Chapter 462

The moon cast a silvery glow over Hudson Manor, its windows blazing with golden light.

Victoria returned home well past midnight to find Benjamin sprawled across the sofa, his cheeks flushed and the sharp scent of whiskey clinging to him.

She wrinkled her nose in disapproval. "What possessed you to drink this much?"

Benjamin offered a lazy grin, his words slightly slurred. "Had no choice. Needed to get Liam drunk."

Perching on the edge of the sofa, Victoria narrowed her eyes. "And why would you do that?"

His smirk turned wicked as he leaned forward, excitement glittering in his gaze. "Cassandra came to see me today. She told me she wants Liam..."

Victoria's face drained of color, her nails digging into her palms.

Benjamin chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Thought she was going to propose. Never expected that after six months of marriage, they still hadn't... well, you know. Shocked me so much I—"

Before he could finish, Victoria shot to her feet, already striding toward the door.

Benjamin lunged forward, catching her wrist. "Where do you think you're going?"

"To protect Liam!" she snapped, eyes blazing.

Sobering slightly, Benjamin tightened his grip. "From what? They're in love—it's none of your business!"

"Love?" Victoria spat, teeth clenched. "Who said anything about love? Cassandra's leaving for Solterra soon—she won't stay with him!"

"He loves who she was, not this selfish woman she's become!" Benjamin shot back. "You're delusional. Liam's feelings aren't yours to dictate. Let it go."

Frustration boiled over as Victoria stomped her foot. "They ended things weeks ago! Liam's moved on—he hasn't spoken to her in over two weeks. Why are you helping that witch hurt him?"

Benjamin's expression darkened with suspicion. "How do you know they haven't spoken? Did you bribe someone close to him?"

Victoria wrenched her arm free. "Let me go! I need to help Liam!"

"Too late. Cassandra's been with him for hours," Benjamin said flatly.

Tears welled in Victoria's eyes, her face twisting with rage. "Are you insane? Why are you helping her instead of your own sister?"

Her voice cracked. "You know how I feel about him. You know I've loved him for years. If you'd just support me—"

"Enough!" Benjamin snapped. "Love isn't something you can force. If Liam doesn't want Cassandra, even drunk, he wouldn't touch her."

Devastated, Victoria collapsed to the floor, hugging her knees as sobs wracked her body.

Benjamin knelt beside her, rubbing her back gently. "Victoria, Liam doesn't love you. He only tolerates you because you're my sister."

His voice softened. "If you weren't family, you wouldn't even be his friend. Be rational—some things can't be forced."

Victoria surged to her feet, eyes burning with fury. "I'll never give up," she hissed, jaw clenched.

"Cassandra will leave soon. She has no future with him. Besides..." Her voice turned icy. "I've already applied for a transfer."

Benjamin froze. "What transfer?"

Wiping her tears, Victoria lifted her chin. "To the military. To be near Liam."

Her voice hardened. "If I'm there every day, showing him how much I care, he'll fall for me eventually."

Benjamin's face twisted in disbelief. "Have you lost your mind?"

Victoria gave him one last scathing look before turning on her heel and storming upstairs.

Left alone, Benjamin paced the living room, hands raking through his hair in frustration.