CHAPTER 39: A MAN’S WEAKNESS

[Powder Room]

Olivia stood before the mirror and the warm golden lights above her caught the glint of her earrings.

Her reflection was perfect, every hair in place, every line of her makeup untouched and yet she looked like she could shatter the glass just by breathing too hard.

She then placed her clutch on the counter with a loud shard thud.

"Unbelievable," she muttered under her breath with her voice shaking with restrained fury.

Her fingers dug into the edge of the marble. "In front of everyone."

The way Alexander had spoken to her in public had cut far deeper than if he had shouted.

He had dismissed her again.

Her reflection blurred slightly as her eyes hardened. "The audacity—" she whispered. "Talking to me like that."

And to make things worse, Benjamin hadn’t defended her.

Her nails pressed against her palm as she replayed Benjamin’s words.

That tone and cold amusement reminded her that she would never truly be his equal, neither in name nor in respect.

He had embarrassed her, yes but humiliation was temporary. What followed was something to look forward to.

Her eyes flicked to the door and then back to her reflection.

Benjamin thought he was invincible, a man with all the money and power in the world but she had been part of his world long enough to know where the cracks were.

She knew exactly where to hit and when. She knew what would boost his ego and what would crumble it down.

A slow smile curved her lips. It was cold, deliberate and dangerous.

When she finally turned to leave, her transformation was seamless. The rage and vengeance was hidden beneath her smile and grace.

The door opened and she stepped out into the corridor with every trace of her fury vanished and replaced by the polished poise that everyone expected from Mrs. Olivia Reid.

But in her eyes, beneath the shimmer and civility something darker gleamed, something that would change many lives.

.....

[Later That Night—On the Terrace]

The night had deepened and the hum of the gala softened into a low and steady rhythm of laughter and glass.

Benjamin stood near the open doors that led to the terrace

Gregory Carter was already there with a glass of whiskey in hand and his gaze fixed on the garden lights shimmering across the marble steps.

Benjamin approached with the quiet confidence of a man who knew his presence alone could change the air around him.

"Gregory," he greeted smoothly with his voice almost cordial. "Escaping the noise, I see."

Gregory turned, offering a polite nod. "Just catching my breath," he sighed. "Crowds tire me faster these days."

Benjamin’s lips curved faintly. "I can understand but they feed me. Olivia insists I attend these spectacles.’" His tone was dry and amused but his eyes carried no warmth.

"She lives for attention," Gregory said mildly, swirling his drink. "Though her remarks tonight were unnecessary."

Benjamin gave a low hum of acknowledgment, staring into his own glass. "Yes, she has a talent for saying too much." He looked up with faint amusement glinting in his eyes. "But don’t let it bother you. Olivia’s words sting only until you realize how little weight they carry."

Gregory arched his brow. "Still, your wife publicly insulting my daughter isn’t something I can easily overlook."

Benjamin’s expression didn’t change but his tone cooled a degree. "If you expect an apology, I can get you one but Olivia means no real harm." He chuckled, "She is all silk and noise. But I will remind her to keep her tongue in check."

Gregory studied him for a moment. "You have grown too comfortable excusing bad behavior, Benjamin. That’s how rot spreads."

Benjamin smirked faintly. "And you have grown more moralistic, I see. But let’s not forget, you weren’t always so pure in business."

Gregory’s eyes sharpened. "There is a difference between business and cruelty, something your wife doesn’t seem to recognize."

Benjamin’s chuckle was soft. "You always did enjoy the high ground." He took a sip, pausing. "So tell me, how is your daughter holding up after all that second scandal? It must have been difficult."

Gregory stiffened slightly. "She is stronger than people think."

"I can see that," Benjamin said quietly, watching him. "She is graceful under fire and that’s rare, especially these days."

He let the words hang, then added casually, "And she seems rather close to my son lately."

Gregory’s jaw tightened but he kept his composure. "Alexander has been kind to her, yes."

Benjamin’s lips twitched with something that wasn’t quite a smile. "Kind? Well, that’s one word for it." He swirled the amber liquid in his glass "He has never gone out of his way for anyone before. Not like that."

"Are you suggesting something, Benjamin?"

"Not at all." Benjamin’s smirk returned. "Just observing. If the Reids and Carters are destined to be entangled, perhaps it’s better when it’s not through contracts and mergers."

Gregory gave him a pointed look. "I don’t understand why you are so bent on this match?"

"Why? A father can’t wish for his son to have a good wife?" Benjamin titled his head, acting innocent. But Gregory could see right through his facade.

"A collaboration between the two companies will benefit the Carter’s more," Gregory added. "Don’t you think it should be me forcing this arrangement?"

"Well—" Benjamin shrugged. "If you think it’s more beneficial for your company, what is stopping you?"

Gregory didn’t say anything. Something in his gut told him that Benjamin Reid had something in his mind which he refused to share.

With all the years in business, one thing he had learnt was to never jump into a deal no matter how good it was without a clear picture.

"You sure know how to be secretive, Benjamin."

Benjamin’s eyes gleamed. "Old habits die hard."

They stood in silence for a moment and the air between them threaded with unspoken warning.

Finally, Gregory said, "Whatever you are planning, leave Evelyn out of it." His tone was calm but it carried a sense of warning.

Benjamin tilted his head, smiling just a little. "That depends on whether she wants to stay out of it."

Then, with an almost casual gesture, he raised his glass. "Enjoy your evening, Gregory."

And with that, he turned and walked back into the crowd.

....