Revenge Wears My Ring novel Chapter 285

Bennett’s lips twitched, so subtly that only the most observant would have noticed.

Across the pool, Clinton stood frozen, watching as Gwyneth was pulled up onto the deck by the man whose presence seemed to bend the world around him. Their movements were effortless, intimate, as if they’d danced this step a thousand times before. Side by side, they looked every bit the perfect couple, the kind of pair who turned heads and drew murmurs of approval wherever they went.

Whatever fragile hope Clinton had just begun to nurture inside him was doused instantly, as if someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over his head.

The difference between them was glaring.

That man wasn’t just wealthy or well-connected—it was the kind of self-assuredness, that effortless command of a room, that radiated from his every move. It was in his bones. Clinton couldn’t even bring himself to meet the man’s eyes; those sharp, intelligent eyes felt like they could strip him bare. All he felt was a crushing sense of inferiority and dread.

He turned away in silence, throwing himself back into his training, though his mind was already a thousand miles away.

Just then, Hugo strode over and leaned in to murmur quietly to Bennett, their conversation meant for no one else.

“Mr. Boyd, there’s a message from the Yale family. They want you back at Locke Manor right away—there’s a family dinner tonight.”

Bennett’s brow furrowed, almost imperceptibly.

A sudden family dinner at Yale’s request?

That could only mean trouble.

He weighed his options, considering how best to handle the situation—

At almost the same moment, Gwyneth’s phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen, surprise flickering across her face before she stepped aside to answer the call.

“Hello, Yale?”

On the other end, Yale’s voice sounded as warm and genial as he could manage.

“Gwyneth, hope I’m not interrupting anything? Do you have plans tonight? Why not join us for dinner at Locke Manor? It’s the weekend and everyone’s around—thought it’d be nice for the family to get together.”

Gwyneth’s eyes narrowed, her mind instantly clear. Yale had wrapped the invitation in a bow, leaving her no plausible excuse to decline.

Instinctively, she looked up and met Bennett’s gaze from across the pool. His eyes were already on her, questioning. Their eyes met, and in that instant, understanding passed between them.

This was no ordinary family dinner.

Gwyneth drew a steadying breath, kept her voice even, and replied, “Of course, Yale. I’ll be there on time tonight.”

After hanging up, she returned to Bennett’s side.

He was watching her, eyes thoughtful, voice pitched low. “They called you too?”

“Yeah.”

She nodded, her face giving nothing away, but her eyes were sharp and wary.

“Looks like we’re in for quite the evening.”

Bennett’s lips curled into a cold, humorless smile.

“Perfect. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed one of Yale’s little ‘get-togethers’.”

Their eyes met in unspoken agreement.

Julian stood in the hallway, frowning as the pieces refused to click together.

Inside, Yale was already waiting, a half-finished cup of tea on the table before him. The air was heavy with expectation.

Yale set his cup down and looked up, his eyes sharp as a hawk’s, voice probing.

“Bennett, where have you been all afternoon? You’ve been gone a long time.”

Bennett strolled over and dropped onto the sofa, utterly relaxed, as if nothing in Yale’s tone fazed him.

“Swimming. Since when do you track my every move, Father?”

His words were measured, polite on the surface but edged with irony.

Yale’s expression soured, but he swiftly masked it and pivoted to his true purpose.

He leaned forward, voice switching to one of feigned concern.

“You’ve been saying for ages that you’re married. Now that you’re a family man, it’s time to stop hiding things. Tonight, bring your wife over and introduce her to us properly. Let’s put all the gossip to rest, once and for all.”

As he spoke, his gaze locked onto Bennett, searching his face for any flicker of resistance or unease.

He didn’t believe for a second that Bennett was truly married—much less that he’d willingly parade his supposed wife in front of them all.

But to his surprise, Bennett only straightened his cuffs with practiced calm, then met Yale’s stare, voice crisp and steady:

“Of course. She’ll be here tonight.”