Chapter 126

How could that even be true?

It had to be some sort of mistake.

Eleanor was an orphan, and not only that, she had always been such a kind and admirable person. How could she possibly have parents like that?

At that thought, Lillian's temper flared. Her spine straightened, and with both hands planted on her waist like an angry lioness ready to pounce, she snapped, "What are you all glaring at me for? Let me make this clear! I didn't lay a single finger on your precious daughter. She's the one who crossed the line,trying to flirt with my friend's boyfriend. When she couldn't succeed, she tripped on her own! If you don't take my word for it, ask anyone who was standing nearby."

Lainey already had a husband.

The accusation was so absurd that Jeff could hardly believe it.

His face grew dark, his presence suddenly sharp and commanding, making those around him feel small."Nonsense! Out of respect for the old ties between our families, I'll overlook this matter today. But if anything like this happens again...

He paused for a moment before continuing,"Don't expect us to be polite! Our family may not be based here, but we won't be stepped on by just anyone!"

Benton family? Big deal!

Lillian had never been humiliated like this before.

She was about to argue again when Ryland quickly covered her mouth. Holding her close, he spoke softly."Lillian, calm down. The Benton family isn't easy to deal with. We can't create problems for Nolan."

If the Bentons turned against the Brooks family, Nolan would be forced to step in, and he didn't want things to reach that point.

Lillian's fire faded all at once. Her shoulders slumped, and her eyes stung with frustrated tears.

Lainey, on the other hand, caught the scene from the corner of her eye and smirked proudly.

Look at Lillian now... so powerless.

If not for the need to act innocent in front of the Bentons, Lillian would havebeen finished today.

Lucky her.

The situation seemed ready to settle when suddenly, a calm and clear voice cut through the air."What if|said I can prove it?"

Jeff blinked, thinking he misheard. But then Nolan raised his eyes, calm and cold, and said with complete seriousness, "Mr. Benton, please keep your daughter away from me. I already have a girlfriend, and I don't want her to get the wrong idea."

With those words, he gave Ryland a meaningful glance before walking away with his usual composed grace.

Ryland caught on right away and hurriedly pulled the still-fuming Lillian along.

Jeff,however,stood frozen.

He had watched Nolan grow up, and Nolan wasn't the type to throw accusations around recklessly.

Did Lainey really have a crush on him?

But she was already married...

The thought only deepened Jeff's confusion.

Sensing his wavering, Lainey wasted no time: She collapsed into his arms, with tears streaming down her face.

"Dad, you have to believe me. I never did anything wrong. I only admired Nolan and wanted to learn from him. I didn't think he'd twist things like this. But I should've known... he's close with the Brooks siblings. They've always hated me because of their family's power. They used to pick on me constantly. How could Nolan ever see me kindly? I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to bring shame on you."

Every word was carefully chosen, and it hit its mark.

Jeff's chest tightened, and sternness melted away as he held her tighter."Don't cry, sweetheart. I'll protect you.Iwon't let anyone wrong you."

From the side, Hilda watched silently, her gaze cold.

Lainey was no ordinary girl; she knew exactly how to twist emotions, how to win Jeff's trust with just a few tears. And it was working.

But Hilda didn't speak up for the time being.

Someone in the Benton family needed to play along, to let Lainey think she was safe. That was the only way not to scare her off.

And when the time was right, Hilda would finally uncover the truth. She would find her real daughter.