Chapter 454

It was finished.

No more barriers stood in her way.

Isabella sprinted toward the basement entrance.

The space had no windows.

A single dim yellow bulb glowed on the wall.

Benjamin lay on a Japanese-style tatami mat, sleeping deeply.

She approached and nudged his leg with her foot.

"Wake up. You're coming with me."

His eyes fluttered open.

Recognizing her, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Why are you here?"

"You'd starve if I didn't come," she retorted. "Get up. Now."

He remained on the floor.

"I'm not leaving. I'm training with Takashi Yamamoto."

Since arriving at the mansion, Takashi had preached about inner peace.

Gaming required total isolation from external distractions.

A secure, dark environment was essential.

Benjamin had been skeptical initially.

But Takashi descended to the basement to demonstrate.

He claimed this very space helped him find his 'gaming rhythm' years ago.

So Benjamin stayed.

Days and nights blurred together.

He avoided food and drink, seeking that elusive inner tranquility.

Perhaps it was psychological, but his skills had sharpened noticeably.

Why abandon such progress?

Isabella tapped his forehead.

"Think he's actually teaching you? This was all Tiffany's scheme. She conspired with Takashi to abduct you."

"She used a photo of you here to extort Grandfather's thirty percent shares."

"Her entire offer to train you was a trap. Your disappearance shattered our parents. They surrendered their shares to her."

Benjamin froze, processing the accusation.

Then he shook his head vehemently.

"Impossible. I don't believe you. Victoria would never do that."

"See for yourself when we get home. Move. Now. If Takashi returns, we're trapped."

She grabbed his arm to pull him up.

He yanked his arm free.

"I said no! What awaits me at home? More backstabbing? More plots over shares?"

"Even Victoria, the one person who cared, has become a stranger. There's nothing left for me there."

"Here, I can focus. I can improve. I'll return one day and prove gamers can succeed too."

A cold laugh echoed from the staircase.

"You think you can teach him? Arrogant."

Isabella spun around.

Takashi Yamamoto descended the stairs.

He wore burgundy silk pajamas, his chest bare.

He exuded the aura of a decadent playboy.

One hundred bodyguards crowded the entrance behind him, blocking escape.

He wasn't supposed to be here. He should still be at the nightclub.

His return was alarmingly swift.

Takashi toyed with two jade beads in his palm.

"Disappointed? Didn't expect me? I admit, breaching my security impressed me."

"A gut feeling brought me back early. Good thing I listened."

Isabella met his gaze icily.

"Kidnapping is a crime. You and Tiffany are partners in this?"

"I have no idea what you mean," he replied smoothly.

He turned to Benjamin.

"Benjamin. Come stand by me. Tell her: Did I kidnap you?"

"Yes, Master." Benjamin nodded obediently and moved toward Takashi.