“What does he want?” Benjamin was worried.

The Adelmars hoped to steer clear of another conflict with the Rykers. It would only spell trouble if Emmeline’s cover was blown.

“He has his suspicions, but I managed to confuse Adam. I doubt he can separate the truth from the lies now.”

“Adam is a cunning man. You can fool him for now, but you know you can deceive him forever.”

Slouching against the sofa, Emmeline squinted her eyes to focus through the blur of the drunken haze. “Relax. He may be cunning, but I have intellect and strength on my side.”

Benjamin shook his head and went downstairs to talk to Daisy.

“Give Ms. Louise something to sober up with. She’s rambling on like a drunkard.”

Daisy chuckled. “Mr. Benjamin, you should’ve seen the way Ms. Louise had Adam fooled. It was awesome!”

With a frown, Benjamin uttered, “Don’t underestimate him. Adam is a ruthless man. You can fool him once, but you must update me with anything related to Ms. Louise. Don’t let her take risks. Just because she’s mischievous doesn’t mean you should keep up with her antics too.”

“Got it, Mr. Benjamin.” The fear started to creep into Daisy.

Adam was not one to be messed with. What if something were to happen to Emmeline? They would regret not taking better precautions.

Daisy went into the kitchen to make something for Emmeline to sober up.

Benjamin returned upstairs. Emmeline curled up into a ball on the sofa and fell asleep.

Her face was painted red as she reeked of alcohol.

Benjamin carried Emmeline into the bedroom and pulled the covers over her.

Just as he was about to get up, Emmeline wrapped her arms around his neck.

Benjamin’s heart skipped a beat.

Emmeline murmured under her breath, “Don’t go, Abel…”

With dejection plastered across his face, Benjamin gently put down her arms and tucked her into bed.

“Emma, when will you have such feelings for me too?”

Benjamin went downstairs and instructed Sam to check on Emmeline.

He then opened the glass door to leave.

Once out the door, Benjamin saw the slender back of a girl sitting on the steps. Her hair was let down and moving along the wind.

Why was the woman sitting there at this hour?

While feeling baffled, Benjamin suddenly recognized the girl to be Janie.

Picking up on the noise behind her, Janie turned around and saw Benjamin. She jumped to her feet.

“What are you doing here, Janie?” Benjamin sounded displeased.

Janie looked flustered. “Mr. Benjamin, I… I came to see Emmeline and noticed your car in the parking lot. I was debating whether to go inside.”

“Then don’t. Emmeline had a bit to drink, so she went to bed,” With a sour look, Benjamin answered.

“Is that so?” Janie was disappointed.

She was frustrated with the rules Benjamin had set, so she came by to get some ideas from Emmeline.

Unluckily for her, Emmeline was wasted, and Janie somehow arrived when Benjamin was present too.

“Mr. Benjamin, what’s your relationship with Emma? I can’t figure out what’s the situation between you two,” Janie shyly tugged on Benjamin’s shirt before asking in a low voice.

Benjamin shook her arm off and annoyedly replied, “Don’t pry your nose into things that have nothing to do with you. It’s basic etiquette to keep your mouth shut.”

Janie stuck her tongue out. “I got it. I’m relieved that you’re not lovers. That’s all.”

Not wanting to give her the time of the day, Benjamin crossed the road to get to the parking lot.

“Ouch!” Janie suddenly cried in pain in the back.

Benjamin stopped in his tracks and looked back. Janie held her ankle as she kneels under the steps.

“What happened?” Benjamin made his way back.

“Mr. Benjamin, I wanted to chase after you, but I missed a step and sprained my ankle.” Janie looked at him with tearful eyes.

“Are you for real?” Benjamin believed Janie was bluffing him.

“It’s true. Cross my heart and hope to die.” Looking hurtful, Janie was on the verge of tears.

“Let me see. You’re such a troublesome kid.” Benjamin got down on one knee and rolled up the leg of Janie’s jeans.

Her ankle was swollen like a balloon.

Benjamin frowned, not expecting her to be badly injured.

He lifted her up.

Janie put her arms around the nape of his neck as she happily nestled in his arms.

“You look excited. So it doesn’t hurt, huh? Why don’t I dump you here?” Benjamin appeared stern.