C221 A Casino

The atmosphere inside the Wood residence was far quieter than it had ever been before. Although dinner had long been served. The earlier confrontation between Ben and the rest of the family had left invisible scars on everyone's heart. Even the servants spoke in whispers. The dining room, which had once been filled with laughter, felt heavy with silence.

Sarah stepped inside. She had already returned from the hospital after spending time with Alicia and Mike. Since she and Chris already had a marriage certificate, she no longer felt guilty about returning home late. What surprised her, however... ...was that no one had gone to bed. Her father, Kelvin, remained seated at the head of the table. Ben leaned back in his chair with folded arms. Everyone... ...was still waiting. Sarah blinked in confusion. "They're... all still here?"

She looked around before asking softly, "Why is everyone still awake?" Tracy immediately lifted her head. "I asked you first." Her tone was gentle but carried the concern of a worried mother. "Where were you?" Before Sarah could answer... Ben let out a cold laugh. "Heh..." "See?" He leaned back in his chair. "Even now..." "As soon as Sarah walks into this room..." "I become invisible." No one answered him.

Kelvin finally spoke in a calm but firm voice. "Sarah." "Sit down." "There is something your brother wants to discuss." Sarah hesitated. She glanced at Ben. His expression was unreadable. Without arguing, she quietly pulled out a chair and sat down. The room became silent once again. Ben slowly looked around the table. His eyes paused briefly on each family member before finally stopping on Sarah.

His voice was unusually calm. "Since you've already decided to give your boyfriend my Vice Director position..." Sarah immediately interrupted him. "Husband." Ben frowned. "What?" She looked directly into his eyes. "Chris is my husband." "Not my boyfriend." Silence. Even Tracy couldn't help glancing between the two siblings. Ben stared at her for several seconds before waving his hand dismissively. "Whatever." "I don't care what title you give him."

He leaned forward. "Since all of you have already chosen your future..." "I've decided mine." Everyone instinctively became attentive. Kelvin folded his hands. "What do you mean?" Ben inhaled slowly. "I've decided..." "...to start my own business." The room immediately became quiet. Even Samantha raised her head. Tracy looked pleasantly surprised. "My son..." "You've finally thought about your future?"

Ben nodded. "I have." "My plan isn't to depend on Wood IT anymore." "I don't want another position." "I don't want another title." "That would be snatched away from me again." "I'll build something with my own hands." Kelvin's eyes softened slightly. "What kind of business?" Ben answered without hesitation. "A bar." He paused. "Eventually..." "It'll become a nightclub." No one spoke.

Then he continued. "And once it becomes successful..." "I'll open a casino inside." The words landed like a stone in still water. Everyone's expressions changed. Even Samantha couldn't hide her surprise. "A casino?" Tracy looked worried. "Son..." "Isn't that... dangerous?" "There are so many risks." "There are criminals..." "Gambling..." "Alcohol..." Ben shrugged. "Every business has risks." "I'm willing to take them."

Instead of objecting, Kelvin unexpectedly smiled. Everyone looked at him. Ben himself appeared surprised. Kelvin slowly nodded. "I actually think..." "...it's not a bad idea." Ben froze. "You..." "...don't oppose it?" Kelvin smiled gently. "No." "You've clearly spent time thinking about this." "For once..." "...you're talking about building something instead of destroying something."

The words made Ben lower his eyes. For the first time in a long while... His father wasn't arguing with him. He wasn't scolding him. He was simply listening. Kelvin continued, "So..." "What exactly do you need?" "How much investment do you want?" Ben answered honestly. "I don't want investors." "I'll be the sole owner." "I'll make every decision myself." "I'll take responsibility for every profit..." "...and every loss."

Kelvin nodded approvingly. "A business owner should think like that." "So..." "How much capital are you looking for?" Ben took a deep breath. "$500,000." Silence. Utter silence. Tracy's eyes widened. Samantha slowly lifted her head. Even Sarah looked surprised. Half a million dollars... ...wasn't a small amount. After several seconds... Samantha quietly asked, "So much..." "...just to start a bar?"

Ben didn't even look at her. Instead, he kept his eyes fixed on Kelvin. "Dad..." "Will you help me?" The room became tense. Everyone waited for Kelvin's answer. He rubbed his forehead thoughtfully before finally speaking. "I'll help you." Ben blinked. "...Really?" "Yes." "But not blindly." "You'll prepare a proper business proposal." "I want projected costs." "I want expected income." "I want market research." "I want your long-term expansion plans." "If you're asking me for half a million dollars..." "...convince me this isn't just another emotional decision."

Ben stared at him. Then... For the first time that evening... A genuine smile appeared on his face. "No problem." "I'll prepare everything." "I'll give you the proposal tomorrow." Kelvin smiled proudly. "Good." "That's how businessmen talk." For a brief moment... The suffocating atmosphere inside the Wood family dining room eased slightly. It almost felt... ...normal again. But Sarah knew... That peace... Wouldn't last very long.

After Ben finished speaking about his business proposal, everyone became quiet again. Sarah let out a small yawn before slowly pushing her chair back. "Can we go to sleep now?" she asked softly. "I'm really tired." She had barely taken two steps when Tracy's voice stopped her. "Sit back down." Sarah turned around. "What is it, Mom?" Tracy folded her arms. "You still haven't answered my question." Sarah blinked innocently. "What question?"

Tracy sighed. "Where were you?" "You disappeared the entire evening." "You came home late." "As your mother, don't I deserve an explanation?" Sarah lowered her eyes. She knew this question was coming. She also knew... ...that no matter how she answered... ... someone at this table would become unhappy. She forced a smile. "I didn't think you would want to hear it." Ben immediately frowned. "And why wouldn't we?" Sarah looked toward Ben. "Because..." "It involves Mike."