Chapter 133 The Real Benefactor
Chapter 133 The Real Benefactor
Daniel's defeat tempered Benjamin's anger somewhat.
Avery brought over a cup of osmanthus sugar water.
Having watched Benjamin row up, Avery doted on him.
"Where's Ms. Green?" she asked. "Why didn't you bring her back with you?"
Benjamin paused.
Then he took a sip of the sweet drink. "It's too late. She's already asleep," he replied.
Avery nodded and exchanged a glance with Brianna before leaving.
Brianna probed a few times, but Benjamin answered with perfect composure, refusing to let his mother interfere with his private life.
Daniel clearly understood what happened.
He chuckled lightly, "Did my big brother quarrel with Ms. Green?"
Benjamin set down his bowl and assumed the air of an elder brother. "Daniel, it seems that the recent upheavals in the Campbell Group haven't kept you busy enough."
A dark cloud descended on Daniel's face.
Benjamin lost his appetite and got up to go upstairs.
"Brother!" Eloise couldn't hold back from calling out.
"It seems like you have a bias against Daniel!"
Benjamin turned around.
His gaze turned icy and fell upon Daniel...
"Oh, really? I hadn't noticed!"
"Perhaps he knows the reasons."
Daniel's expression grew even darker.
Clearly, Madelyn didn't forgive him. Benjamin failed to fix their relationship.
Daniel squinted his eyes and stared at the man who seemed to have everything.
It was no surprise - women usually fawned over him and did anything to please him.
But now, encountered Madelyn, a tough nut to crack, undoubtedly, he felt uneasy.
Daniel remembered that day at the club. Benjamin seemed indifferent, merely playing around. Hehe!
Maybe Benjamin never imagined that he would end up taking their relationship seriously.
As for Daniel, he didn't waste any energy on the man who was disappointed in love.
As he left the Clarks' mansion and got into his car, he couldn't help but glance at the calendar.
Only two more days until he would finally meet Madelyn.
He couldn't wait to see the look of surprise on her face and to bask in her vivid and adorable presence. Daniel couldn't help but caress the steering wheel, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Madelyn returned to her apartment after leaving the hotel.
As she stepped out of the car, she was drenched by the raindrops inevitably.
She immediately sought solace in a hot bath and a packet of Vitamin C, basking in the comfort they provided.
Although the night was already deep, Madelyn still had work to tackle.
Despite her fatigue, she persevered and opened her laptop to work on the financial report of the day.
Work gave her temporary respite and helped her forget her worries.
But as she lay in bed at night, she couldn't help but think about Benjamin.
Memories of their past relationship flooded her mind, along with the intense passion they had shared earlier that evening.
Madelyn reached for a nearby pillow, burying her face in it as she tried to banish him from her thoughts.
The following two days drifted by without any contact between her and Benjamin. She only caught glimpses of him in the newspapers.
The headline blared: "Unbeatable 'King of Law' Wins International Lawsuit!"
Countless flashes illuminated his picture, even female reporters glanced his way with stars in their eyes...
But he stood for interviews with an expressionless, handsome face.
Madelyn gripped her water glass, lost in thought.
She lightly caressed the photo in the newspaper - she had never seen Benjamin look so grave. She had seen Benjamin serious before, but it was always in everyday situations. At that time, he was just a real, shameless man.
But here he was, dressed to the nines and standing in court.
He was so sexy that Madelyn's legs nearly buckled!
She remembered what Benjamin had said: "Ms. Green, who knows which of us will get the upper hand and enjoy the beauty?
Looking at this photo, Madelyn couldn't help but agree with him.
She hated herself for being so worthless!
"What are you staring at?"
Penelope leaned over to take a look. "He looks pretty good," she smirked suggestively, "So, Madelyn, is he any good in bed?"
Penelope was known for her carefree attitude towards love and marriage.
"Please stop, Penelope." Madelyn pleaded, hoping she would drop the subject.
Penelope knew their current situation and did not further probe it.
"Tonight, we have an important dinner appointment with Lincoln Scott and his wife," she added, "Our goal is to secure his investment, and winning over Mrs. Scott is the key." Madelyn knew exactly what to do.
Mr. Scott was in his 30s. Naturally, Mrs. Scott disliked alluring women. So Madelyn had carefully chosen her attire and tied her chestnut hair in an elegant bun to show her confidence and sophistication. She and Penelope drove to the event together, knowing that they would be drinking later, so one of them had to stay sober to drive them back.
As soon as they arrived at the business club, they found the Scott family.
Mr. Scott was easygoing, Mrs. Scott was approachable, and even their daughter was adorable.
Madelyn finally felt more at ease.
Throughout the dinner, Penelope and Lincoln discussed their exciting future plans in great detail while Madelyn took care of Mrs. Scott and their child.
Mrs. Scott was immediately captivated by Madelyn's charisma and wit, and after the delightful chat, she decided to entrust her daughter's piano lessons to this talented teacher.
With the contract signed, Penelope was so excited to raise a toast to Lincoln and his wife, "Thank you so much, Mr. Scott! I'm so grateful to have met such a benefactor like you when we started our first business."
Penelope excitedly gulped her wine.
Lincoln patted Penelope's shoulder and grinned.
"Actually, there is another benefactor!"
"Who?" Madelyn wondered.
Mrs. Scott spoke softly, "Besides Lincoln, there's someone else who's been eager to partner with Ms. Green but was afraid you might refuse him."
Then Madelyn had a feeling she knew who it was.
Although she couldn't help her slight change of expression, she realized that now wasn't the time to get upset.
Just then, the private room door opened.
Daniel strode into the room, dressed in a classic black and white suit, looking handsome and sharp.
His eyes honed in on Madelyn.
"Madelyn!" he stated firmly.
Despite the sudden attention, Madelyn remained composed, holding tight to her wine glass. With an effort, she forced a smile and replied evenly, "Ah, Mr. Campbell, I see." Penelope was afraid Madelyn would lose her composure.
Madelyn gently held Penelope's hand, silently conveying that everything would be alright.
She then turned to Lincoln and his wife and said politely, "If you'll excuse us, I need to speak with Mr. Campbell about some private matters. Penelope will take care of you." Lincoln appeared uncomfortable, fidgeting nervously. After all, he did something wrong.
Madelyn led the way out of the room, followed quickly by Daniel, a hint of amusement playing around the corners of his mouth.
"Madelyn!"
His voice was urgent. "I only wanted to compensate you for the pain I caused you. Please don't reject my kindness."
Daniel's tone was soft and gentle.
Since he realized what he had lost, he started to treat Madelyn differently.
He wanted to give her the best, but he wasn't sure whether she still wanted it or not.
Madelyn stopped and turned.
They locked eyes in the hallway.
She knew that he might have developed feelings for her now, but it was too late. After all the hurt he had caused, his attempted affection seemed meaningless.
She remained calm and composed.
"Daniel, we have already broken up," she said coolly.
"Eloise Clark is beautiful and adorable. You should seize the opportunity to cherish her."
"Please don't do anything that will embarrass us both again."
Daniel's hand gently rested in his pocket.
"Madelyn," he chuckled softly, "do you still think that Benjamin Clark would marry you?"
Madelyn felt a pang in her heart.
She pursed her lips and replied defensively, "That has nothing to do with Benjamin!"
"Nothing?"
Daniel taunted her, taking a step closer until he had her backed up against the wall.
He remained calm and collected, and when Madelyn least expected it, he lunged forward and trapped her between himself and the wall.
It was as if he was holding her in his embrace.
Madelyn pushed against Daniel's chest, trying to free herself from his grasp.
"Campbell! What is wrong with you?"