One night stand with my president(chapter 365)

 

Chapter 365: Just Humoring Him

Benjamin didn't mind Isaac's fake smile one bit, returning it with a firm handshake.

Originally, he'd planned to rush off and find a top-tier expert to help Alberto wake up.

But to his surprise, Alberto had suddenly regained consciousness, leaving him no time to play the part of the attentive guest.

The past few days, he'd been buried in business matters in Mugroaton, overwhelmed by the chaos.

But today was the official day the Mendoza family was introducing Adeline to the world.

No matter how busy he was, Benjamin had to make time to attend the Mendoza family's gathering.

Even if the Mendoza family hach invited him,

he would've come anyway, as a sign of his importance to Adeline.

After exchanging pleasantries with Isaac, his gaze immediately shifted to Adeline.

Adeline, however, wasn't looking at him

anymore. She was engaged in conversation with Harrison.

As she spoke, Harrison was utterly focused on her, even reaching up to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

Such an intimate gesture made Benjamin's jealousy boil, his eyes practically turning red.

Without a second thought, he started toward Adeline.

But Isaac was quick to block his path.

"Mr. Tillman, you've come all this way. We really must have a proper chat," Isaac said, his smile thin and tight.

Benjamin bit back his frustration and said, "Since, today's about Adeline, I should go offer my congratulations."

"No need for that," Isaac replied. "You're here, which means you've already congratulated her. And right now, Adeline's busy talking to her boyfriend. We wouldn't want to interrupt them."

"Boyfriend?" Benjamin's heart skipped a beat as he thought, "When had Adeline and Harrison become a couple?"

He was sure that hadn't been the case before.

A wave of intense jealousy surged through him.

No matter what, he could not accept seeing

'Whitney' with another man.

Ignoring Isaac's warning, Benjamin strode toward Adeline and Harrison.

Most of the guests in the room were sharp, instantly sensing something was off. Though they continued chatting, their eyes were secretly fixed on the scene unfolding before them.

"Adeline," Benjamin called out her name, his tone carrying a hint of expectation.

Without hesitation, Adeline stepped behind Harrison. Now, Benjamin was facing Harrison.

"Is there something you need?" Harrison asked, his voice cool and composed.

Benjamin's expression grew frosty as he

said, "I was speaking to Adeline."

"I'm Adeline's boyfriend," Harrison replied flatly.

"If you've got something to say, you can tell me."

Benjamin's irritation spiked.

Harrison's words only made him angrier.

"Just because you're Adeline's boyfriend doesn't mean you get to speak for her," Benjamin snapped. "I remember you once told me she belongs to no one."

"You're right," Harrison nodded, agreeing. "But I'm hers."

Benjamin blinked. "What?"

At that moment, Adeline peered out from behind Harrison and said, "I've given my boyfriend permission to speak for me. If you need anything, you can tell him directly."

Benjamin's mind started to unravel.

He came to see Adeline, yet here he was, being told to talk to Harrison. What could he even say to him?

If they hadn't been at the Mendoza family's

gathering, he might have already decked Harrison.

Benjamin knew everyone was watching them closely.

He couldn't afford to embarrass the Tillman family, not in front of all these people.

So he picked up a glass of red wine from a passing waiter, took a slow sip, and then turned to Harrison. "Mr. Thomson, you truly are something else."

"Flattery won't get you far," Harrison replied. 

"I'm no genius. I just have a sincere heart, because the woman I love is Adeline. I'm not using her to get ahead."

"Is that so? Funny, I heard you had an 'ex-girlfriend'. Was it Eleanor?" Benjamin sneered.

"Everything between Eleanor and me is already known to Adeline," Harrison responded, a cold smile curling his lips. "If you think you can use her to drive a wedge between us, it's a foolish move. Kind of like the way you tried to use Eleanor against me at Castlewill Manor."

Benjamin narrowed his eyes, irritated by Harrison's words.

Harrison leaned in slightly, his tone icy, "By the way, l've heard you have been having a rough time lately."

Of course, Benjamin was having a hard time.

Harrison had been applying pressure on the Tillman family from every angle-there was no way he could be at ease.

Things had already been bad enough, and now, hearing more bad news today, it was like salt in the wound.

He couldn't even have a simple conversation with Adeline without it being interrupted,

"Mr. Thomson, when you play the game, you must be prepared to pay the price," Benjamin growled. "The Tillman family isn't just going to lie down. I suggest you get ready for our retaliation."

Harrison shrugged indifferently. "No need to prepare."

His demeanor made it clear he wasn't worried about the Tillman family at all.

If Benjamin hadn't been so composed, he might've splashed his wine in Harrison's face right then.

Harrison continued, "And I'd also advise you to have a word with your brother. He shouldn't keep defending people who don't deserve it. When things go wrong, you'll regret it."

Benjamin was done with Harrison and turned to Isaac.

Since he couldn't get anywhere with Adeline, maybe he could find an opening with her family.

Harrison turned back to Adeline and she asked, "What did you two talk about?"

"Nothing much," Harrison said, a little amused.

"He just made a fool of himself."

Adeline frowned."I didn't expect him to show

up. We've been keeping an eye on Lance because of Eleanor, and I guess we let Benjamin slip through the cracks."

"It's fine," Harrison reassured her. "The one who feels bothered is him, not us."

Adeline smiled. "True enough."

Meanwhile, Benjamin had moved on to chat with Isaac and Gracie.

"This is one impressive gathering," Benjamin remarked. "Mr. Mendoza and Mrs. Mendoza really seem to value Adeline."

Isaac nodded. "Yes, indeed."

"But I don't think Adeline and Harrison make a good match," Benjamin said, trying to sow doubt.

Gracie raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Well," Benjamin continued, "I've heard the Thomson family has many relatives, and their family dynamics are complicated. If Adeline marries Harrison, she's going to face a lot of trouble."

Isaac simply murmured, "Hmm."

"So, I think it's worth considering whether you two should allow Adeline to be with Harrison," Benjamin pressed.

Gracie chuckled.

Benjamin was left speechless.

These two were clearly just humoring him.

He'd said so much, and between them, they'd only spoken few words.

Alberto had finally come downstairs and was chatting with a few familiar friends.

One friend slapped him on the back, saying,

"Congrats, man, you finally got your sister back." Another friend added, "Too bad, though. She already has a boyfriend. I was hoping to be your brother-in-law, but I guess that's not gonna happen."

Alberto chuckled. "You wish."

Just then, another friend spoke up. "By the way, did you guys hear? Connie's getting married."

Alberto froze, his face stiffening.