CHAPTER 67: EVERYTHING

Lucas let out a sharp breath. "Sh*t, that actually sounds like Benjamin. He probably planned five steps ahead of the entire universe while drinking tea."

Alexander clenched his jaw. "I don’t trust how easily things are aligning."

A silence stretched between them as both of them tried to figure out what was going on.

Then Lucas leaned on the table and said, lowering his voice. "You think Benjamin’s manipulating something behind the scenes?"

Alexander gave a faint humourless laugh. "When is he not?"

Lucas straightened. "Do you want me to look into it? I can ask around and pull strings. You know, all the fun small-crimes."

"I don’t want you involved in anything illegal," Alexander said.

Lucas shrugged. "Who said it’s illegal? I am talking morally grey at worst."

Alexander looked at him, the tension in his shoulders still tight. "I just need to know what he is up to."

Lucas nodded firmly, his tone suddenly serious. "Then I will dig. If your father is playing a game, we will know before he makes his next move."

Alexander finally leaned back, exhaling slowly.

For the first time that evening, something like clarity returned to his eyes.

Lucas clapped his hands once. "Good, now drink. You look like you are planning a murder in your head."

Alexander sighed as Lucas flagged down the waiter for another round.

And somewhere between the noise, the alcohol and the tension, Alexander’s fear settled deeper because nothing was ever simple when Benjamin Reid was involved.

....

[Reid Mansion]

The Reid mansion was unnervingly quiet that evening.

Benjamin and Olivia were seated at the long dining table finishing dinner in stiff silence, Olivia carefully cutting her salmon with the kind of grace she always exaggerated when servants were present.

Just then, the butler hurried past the dining hall with wide eyes and stiff posture.

Benjamin instantly knew something was off. "What happened?" he asked, curious.

"Madam Margaret Reid has arrived," the butler announced.

Olivia’s fork slipped right out of her hand and clattered on the plate and Benjamin’s shoulders stiffened.

Because Margaret never arrived unannounced, she only came when something important or dangerous was about to be discussed.

The dining doors opened and Margaret walked in with her cane tapping once, crisp and commanding. Her posture was elegant, chin high and her eyes sharp enough to slice glass.

It had been months, almost a year since Margaret Reid had stepped foot in the mansion. She preferred her staying on the other side of the city with Pauline and only visited when it was absolutely necessary. But tonight, apparently, was one of those nights.

"Mother—" Benjamin stood up awkwardly.

Olivia pasted the sweetest smile she could muster. "Mother, what a pleasant surprise. Please, allow me to get a plate ready—"

Margaret didn’t even glance at her.

"No," she said, a single word of dismissal.

Olivia’s smile froze.

Margaret finally let her gaze slide to her. "Don’t force manners you don’t possess, Olivia. It looks exhausting on you."

Olivia’s jaw twitched but she did not say anything. Instead, she looked at Benjamin. But before she could say anything, Margaret interrupted her.

Margaret turned to her son with a stare that made him feel fourteen again, caught cheating in his exams. "A word."

Benjamin didn’t even bother finishing the food on his plate. He pushed back the chair immediately, wiped his hands and almost stumbled to follow her.

Margaret walked with regal authority toward the staircase and Benjamin trailed behind like an obedient shadow.

Halfway up the stairs, she paused and turned her head slowly.

With her eyes pinned on Olivia, she said, "If you even think about following us or eavesdropping, then I suggest you drop that idea this instant."

Olivia straightened in her chair, startled. "I—I wasn’t—"

"Good. Sit, stay and try not to cause trouble, just this once."

Then she continued up the stairs, leaving Olivia fuming silently with her nails digging into the tablecloth.

.....

[Margaret’s Private Study]

Benjamin closed the door behind them.

The room smelled like old wood, lavender and authority—the kind of place where Margaret solved problems by either fixing them or burning them to ashes.

Benjamin tried to compose himself. "Mother, what is this—"

"Sit," she cut him off.

And he instantly obeyed.

Margaret lowered herself onto the couch with practiced grace with her cane resting beside her. But her eyes were cold steel.

"What," she began, "did you say to Gregory Carter?"

Benjamin’s throat tightened. He had expected this conversation just not so soon.

"Mother, that situation is being exaggerated. Gregory overreacted—"

"Overreacted?" Her voice sliced the air and Benjamin shut his mouth instantly.

Margaret leaned forward a little and her sharp gaze was enough to peel him layer by layer.

"You insulted his daughter, humiliated her and then you expected him to sit across from you and smile like a grateful dog?"

Her words landed like stones.

Benjamin tightened his jaw and snapped, "I spoke the truth. Evelyn Carter is—"

"If you finish that sentence—" Margaret warned softly and dangerously, "you will regret it."

Benjamin looked down because he knew his mother wasn’t bluffing.

She placed her hand on the desk and continued, ""You listen to me very carefully, Benjamin. I do not care what schemes you are running behind closed doors and I also do not care what personal problems you have with Gregory Carter."

"What I care about is my grandson. Alexander has chosen that girl and I know he loves her, even if he does not say it outright. And as long as he chooses her, I will stand beside him," she added, loud and clear.

Benjamin stiffened but before he could voice his opinion, Margaret raised her hand to stop him.

She then lowered her voice further into a chilling whisper. "You will not manipulate or sabotage him and will not poison Evelyn’s life or her family’s peace."

She leaned forward, glaring at him. "If you try just once, I swear on my husband’s grave, Benjamin, I will strip you of everything you have."

Benjamin’s head snapped up, shocked. "Mother—"

"Everything." Her voice was absolutely certain and final, leaving no room for any further discussion.

....