Chapter 57

"I didn't expect to see you here tonight, Mr. Carter. Had I known, I would've invited you to join us," Benjamin said with a smile, his tone calm and composed, showing no signs of awkwardness.

Nathaniel released his grip and glanced at Eleanor, who kept her head down, clearly unwilling to acknowledge him.

Withdrawing his gaze, Nathaniel replied to Benjamin, "Since you're on a date, I won't disturb you. Goodbye."

"Alright. See you."

After the brief exchange, the restaurant owner continued to escort Nathaniel inside, while Benjamin returned to his seat across from Eleanor.

"I didn't know he'd be here tonight," Benjamin explained.

"It's fine," Eleanor responded with a smile, her expression quickly returning to normal.

Benjamin didn't press further, though the atmosphere now felt tense and awkward. With him no longer driving the conversation, an uncomfortable silence settled between them.

Eleanor hesitated for a moment.

As she prepared to tell Benjamin her decision, a voice suddenly interrupted them, "Well, well, Eleanor!"

Eleanor's body tensed instinctively upon hearing the voice. Looking up, she saw Samuel grinning as he approached their table. "Having dinner, huh?"

"And you are?" Benjamin asked, confused.

"Why, hello! You must be Mr. Hughes," Samuel exclaimed while shaking Benjamin's hand. "What an impressive man you are! I'm Eleanor's father—well, her adoptive father from the countryside."

Samuel's loud voice cut through the quiet ambiance of the restaurant, drawing the attention of nearby diners.

Feeling a little uncomfortable, Benjamin turned to glance at Eleanor. "Eleanor, this is your adoptive father?"

"That's right! I was away for a few years and couldn't visit her, but when I heard about your plans to get married, I rushed over to meet you. After all, her last marriage ended badly, and I need to make sure she's in good hands this time..."

"Samuel," a cold, crisp voice interrupted him.

Samuel paused mid-sentence, shifting his gaze toward Eleanor. Her head was now raised, and she said resolutely, "Get out."

Her commanding tone left Benjamin stunned. The Eleanor he knew was always soft-spoken and gentle. But in this moment, she resembled a porcupine with its quills raised, like a fierce wild animal protecting its territory.

But in the face of her demand, Samuel simply laughed it off, pulled out a chair, and sat down. "What's with the hostility? Since I'm here, aren't you going to invite me to join you for dinner?"

Then, turning to Benjamin, he continued, "Don't be surprised. I'm just a country bumpkin, after all. Ever since reconnecting with her rich city dad, she's looked down on me. You saw it yourself—she won't even acknowledge me!"

Benjamin didn't respond, glancing at Eleanor with furrowed brows. The latter stood up abruptly.

"What? Am I wrong?" Samuel wore a smug expression on his face as he spoke. "Don't let your current status as the esteemed Ms. Thompson fool you. Back in the countryside..."

Samuel deliberately trailed off, his words suggestive as he smiled at Eleanor.

The implied threat in his tone was clear, but Eleanor challenged his warning and asked, "What about back in the countryside?"