Chapter 605
Benjamin leaned close to Wendy’s ear. “So what if it was me? They bullied you first. What, are you not happy about it?”
Wendy shook her head and laughed. “How could I not be happy? I’m over the moon. This is the kind of joke I can laugh about for a whole year.”
Knowing Benjamin had punished the Smiths on her behalf touched her deeply. Still, she sighed. “Such a pity though… that luxury car. All that money, gone!”
“It was a refurbished secondhand car. Not worth much,” Benjamin said casually. He’d never waste a brand–new Bentley for something like this.
His goal was simple–teach the Smiths a lesson, make sure they knew what happened when they crossed Wendy. Last night had just been a warning. If they tried again, the punishment wouldn’t be so merciful.
When the Smiths were dragged out of the cesspit, the media had a field day. After the spectacle, the sightseeing carts headed back to the resort.
Not long after, Felix returned and sought Benjamin out. “I checked. Those people crashed driving the car you gave them as the grand prize. Tell me honestly–was this your doing?”
“What does this have to do with me? I hosted the ball, I handed out prizes. That’s a crime now? If they can’t drive, that’s their problem.” Benjamin wasn’t about to confess to Felix.
“That car’s been pulled up. If the Smiths push for a forensic inspection, you might be in trouble.” Felix’s tone was official, detached.
“Let them inspect. They fell in on their own. How’s that my fault?” Benjamin replied lazily.
As the two spoke, Madison appeared. “Why are you interrogating my brother? What’s this got to do with him? They crashed on their own. No one pushed them.”
“I just find it suspicious-” Felix started.
“That suspicion shouldn’t fall on Benjamin,” Madison snapped. “Listen carefully.
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This was an accident. It has nothing to do with the Jones family. Benjamin, come with me.”
She pulled her brother away. Felix could only watch, frowning, when his phone buzzed again.
It was the rescue team. After pulling the car out, they’d found something else. Half a female corpse.
Felix’s expression froze. Seconds later he was sprinting back toward the scene.
Outside the resort, police converged as Felix led the investigation. Meanwhile, inside, friends gathered at the golf course.
The men split into groups to play. Sebastian invited Zeke to join, but he shook his head. “You go ahead. I’ll just watch today.”
His injured hand couldn’t grip a club. He sat in the rest area, sipping tea, watching his friends play. Peaceful moments like this were rare; he intended to savor it. Who knew what danger lurked the next time he turned around?
Children’s laughter drifted from a smaller practice area designed for kids. The women chatted nearby, occasionally drawing the men’s eyes. Caitlin, Wendy, and Jillian were all there, helping the little ones with their swings.
The kids played with surprising focus, their shots making everyone smile.
Caitlin guided Wendy’s hands on the club, showing her the right swing. When Wendy finally hit the ball clean, Caitlin smirked. “So… last night. Romantic, wasn’t it? You and Benjamin…”
“Nothing happened!” Wendy’s eyes went wide, her cheeks scarlet as she rushed to explain.
“Nothing? What, you two just talked under the covers all night?” Caitlin teased.
“Really, nothing happened. Not like that.”
Looked like Benjamin’s efforts had still fallen short. He’d set up everything perfectly, yet hadn’t managed to win her over fully.
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“But it was sweet at least, right? I can see the hickey on your neck.”
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“Stop teasing me!” Wendy tugged her collar higher, her face so red it might bleed. Caitlin chuckled and handed her club to Jillian before strolling toward the rest
area.
She sat beside Zeke. “Everyone’s playing. Why aren’t you?”
Zeke turned his calm face toward her. “Watching is enough. I prefer sunshine and tea.”
Caitlin sighed. “You know, my friends really aren’t honest enough.”
His brow lifted. “Why do you say that?”
“I ask why you’re not playing, and you say you like drinking tea. But the truth is, it’s because your hand is injured, isn’t it?”
Her words struck clean. Zeke straightened, fingers twitching inside his pocket.
“Don’t bother hiding it. What could you keep from me? I already noticed. So, tell me–how did it happen?”
Her sharp eye caught everything. She must have noticed the night before, when he instinctively reached to steady her getting off the cart. Nothing escaped her.
With a small sigh, Zeke pulled out his hand. The bandaged palm peeked out from under a bloodstained handkerchief. “After I left under a bloodstained handkerchief. “After I left you last night, I was ambushed in my room.”
Caitlin’s breath caught. “You hurt your hand fighting them?”
“Yes,”
“Did you capture the assassin?”
“He’s been dealt with. Definitely one of Shadow Moon Pavilion’s men.”
“They’ve already infiltrated the resort?” Her face paled.
“Don’t worry. I’ve deployed my people quietly. They’ll sweep the grounds. Everyone here will be safe.”
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“Good.” Caitlin nodded. All she wanted was peace, just a few quiet days with her family. No more chaos.
Zeke had told no one else about the attack, not even the police. The body had been quietly disposed of. But not before he’d sent photographs to Graystone
Castle.
At Graystone, Zorro sat cloistered. Ever since his son Samir’s death, he had been unraveling, his mind fraying at the edges. Days of convalescence had steadied him only slightly.
Now his first demand was Zeke. “What news from the States? Has he been
eliminated?”
“Count, I was just about to report.”
The Shadow Moon Pavilion men handed him the photos. One glance at the images of his assassin lying dead, and Zorro erupted. He smashed everything within reach, his rage filling the hall.
“Useless! Every one of them is useless! Send word—if they don’t bring me Zeke’s head, they needn’t ever come back!”
“Yes, my lord.”
When the hall finally quieted, another subordinate rushed in.
“Count! We’ve captured a spy!”