touched her lips. “I said what needed to be said. You don’t need the details. Just stay home, understood?”
As they spoke, the car approached near the manor’s main entrance. “Stop here,” Isabella instructed.
Nathaniel pulled over immediately, turning the wheel smoothly.
Isabella turned to Benjamin. “Can you walk?”
The drug’s effects had worn off by now. He opened the door and stepped out.
“I’ll escort him in,” Isabella told Nathaniel. “Wait here for me.”
“Alright,” Nathaniel replied in his low, husky voice, offering no further comment.
As Isabella exited the car, Nathaniel’s gaze lingered thoughtfully on her retreating figure. Clearly, she wanted a private conversation with Benjamin—likely concerning that incident from five years ago. At The Ritz-Carlton, she had warned him not to pry into her privacy. Benjamin likewise refused to disclose details. What truly happened five years ago?
Oliver’s small head popped up from the backseat. “Daddy, should I go with them?”