C185 New Love

After dropping Chris off at the Chambers residence, Samantha continued driving toward the Wood family mansion. The atmosphere inside the Rolls-Royce was unusually quiet. Neither she nor Sarah spoke throughout the journey. As the car came to a stop outside the residence, the two women exchanged uneasy glances.

Sarah lowered her voice. "Could it be... my brother wasn't released today?" Samantha slowly shook her head. "I don't know either." A strange feeling settled in both their hearts. They stepped out of the car together, walked toward the entrance, and entered the mansion. "Good evening, everyone," Samantha greeted politely. Sarah echoed her greeting before both of them removed their shoes and entered the living room.

To their surprise, Ben was already home. He was sitting comfortably on the sofa between Kelvin and Tracy as though nothing had happened. The television played quietly in the background while several maids served tea and snacks. Tracy smiled warmly. "My girls are finally back." Kelvin chuckled. "And my son is finally home." For a brief moment the atmosphere looked peaceful. Ben, however, had something else on his mind. He looked directly at Kelvin. "Dad... will you help me post bail for Jack?" The room immediately became quiet.

Kelvin had intentionally avoided discussing Jack ever since Ben mentioned him earlier. Now that the question had been asked directly, he knew there was no escaping it. He placed his teacup on the table. "Son... before I answer that, tell me something." "What crime did this Jack commit?" Ben hesitated. "I... don't really know." Kelvin frowned. "You don't know?" "I never asked." Ben lowered his head before speaking again. "But none of that matters." "He protected me when everyone inside was bullying me. Without him, prison would've been far worse."

His voice became sincere. "I owe him my life, Dad." "I owe him a favour." "So regardless of what he did... I have to repay his kindness." Everyone quietly listened. Even Samantha and Sarah remained silent. Kelvin sighed deeply. "I understand wanting to repay someone." "But what if he is dangerous?" "What if I help him get out and he ends up causing trouble for you?" Ben clenched his fists. "If that happens..." "I'll deal with him myself." His eyes became firm. "At that point, I won't owe him anything anymore."

Kelvin studied his son's expression for several seconds. He could tell Ben genuinely believed he was doing the right thing. Finally, he nodded. "Very well." "I'll ask my lawyers to look into Jack's case first." "If his situation allows it..." "I'll consider helping him." Ben's face immediately brightened. "Thank you, Dad." "You won't regret it." Just then... Knock... Knock... Everyone turned toward the front door. A maid hurried over before opening it.

Standing outside was a young woman dressed simply yet elegantly. It was Natalie. She looked slightly nervous after entering such a luxurious mansion. The maid welcomed her inside. Immediately Sarah, Samantha and Kelvin recognised her. Kelvin smiled politely. "Natalie." "My child..." "What brings you here this evening?" Natalie quickly bowed respectfully. "Good evening, Mr. Wood." "Good evening, Mrs. Wood."

She greeted everyone before speaking again. "I..." Before she could finish... Ben suddenly stood up. "I invited her." Every pair of eyes shifted toward him. Even Natalie looked surprised by how confidently he admitted it. Ben smiled. "Mom..." "Dad..." "While I was imprisoned..." "Natalie visited me almost every single day." His voice softened. "She never missed a visit." "When everyone else was busy living their lives..." "She was the one encouraging me."

He slowly glanced toward Sarah and Samantha. "It was her who cared for me." His gaze lingered on them. "...More than some members of my own family." The meaning behind his words was obvious. Sarah gave a faint sarcastic smile. "Or..." "Perhaps she simply doesn't know you well enough yet." The room became awkward. Ben's smile stiffened slightly.

Before Sarah could continue, Samantha gently placed a hand on her sister-in-law's arm. "Sarah..." She then turned toward Natalie with a warm smile. "Natalie..." "It's nice seeing you again." Relieved, Tracy immediately stood up. She walked over and held Natalie's hands kindly. "Thank you for visiting my son." "I'm sure your support meant a lot to him." She guided Natalie to the sofa. "Come..." "Sit with us." Natalie nodded shyly. "Thank you, Mrs. Wood." She carefully sat beside Ben.

For a few moments, nobody spoke. Then... Ben broke the silence once again. He reached over and gently held Natalie's hand. His voice was calm. "Natalie isn't just my visitor anymore." He looked proudly at his parents. "She's my girlfriend." Silence. Complete silence filled the room. Tracy's welcoming smile froze instantly. Kelvin almost spat out the tea he had just sipped. "Cough...!" He coughed repeatedly. Sarah merely raised an eyebrow. Samantha remained expressionless.

Kelvin finally recovered. "Ben..." "Have you forgotten something?" Ben looked at him innocently. "What?" Kelvin's voice became serious. "You're still a married man." Ben slowly turned toward Samantha. To everyone's surprise... Samantha remained calm. Ben smiled faintly. "Samantha understands." "Our marriage was only a contract." "I'm sure she won't mind." Those words made Tracy's expression change completely.

She immediately looked toward Sarah and Samantha. "You two..." "You're not surprised?" "Did you already know about this?" Sarah folded her arms. A faint smile appeared on her face. "Mom..." "You told us prison would teach my brother a lesson." She glanced toward Ben. "Personally..." "I don't think it taught him enough." "Perhaps another year or two would've been more effective."

Ben's smile disappeared. He stared at Sarah. "Sister..." "Why do you hate me so much?" "I've always been good to you." "What happened in France..." "That was never my intention." "I never wanted to hurt anyone." The room became even quieter. Everyone waited to hear Sarah's answer. Before Sarah could respond, Samantha gently reached out and held her arm. "What happened in France... happened," she said calmly. "There is no point reopening old wounds tonight."

She then shifted her gaze to Natalie. Her expression was calm, yet impossible to read. "Natalie..." "Since I am still legally Ben's wife..." "Would you mind answering one question honestly?"