Chapter 447

Lily was surprised to find the young man she'd been searching for in her family's backyard. He looked much the same, except the sparkle had gone from his eyes, replaced by a gloomy aura.

"Everyone here today has the same purpose," Benedict stated, raising his head nonchalantly and glancing toward the banquet hall.

"Then why aren't you inside?" Lily asked.

"You're not either," Benedict replied.

Although less happy than before, he was still his typically outspoken self.

"You still owe me an explanation," Lily said, finally voicing her long-simmering dissatisfaction. "Why did you quit so suddenly? You promised to handle the job properly, but then disappeared without a word."

Benedict's eyes clouded further. He mumbled, "I had my reasons. Besides, I sent you the finished product—free of charge. We're even."

He stood with his hands in the pockets of his sky-blue padded jacket, looking striking against the snowy landscape. The jacket made him seem younger and refreshed.

Lily shook her head. "How are we even? You didn't deliver the raw materials! Where's my wood?" She extended her hand. They'd agreed she could take home the special wood; its distinctive fragrance had attracted her. She'd taken a sample and intended to return for more.

"I don't have it," Benedict replied bluntly.

"You—" Lily began, but footsteps approached. A voice called, "Benedict."

Benedict's face fell; his body tensed with slight annoyance. "Bene—" Derrick started, but seeing Lily, he stopped and approached them. He looked at the still-turned boy, then at Lily.

Derrick was a stern, severe-looking middle-aged man. He was well-groomed for his age, though showing signs of weight gain. His sharp eyes seemed to pierce right through people. Lily was initially startled by his gaze.

"Why are you out here?" Derrick asked Benedict, pointedly ignoring Lily. Lily didn't mind; she was curious about him.

"It was too crowded inside. I wanted some fresh air," Benedict replied, without turning around.

"Are you done? Can you come inside now?" Derrick demanded. He paused. "Most people are waiting to see you. Don't be rude. Go and say hello."

Benedict said nothing, but turned and obediently walked toward the banquet hall. He stole a glance at Lily.

Lily sensed Benedict's discomfort and helplessness. Perhaps it was his eyes, or the middle-aged man's tone, but she felt uneasy. Before she could fully process her feelings, she called out to stop him. "Wait, we're not finished!"

This finally caught Derrick's attention. He stopped and turned to look at her.