Chapter 216
Meanwhile, Benjamin and Candice were in another hospital room, hooked up to IV drips. Covered in honey, they had been stung so severely that their faces were swollen beyond recognition.
When Candice woke up, she found her parents and her brother, Sampson Fletcher, in the room. Her mother rushed to her side, her face creased with worry. “Candice, you’re finally awake! Does anywhere else hurt? Tell me, I’ll get the doctor p>
Candice felt miserable. Her entire body was covered in painful welts, especially her face. Every slight movement sent a wave of agony through her. “It hurts! Everything hurts!” she managed to say, tears already streaming down her face.
Her mother immediately called for a doctor, who administered a painkiller. Only then did Candice feel some relief. As her thoughts cleared, hatred began to bubble up inside her. Rebekah! That bitch! It was all her fault they were stung like this, and now they couldn’t even call the police because of the threats from the Hawthorne family. She couldn’t fathom why a mere driver was so important that the Hawthorne Group’s own executive assistant would come to his defense.
Sampson looked at his sister with concern. “Candice, what happened p>
Candice recounted the events of that day, conveniently leaving out the part where she had been the one to put the wasps in the basement.
Sampson slammed his fist against the hospital wall, radiating pure fury. “Rebekah! It’s you again p>
Their mother was equally enraged. “That wretched girl! We, the Fletcher family, have been more than generous to her, yet she continues to bully Candice. Does she really think we’re pushovers p>
Sampson turned to his mother. “Mom, I’m going to make her pay for what she did to Candice.” With that, he stormed out of the room. Neither of his parents tried to stop him.
In another room, Benjamin awoke to the sight of a strange man standing by his bed, reading a magazine. The man wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses that glinted in the sunlight. Benjamin struggled to sit up. “Who are you p>
“You’re awake.” The man lowered the magazine and turned to him. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Burke, a humble merchant from The Eastern Realm p>
Benjamin stared at him silently, his brow furrowed. He had heard of this man, the top merchant in The Eastern Realm. Burke was young but had mastered the rules of both the legitimate and underworlds, sing to the top in less than three years. Even the president of The Eastern Realm showed him deference. What was he doing here in The Capital?
Burke walked closer to the bed. His features were distinctly Eastern, except for a pair of striking, amber-colored eyes that shone like gemstones. An elegant smile played on his lips. “Mr. Forrester, I’ve come to discuss a partnership p>
Though suspicious, Benjamin asked, “What kind of partnership p>
Burke produced a contract and placed it in Benjamin’s hands. “I believe you could use a deal that’s substantial enough to turn the Forrester Group’s fortunes around p>
Benjamin skeptically opened the contract. A brief glance was enough to fill his eyes with astonishment. He looked up sharply at Burke. “What do you want p>
Burke’s smile widened. “If you think the deal is favorable, Mr. Forrester, all you have to do is sign p>
Rebekah slept until noon, waking up with her clothes soaked in sweat. She had been trapped in another nightmare.
Israel had just dropped off a change of clothes. Jensen was walking back to the bed with them when he saw that She was awake. “You’re up. Good timing. You I should change p>