Chapter 303

Chapter 303 “Sophie gave it to me a couple of days ago,” Anthony said, glancing at Benedict. “Did she give you too?”

Benedict nodded curtly but remained silent. Anthony, noticing his coldness towards Sophie, felt compelled to say, “Benedict, Sophie knows she was wrong, and she’s truly sorry.”

Benedict looked at the flower pot and said indifferently, “Maybe she is.”

“It’s not ‘maybe,‘ she is,” Anthony paused his task. “Sophie is naive and grew up away from us, so it’s understandable that she made mistakes. But she’s trying to fix them. Why hold onto it?”

“Naive?” Benedict turned sharply, pinning Anthony with his gaze. “Do you truly believe her to be naive, Anthony?” His stare didn’t waver as he spoke.

Anthony paused briefly, then calmly replied, “Yes, of course. Didn’t you agree before? Are you saying just because Sophie made a mistake or two, she’s completely untrustworthy now?”

“I don’t trust her,” Benedict said, his face impassive as he clenched his fists. “I told you, I can’t sleep without dreaming. And do you know what I dream about?”

“What kind of dreams?” Anthony asked.

“Nightmares,” Benedict said, his voice turning cold. “Every night, I’m haunted by the same horrifying dream–Mother’s grave desecrated, her remains exposed for all to see. It’s a nightmare that always jolts me awake.

“Anthony, I know you were young when Mother died, so you didn’t have as much time with her as I did. I understand that. But we’re different.”

Benedict continued, “She passed away when I was seven. She was a gentle and kind woman, always wearing a warm smile.

She patiently taught me new things, guided me with wisdom, corrected my mistakes, and protected me whenever I was scared.

Those seven years with her were the happiest of my life. But after she was gone, no one treated me the same way...”

softened Benedict’s expression softened as a faint smile touched his lips. “That’s not entirely true. When Eliza lived at the Duke’s estate, she was like Mother, protecting me whenever I was afraid.”

“Afraid? You? Since when have you ever been scared?” Anthony scoffed, his tone laced with disbelief.

“I had, you just never noticed,” Benedict said. Eliza was now the only one who knew what Benedict had truly feared, a realization that filled him with regret.

Anthony shrugged, unconvinced. Benedict’s words rang hollow; they’d grown up together, and Anthony had never seen Benedict afraid. He assumed Benedict was trying to protect Eliza.

“Benedict, stop defending Eliza. You might have been scared, and she might have protected you, but that’s your experience.

Eliza means nothing to me,” Anthony said indifferently.

Benedict scowled, his displeasure evident. “Anthony,” he demanded, “why do you always treat Eliza with such scorn?”

“No,” Anthony replied calmly. “I simply don’t have any feelings for her. There’s no Stonor family rule that says we have to be close, is there?”

Benedict knew there wasn’t a rule, but he couldn’t escape the feeling that Anthony hadhi’t always treated Eliza this way, Something must have shifted his demeanor.

Determined to uncover the truth. Benedict asked, “Did Eliza do something, or did you hear something about her?”

Anthony stiffened, impatience flashing across his face Fine, if you’re that curious, I’ll tell you. But this is it—don’t ask again,“

Go ahead, Benedict replied, curiosity tinging his steady voice. He nodded in agreement.

Anthony’s voice turned cold and distant. I haven’t always felt this way about Eliza. used to be sick all the time, and she’s care for me t home. You’d think we’d be close, but sometimes actions don’t tell the whole story.”

“What did you mean by that?” Benedict asked, frowning Aniljony looked up at his brother “Benedict he said, ‘deep down to you all think I’m worthless?

1/2 8:23 PM Chapter 303 Benedict froze, his face a mask of shock and disbelief. “What? Anthony! How could you even suggest such a thing? That’s absurd!”

Anthony gave a harsh laugh and shook his head. “Don’t be so shocked. I said ‘maybe,‘ remember?”

“There’s no doubt! We’re siblings–it would never cross our minds to think of you like that!” Benedict’s expression turned serious, his brows furrowing together. “Did someone say something that made you think that way?”

Rather than answering directly, Anthony said flatly, “You may have never considered it that way, but Eliza certainly has.”

Benedict immediately contradicted him, saying, “That’s impossible!”

“It’s true. I heard Eliza say it herself, even though nobody told me directly,” Anthony said firmly.

“That’s impossible!” Benedict shook his head, his voice firm. “Eliza has always been the most dedicated to you, especially during your illness. She never left your side. There must be a misunderstanding.”

Anthony sneered, watching Benedict continue to defend Eliza. “Misunderstanding?” he scoffed. “Didn’t I make myself clear?

Some people may appear sincere, but their true intentions are far from pure.

“She cared for me more than anyone, staying by my side through every illness. But it’s understandable to feel worn down when you’re caring for someone as fragile and unwell as I was.”

Benedict’s thoughts are racing. He couldn’t believe Eliza was involved–especially since Anthony seemed so sure about her feelings for him. Benedict knew that Anthony wouldn’t change his mind no matter what he said.

A thought suddenly struck Benedict, causing him to frown. Hoping to shift the conversation, he asked, “What about Sophie? She didn’t care much for you. Why do you feel differently towards her?”

At Sophie’s name, Anthony smiled. “Sophie needs me,” he said. “She sees me for who I am, unlike some others, a broken one in their eyes.”

YA