Chapter 197
Benjamin paused for a moment before answering. “You can ask her to be your godmother. That way, it won’t affect your relationship.” He added firmly, “Your mother is just upset right now. She’ll be back soon. Do you understand p>
Shawn nodded. He was disappointed that Candice couldn’t be his real mother, but he also felt a flicker of anticipation at the thought of Rebekah returning. He stopped his tantrum, hopped off the chair, and began picking up the packaged cookies that had fallen on the floor.
Three days later, Rebekah arrived at The Verdant Bistro. She received a message from her eldest brother saying they were delayed in traffic and would be a few minutes late. Rebekah replied that it was no problem.
She entered the restaurant and gave the hostess her reservation name. A server then led her inside. The Verdant Bistro was decorated in a classical, antique style. A wooden corridor built with mortise and tenon joints was flanked by rock gardens and flowing water, surrounded by lush greenery and dotted with a few leisure chairs.
Further inside was the main dining hall, furnished with elegant wood tables and chairs. The private rooms had poetic names inscribed on their plaques: Azure, Celestial, Mystic p>
“Miss Fletcher, your reservation is for the south-facing room on the top floor. The view from there is spectacular,” the server explained as they walked.
Just as they reached the elevator, an issue arose that required the server’s attention. She apologized to Rebekah and said she would have the manager come and escort her the rest of the way. Rebekah nodded, unconcerned.
She stood by the elevator, but before the manager arrived, two unwelcome guests appeared.
Candice walked in, arm in arm with Benjamin. The moment they saw Rebekah, both of their faces registered disbelief.
“What are you doing here?” Benjamin asked, his eyes immediately fixed on her.
Today, Rebekah was wearing a bespoke white silk sheath dress, embroidered with delicate gold thread. The form-fitting cut accentuated her curves perfectly Her black hair was elegantly swept up and secured with a simple pin, with a few soft strands framing her face. She was already beautiful, with a gentle disposition, but this outfit gave her an almost ethereal grace.
Benjamin’s heart skipped a beat. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her.
Seeing this, Candice secretly
clenched her fists, though she maintained a gracious smile. “Sister,
how did you know Benjamin and ↑
were having dinner here? We really should have invited you, but we have important business to discuss
today, so we won’t be able to
entertain you p>
She clung to Benjamin’s arm, her posture that of a confident hostess.
Rebekah glanced at them coolly and said nothing. She simply didn’t have the energy to engage.
Her silence infuriated Candice. She
turned to Benjamin. “Benjamin, she must have followed you here. She probably regrets being so impulsive about the divorce and wants to apologize But our meeting tonight is very important. If she ruins it like last time p>
Her words trailed off, but Benjamin immediately remembered the banquet where, because of Rebekah, the Powell family’s assistant had unilaterally canceled their collaboration. His expression instantly soured.