Chapter 1709

Jamie wrapped her arms around him. “I know, I understand everything. And now, I’m here by your side.”
“Yeah, by my side,” Ben murmured, repeating her words softly.
The separation of those four years had left its scars. Even now, Ben couldn’t shake his fear. Every morning, the first thing he did when he woke up was to look over and make sure Jamie was still there next to him. Only then could he feel at ease.
He wanted her to stay by his side, to see her thrive, and to share in the life they were building. Of course, Mrs. Lucas’s words about having a big family hadn’t escaped him either. The thought of having four kids running around, filling their home with laughter and joy, brought a small smile to his face.
Ben decided it was time to host a grand banquet. With the help of Nash, and his powerful connections, Ben would invite all of high society in the city. He wanted everyone to know how proud he was of Jamie, his remarkable wife.
There was no issue with Ben hosting such an event, and Nash, as his close friend, naturally agreed to attend.
However, the whispers and rumors were quick to follow.
“First, he quits being a lawyer and becomes a CEO. Fine, whatever. But now he’s all about this family legacy nonsense? What’s the deal with his wife’s background?”
“Don’t forget, Nash’s wife used to be his secretary too!”
“Could it be that these two are… actually true love? Did they split up and now they’re just copying each other’s lives?”
“Stop it! But the more I think about it, the more it adds up! It’s like Ben is trying to imitate Nash in every way to get his attention. That’s… kind of creepy, don’t you think?”
Ben was speechless. These people clearly had too much time on their hands, finding amusement in stirring up baseless gossip.
But before Ben could address it, Nash beat him to it.
Nash instructed his assistant to track down the source of the rumors and confront the culprits publicly. Then, he personally stepped in to clear the air.
“Let me set the record straight,” Nash began, his tone sharp and unyielding. “Ben and I are like brothers. As for our personal lives, sure, you might think they look similar, but they’re not. Not in the slightest.”
He continued, “I met my wife, Nina, under very different circumstances. I didn’t even know who she really was at first. We separated for five years, we have children, and our story is tied to national matters. It’s nothing like Ben and Jamie’s situation.”
Nash glanced at the crowd, his gaze
unwavering. “Ben’s challenges were
rooted in his mother’s initial disapproval of Jamie. As for my wife, our marriage was arranged by my grandfather. Nina and I have been through twelve years together, including seven as a couple before our separation. So don’t you dare compare us.”
He then added pointedly, “And just so we’re clear, every share in the York Corporation belongs solely to my wife. If I hear any more of this nonsense about Ben and me being similar, it won’t just end with an apology. Consider this your final warning.” After Nash’s firm statement, Ben stepped forward to defend Jamie.
“My wife, Jamie, only worked as my secretary temporarily. Originally, I placed her at Lucas Corporation to work with my father. But with the company facing numerous issues, my father asked me to take over, which meant I had to give up my law license. Jamie, on the other hand, is now preparing to take her bar exam, and I have no doubt she’ll be an outstanding lawyer.”
Ben’s words were not only a defense of Jamie but a declaration of his unwavering support and care for her.
Jamie, standing beside him, understood how much this meant to him. While she could endure gossip, she wouldn’t allow Ben to be hurt by baseless rumors. Stepping forward, she addressed the crowd firmly. “They are close friends, nothing more. If you have no evidence to support your claims, stop spreading lies.”
Her gaze hardened. “If anyone continues to spread these false rumors, I’ll pursue legal action against you.”
Her tone left no room for doubt. Her collaboration with Lila had already proven her capabilities to everyone Now, people not only knew that Ben had a wife studying to become a lawyer, but also recognized her skill in-handling project planning with exceptional results.