جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 280

Benedict’s cloudy eyes, though aged, gleamed sharply as he watched Amanda walk away.That young girl… how could someone so fresh-faced possess such skilled hands?As a veteran physician who practiced both Chinese and Western medicine, he prided himself on decades of expertise in orthopedics. Normally, before attempting a bone reset, he would require a CT scan, a careful palpation, and multiple confirmations before daring to proceed. Even then, patients often thrashed violently from the pain, risking secondary injuries. That was why he had hesitated earlier.But Amanda? She’d done it in mere seconds—with a quip, no less. And succeeded.The thought stung his pride.Mrs. Tucker wiggled her foot gently. The searing pain from earlier had lessened. Yet her mind remained haunted by the cunning sparkle in Amanda’s eyes.Seeing her daughter’s stricken expression, Mrs. Tucker sighed inwardly. The girls of their social circle all fancied Benjamin as their own possession. Her daughter was no exce

Brad chuckled faintly, giving Howard a sidelong glance. “Already this shaken?”Howard nodded, eyes brimming with envy—ten thousand volts of it—at Benjamin.“Can you blame me? Back then we even bet on it. We said among the three of us, he’d probably be the one stuck single for life. But look at us now—he’s got a wife and kids, while I’ve lost the shirt off my back.”At that, Benjamin’s interest piqued. “Oh? And which one of you won?”“I did.” Brad raised his hand calmly, then pointed at Howard. “He insisted you’d never marry. He lost.”Howard’s face burned with humiliation. How was he supposed to know that arrogant, infuriating Benjamin would actually have someone love him? He’d been slapped in the face, hard.“Heh.” Benjamin’s sneer was cutting. “So, the sweeter your words, the darker your heart. Howard, I never knew you were that kind of man.”Howard: “…”How had the pot landed on his head? How was he supposed to shake it off?Benjamin’s gaze shifted to Brad. “And what exactly was th

Benjamin glanced at the little boy. Mark had only learned this much, yet he dared to say it was easy!“And what do you think counts as difficult, then?” Benjamin asked in a gentle tone.Tod thought for a moment, then made something up. “Sleeping. That’s difficult.”Benjamin: “…”Sure enough, raised by Amanda—this one was sly!“Do your homework properly.” He pointed at the stack on the desk.Tod sighed helplessly and started solving the problems quickly.Just because he knew it didn’t mean he was his Mark. He’d gotten carried away just now and almost forgot who he was supposed to be.Finishing with a flourish, he put down his pen. “Done. Can I sleep now? I’m so tired!”He yawned loudly.This place really was huge. Terry had been right—it was beautiful and comfortable. When Mommy was ready to settle down, they should buy a mansion like this too. Then Mommy wouldn’t have to practice tai chi on the balcony anymore.Benjamin checked the work carefully—every answer was correct.“Sleepy?” He

Jennifer was lounging on the sofa, eyes closed, resting.At the sound of a familiar voice, her eyes flew open.Under the dazzling chandelier lights, Amanda’s face appeared—strikingly beautiful.Jennifer froze in shock. Why on earth was Amanda delivering clothes for Maison L?That very morning, after learning about the collapse of her family, Zachary had brought her to stay at his villa.Her home was on the verge of bankruptcy. If she returned there, reporters would hound her with endless questions.She hadn’t wanted to leave Royal No.1.But Zachary hadn’t given up on her. At dawn, he personally picked her up, even ordered a dress from Maison L for her. Tonight, there was a banquet—and he intended to bring her along.Zachary had told her bluntly: the Reed family couldn’t be saved, but he could ensure her parents lived the rest of their lives in comfort.The family’s properties could secure that much at least.But Jennifer knew her father’s temper well. He would never settle for a quiet

Amanda glanced at her friend. “I need to take this call.”Cindy kept quiet.“Hello?”“Amanda, it’s me. Let’s meet.”Her brows knitted. “And who are you?”The voice was oddly familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it.“I’m Jennifer’s mother.”Amanda froze. At once, she could guess why Elizabeth had reached out.In a private club room.Amanda sat across from Elizabeth, who looked nothing like the glamorous society matron from before. Her face was haggard, her eyes empty. The once domineering woman she had seen at the banquet was gone without a trace.“Mrs. Reed, what do you want with me?” Amanda’s tone was detached.Elizabeth let out a long, weary sigh. “Pamela is still alive, isn’t she?”No use beating around the bush. the Reed family had been suffocated under Benjamin’s pressure these past few days, barely able to breathe. Pamela’s sudden reappearance had caught them completely off guard. Now, there was no room left for them to turn things around.At her words, Amanda’s peach blossom