Fortunately, Benjamin had followed Wendy out and caught the scene just in time.

Seeing someone actually lay a hand on his little Pudding? That man clearly had a death wish.

Benjamin’s tall figure stepped in front of Wendy, shielding her completely. He grabbed Landon’s raised wrist and twisted it backward with force.

“Ahh! Let go! It’s going to break!”

Landon howled in pain, his body arching from the pressure. Wanda rushed over in a panic when she saw her husband getting manhandled.

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing? Let him go!”

“Dad!” Tonya hurried up too, catching a glimpse of the man who had grabbed her father–and she couldn’t help but stare. He was absurdly handsome.

Benjamin finally let go, but not without delivering a hard kick to Landon’s gut.

Landon stumbled backward, nearly falling. Wanda and Tonya rushed to steady him.

He looked up, stunned and furious, pointing at Benjamin. “Who the hell are you?! You kicked

me!”

All eyes were now on Benjamin. His expression was cool, his gaze arrogant, clearly not intimidated by any of them.

He glanced sideways at Wendy, then turned back toward Landon and said, “Listen closely. I’m Wendy’s…”

He deliberately dragged the sentence out. Wendy’s eyes widened in panic, terrified he’d say something ridiculous.

Tonya and the others watched with interest, wondering–was this Wendy’s boyfriend?

What kind of luck did Wendy have, landing a guy this hot?

“…personal fitness coach,” Benjamin finished with a smirk.

Wendy nearly choked.

“Hmph! Just a coach? How dare you disrespect me!” Landon barked, putting up

in

anger.

Wanda jumped in too. “Wendy, what kind of coach is this? Meddling in family business? He

even laid hands on your father!”

(((.

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Tonya didn’t say anything, but hearing he was just a coach, she immediately lost interest. Just a poor trainer. She had her sights set on the Jones Family heir tonight at the ball.

“He deserved it! He hit me first!” Wendy snapped.

“You-” Landon fumed, his face darkening as he pointed a trembling finger at Wendy. In his eyes, she was nothing more than a disobedient brat.

“And *you*,” Benjamin smacked Landon’s finger away, “need to explain what you’re doing here.”

“We were invited by the Jones Family to attend the ball tonight,” Wanda snapped back, puffing herself up as if that made her important. She clung to Landon’s arm and said, “Let’s not waste time with these people. We have better places to be!”

She dragged Landon off, Tonya following close behind.

Benjamin could’ve easily used his real identity as the Jones Family heir to throw them out on the spot–but he had a better idea. He’d deal with those clowns later, in public.

After they left, Benjamin looked at Wendy again. The red mark on her cheek hadn’t faded, and it made his blood boil. He’d never so much as touched her roughly, yet someone dared to strike her?

He instinctively reached out to touch her face, but Wendy turned away, keeping her distance.

“Thanks… for earlier,” she murmured.

“Does it still hurt?”

Benjamin’s eyes locked on hers.

Wendy shook her head.

“Your parents got divorced because of those two women?” he asked gently.

Wendy didn’t want to answer. She quickly changed the subject. “I want to find Caitlin. Do you

know where she is?”

“Come on, I’ll take you.”

Benjamin casually slung his arm over her shoulder and started walking, but Wendy ducked away, only for him to grab her again with both arms.

“I just defended your honor, okay? Used up all my energy. Now you owe me. Carry me.”

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“What?! You want me to carry *you*?” Wendy nearly exploded. “You’re a grown man! How is that even remotely appropriate?!”

“Totally appropriate.”

Benjamin insisted, throwing himself onto her back until Wendy–somehow–actually carried him.

“Ugh! You’re heavier than a damn pig!”

“Did you just call your man a pig?”

Her irritation melted into laughter. He always knew how to disarm her–whether she was angry or upset, Benjamin could always draw a smile.

Cloudtop Resort had two distinct areas: one was a standard resort hotel used for events like balls and parties, while the other was a more exclusive beachside villa section, offering privacy for VIP guests.

The Jones Family’s ball would be held in the hotel ballroom. Caitlin and Sebastian, however, were staying in one of the oceanview villas.

Benjamin and Wendy had to check in and verify their identities before being allowed into the private area.

They found Caitlin and Sebastian on the beach, lounging under sunshades on soft recliners. The ocean breeze was light, the sound of laughter from kids splashing in the distance gave everything a serene, perfect vibe.

Benjamin couldn’t help feeling a little envious of the peaceful family scene.

“Sebastian, Caitlin! Sorry to intrude,” he called out, walking up.

Caitlin and Sebastian sat up when they heard him, glancing toward the approaching couple.

The moment Caitlin noticed the red marks on Wendy’s face, her brows furrowed.

“What happened to Wendy’s face? Did you hit her, Benjamin?”

“Me? Are you kidding? She hits me all the time! I wouldn’t dare.”

Benjamin plopped down on the lounger beside them. “It was her dad…”

“Don’t,” Wendy interrupted. “I’m fine.”

But Caitlin didn’t let it go. Her expression darkened. “Your dad hit you? How could he?!”

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Caitlin had known long ago that Wendy’s mother left Landon because of domestic violence. But she never expected he’d raise a hand to his daughter too.

Landon was even more disgusting than she thought.

“Let’s not talk about it. He’s just a terrible person. And he actually had the nerve to ask me to pull strings for him–to help him connect with the Vanderbilts. If he tries to come to you about any kind of partnership, please don’t agree to anything!”

Wendy was worried her father would use her or her brother’s name to approach the Vanderbilts, and that would be deeply humiliating for both siblings.

“Don’t worry. We would never help someone like that. Your mom had it rough raising you and your brother on her own. Your dad never paid a cent. He deserves to be taught a lesson.”

Caitlin was furious on Wendy’s behalf, ready to take action. But Benjamin spoke up.

“Exactly. A proper lesson is long overdue. Leave this one to me. Anyone who dares lay a finger on my little Pudding? I’ll make sure they regret ever being born.”

Word was, Landon and his family were attending the Jones Family’s ball tonight.

Perfect.

Benjamin was ready to show them just how painful it could be to mess with the wrong girl.

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