Chapter 454

-Even the Brennans are siding with Lauren. If that’s the case, Anastasia must be the problem!
Realizing this, Anastasia let out a cold laugh.
“Ma’am, would you like to get out now?” Logan asked, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. For origınal chapters go to.net
Lauren had already stepped out of the car on the other side. But instead of heading in, she stood by the door, chatting with Benson, making it obvious she was waiting for Anastasia to get out as well.
Around them, there could easily be reporters lurking nearby-maybe even ones Lauren had tipped off-just waiting to catch Benson showing clear favoritism between the two women.
“Of course I’m getting out. Why wouldn’t I?” Anastasia replied, her tone casual, completely unbothered.
If she stayed in the car, Lauren would think she was scared of her. Not a chance.
Logan didn’t question her. He trusted her judgment implicitly and quickly got out to open her door.
Across the way, Lauren saw Anastasia finally step out and allowed herself a cool, satisfied smile.
She turned to Benson in the car. “Cousin, would you mind walking me in? I have a few friends who are huge fans of yours—they’d be thrilled to meet you.”
Benson was scrolling through his phone but, hearing her request, put it away. “Sure, let’s go ”
He reached for a mask, ready to follow Lauren out, but just then, he caught sight of Anastasia stepping onto the sidewalk.
He froze, his hand halfway to the door, brows knitting together. After a few seconds, he sat back down, shaking his head. “Maybe another time. I have things to do today, so I won’t be joining you.”
Lauren hadn’t expected him to refuse so suddenly. She faltered, unwilling to give up. “It’ll only take a few minutes, can’t you make an exception just this once?”
Benson glanced in Anastasia’s direction, distracted. He dug out a notepad, quickly scribbled his signature a few times, and tore off the pages.
“Give these to your friends. Tell them we’ll meet another time if there’s a chance.”
He handed the autographs to Lauren and started the engine.
Panic flared in Lauren’s eyes.
Benson had been in a sour mood lately, never coming home, and she’d finally managed to catch him and convince him to drive her here. There was no way she could let him slip away so easily.
As the car began to move, she pressed herself against the window. “Benson!”
She bit her lip, looking both persistent and pleading. “Will you please walk me in? Just this once?”
Benson wasn’t stupid; her desperation made him instantly suspicious.
He fixed his gaze on Lauren. “Lauren, what are you really trying to do?”
Lauren’s expression turned a little bitter. “Don’t you know what’s been going on online, Benson? So many people are misunderstanding me accusing me of stealing from Anastasia, saying I’m targeting her on purpose
She lowered her voice, guilt and vulnerability lacing her words. “I’m sorry, Benson. I asked you to bring me here today because I needed your help. If people see you walking, me in, they’ll know the Brennan family still cares about me. Maybe then they’ll stop attacking me.”
She looked at him, pleading sincerely, “Please, for the sake of that time five years ago when I brought you your medicine and saved you. Just this once, Benson, can you help me?”
As she spoke, Benson’s strong, handsome features grew more and more somber.
Lauren looked desperate on the outside, but inside she was certain-Benson would never turn her down.
He could be ruthless, but when it came to people he cared about, he was fiercely protective. Now that she’d reminded him he owed her his life, he’d have no choice but to help her.
Finally, Benson spoke. But what he said was-
“If I walk you in, maybe the people online will stop criticizing you. But what about Anastasia?”