Chapter 378
Benson’s face darkened instantly, but he kept his tone directed at her. “Anastasia, if you keep slandering my fiancée, don’t blame me for being harsh with you.”
“Penelope has told me everything,” he continued, his voice tight with conviction. “She was deceived by those men, then slandered. I only feel sorry for her-I certainly don’t hold it against her.”
Deceived? Slandered?
Anastasia stared at him in disbelief, her gaze darting past Benson to Penelope, who was hovering behind him. Their eyes met. Penelope’s lips curled into a triumphant little smile.
Did Penelope really think she was unprepared? Anastasia knew she’d already wiped those incriminating videos with the help of a hacker. No matter what Anastasia said now, there was no evidence left. Of course Benson wouldn’t believe her.
“Enough. If you’re done, leave,” Benson ordered brusquely. “Penelope and I have things to discuss.”
Penelope just smiled, sliding her arm through Benson’s. Her voice was soft and delicate as she spoke. “Anastasia, I know you have your issues with me, but I hope you’ll wish Ben and me happiness. Can you do that, for us?”
Her smile was brimming with smug satisfaction.
Anastasia stared at her for a moment, then let out a cold laugh.
“Sure. I wish you both every happiness-let’s just hope you’re worthy of it.”
With that, she didn’t linger another second. She turned on her heel and walked away.
Penelope should have felt relieved, but for some reason, unease prickled at her. Something about Anastasia’s calm departure left her unsettled.
Anastasia walked a few steps, then glanced back at the closed door, her eyes icy cold.
Did Penelope really think that landing Benson meant Anastasia couldn’t touch her? What a joke. She was practically asking for trouble.
Once she was outside the apartment building, Anastasia pulled out her phone, logged into a forum to message Sonder, then dialed a number.
On the other end, Shirley picked up.
“Anastasia?!” Shirley’s voice trembled so much she nearly dropped her phone. “What do you want? I know I offended you before I was manipulated, I swear! The West family is still paying for it. Mr. Harrison Lancaster hasn’t stopped his retaliation. Isn’t that enough—?”
“Calm down.” Anastasia’s voice was cool and composed. “I’m not calling to settle old scores.”
“You’re not? Then why are you calling?”
“It’s about Penelope.” Anastasia explained briefly, “There’s some evidence on her you might find useful. Someone will send it to your phone soon. Do whatever you want with it—I won’t interfere. Just one thing: I want Penelope’s true face exposed to everyone.”
“If you agree to this, I’ll wipe the slate clean between us. I’ll even persuade Mr. Harrison Lancaster to call off his vendetta against the West family.” Ná´‡w novel chapters are publɪshed on
Shirley’s heart skipped a beat. The offer was almost too tempting to resist, but she was still wary.
“Why me? If it’s so simple, why not handle it yourself?”
“That’s not your concern,” Anastasia replied. “Just tell me will you do it or not?”
The task was simple, true, and Anastasia could have done it herself. But Benson was involved, and she couldn’t risk him turning even more against her if he found out.
Shirley hesitated, then bit her lip. “Fine. I’ll do it.”
Anastasia hung up without another word.
Then she called Juliet, her voice gentle and reassuring. “It’s okay now. This will all be taken care of soon.”
“Really?” Juliet sounded thrilled and awestruck, not even asking what Anastasia had done. “Cousin, you’re amazing!”
Anastasia returned home.
“Where were you?”
She had barely stepped through the door when a voice, neither harsh nor gentle, greeted her. Harrison was lounging comfortably on the sofa, a book in his hand, but his gaze was sharp and fixed right on her, a faint trace of displeasure in his eyes.