Chapter 5 Have a Child with You

She presented this gift publicly just to make her more willing to have a child with Benjamin.

Ophelia raised her hand to push it away, her gaze steady. "Mom, I can't accept this."

Mia was taken aback, about to insist when Ophelia spoke frankly, "It's your birthday today. I should be the one giving you a gift."

With the gift-giving over, the banquet began.

Ophelia sat at a separate table with the other young people.

As soon as she sat down, Lily took the seat to her left. "Ophelia."

Lily White, from a branch of the White family.

"I think Mia was right earlier. Having a child will secure your position, and Mia can better support you. Don't be foolish; these days, status is more important than feelings." Lily glanced disdainfully at Emily, who was being cared for by Benjamin at the far end of the room. "I heard she's already pregnant."

Ophelia pursed her lips, tuning out the rest of Lily's words.

Bitterness surged within her.

No wonder they wanted her gone. No wonder they didn't give her any time.

Even though it was midsummer, a chill seemed to seep into her body.

Suddenly, a cup of hot milk appeared in front of her.

William had swapped seats with Lily at some point. He hinted, "Drink some hot milk, it'll warm you up."

Warm her up?

What was there to warm?

Ophelia's eyes showed disdain as she placed the hot milk back on the table.

She could brush off other things, but her parents would definitely question her about having a child."There is a way to break the stalemate. The White family values you, as long as the child is yours." He hinted, "The father's identity isn't important."

He raised an eyebrow with a charming smile. "I don't mind."

Ophelia's pupils trembled. "Are you nuts?"

He wanted to have a child with her!

If this got out, what would happen to the White family's dignity?

"Benjamin's already slept with someone else, why can't we?" He reasoned, whispering cautiously, "Our child would be a legitimate White family bloodline. Don't you want to make Emily uncomfortable? Don't you want to secure your position?"

From any angle, he was the most suitable candidate.

"No way!"

Her upbringing wouldn't allow her to do such a thing!

Even if she didn't like Benjamin, she couldn't do this!

Despite the feast laid out before her, she had lost her appetite.

Ophelia set down the hot milk and stood to leave, but William grabbed her hand. "Someone else has crossed the line you can't."

Following William's gaze, she saw Emily helping Benjamin upstairs.

Ophelia's fingers curled into a tight fist.

It was one thing for them not to sit with her at the banquet, but now they were openly going upstairs... Did he really think she had no temper at all?

Since taking over the White family company, Benjamin had built it from the ground up, reaching his current position step by step. He was no lightweight drinker.

William remarked, "You know Benjamin's tolerance isn't that low; he wouldn't get drunk after just two drinks. Don't you want to see what's happening?"

Her body was more honest than her words. Ophelia tightened her grip on her dress, William's suggestion echoing like a siren's call. She straightened her back and followed them upstairs.

In a flash, Ophelia saw Benjamin being helped into their old house's wedding room!

Her rationality was shattered instantly.

Ophelia quickened her pace, and as she neared the wedding room, a large hand pulled her inside.

The door slammed shut, and Ophelia was pinned against it. Benjamin gripped her shoulders forcefully, his breathing heavy.

His face was unnaturally flushed, his eyes dazed, his movements chaotic yet inescapable.

A strange scent permeated the air.

She quickly scanned the room.

No Emily.

Where was she?

Seeing Benjamin about to lose control, Ophelia blocked his approach while feeling around.

She grabbed a water-filled vase and smashed it over his head, seizing the moment to open the window for ventilation.

Water mixed with shards slowly trickled from Benjamin's head.

His crimson eyes gradually cleared, recognizing Ophelia. He looked displeased. "Why did you do that? Don't want a divorce?"

Ophelia met Benjamin's gaze, coldly retorting, "Do I have any say in this relationship?"

He had proposed the divorce, ordered the move from their villa.

Now he was pinning everything on her?

As he regained clarity, Benjamin looked at Ophelia. "First you drug me, now you play innocent? Take off your clothes!"

Ophelia didn't move. "Do you think so little of me? Drugging you? Only your beloved could do that."

She hadn't understood before, but now it was clear.

Emily, failing to secure her position, used this method to stand out before everyone.

Regardless of Mia and Robert White's attitudes, the outside world would at least acknowledge her existence.

At least those seeking Benjamin's favor would acknowledge her.

Benjamin gripped Ophelia's neck. "You accuse her?"

She hadn't thought Benjamin was this foolish before.

She even saw her former self through Benjamin.

As the air grew thin, Ophelia spoke seriously, "You pin this on me because you're afraid to face Emily's true nature, or because you still can't forget me?"

Suddenly, Benjamin released his hold on Ophelia, looking at her with disgust. "You say Emily did it, where's the proof?"

The old house was covered in surveillance, and even the banquet hall was monitored.

Ophelia had asked Mia for access, entering the system and extracting a video clip to throw in front of Benjamin.

In the footage, someone he knew well was seen sneaking around.

In the next moment, he drank the spiked drink.

Everything was clear.

"Look closely, it's Emily who drugged you."

"If it wasn't you, why did you follow upstairs? Now you show me this cropped video to frame Emily. If you're going to act, at least do it thoroughly!"

Ophelia laughed angrily. "Is your brain fried?"

The evidence was right in front of him. Why wouldn't he believe it?

What kind of spell had Emily cast on him?

"Ophelia! My patience is limited. If you touch Emily, don't blame me for being ruthless."

She had gone upstairs to check, as a final gesture to their years of marriage.

But she hadn't expected to hear such insults from her husband's mouth.

Ophelia scoffed, turning to leave.

Downstairs, the banquet had ended, and the guests had left.

The cleaning staff were still chatting.

"Who's the person Mr. Benjamin White brought back today?"

"Who else? I heard it's his lover."

"What about Mrs. Ophelia White?"

"Who knows? But judging by her expression today..."

Ophelia took a deep breath, glaring coldly at the gossiping staff. "Did the White family hire you to discuss their affairs?"