Chapter 589

As the man approached, Atlas felt his chest tighten, making breathing difficult.

"Elis—what kind of person is he?" Caspian sneered. "But his money is our only chance to restore the Bennett Group." This was the family's last hope. Failure now meant permanent ruin.

The Bennett Group's situation was dire. Their connections and resources were depleted; Crownridge offered no assistance. Even their attempt to ally with the Simpsons through marriage had failed.

Caspian reflected bitterly, "What a joke! After Henry married Edie, the Stewarts cut ties, leaving us with nothing. Even the Simpsons vanished after the wedding. I couldn't believe our family's survival hinged on a woman. I always believed rebuilding our legacy was a man's responsibility, achieved through hard work and resilience. But women have value, too, however much that grated against my pride."

"You have a point," Atlas said, gripping his seatbelt. "Let's talk about it later."

Atlas worried, What if he targets me?

"Step out," Elias called from outside, beckoning Caspian with a crooked finger.

Caspian's stomach churned. He hated being ordered around, but he needed Elias's help. Swallowing his pride, he nodded, telling Atlas, "Stay alert. If anything goes wrong, help me."

Atlas straightened, determination hardening his features.

Caspian exited the car, plastering on a polite smile. "Mr. Whitlock, she's here," he said, gesturing to the backseat. He opened the rear door.

Elias's sharp gaze, assessing and chilling, swept over Caspian. The strong smell of alcohol clung to him, making Caspian grimace.

"Her?" Elias said, leaning to look at Sophia skeptically. He tilted her chin, studying her flawless skin. Her low-cut dress accentuated her figure. He swallowed, momentarily taken aback by her beauty, wondering if using someone so stunning in a posthumous marriage was a waste. He kept this thought to himself.

"Who's the man inside?" Elias asked, gesturing toward Henry. He wasn't familiar with the city's elite, preferring his own company. But Henry possessed a certain refinement.

"My brother," Caspian replied hastily.

Elias tossed his cigarette, smirking. "Fine. Two-for-one. Can't say that's a loss, right?" He patted his stomach, pleased.

Caspian froze. "Two-for-one? What are you talking about?" He thought, It was supposed to be just one woman! They're rushing this posthumous marriage so his son can be buried tomorrow.

"One man, one woman. Fine. Throw in the man as a bonus," Elias said.

Caspian's expression darkened. I didn't anticipate Elias's interest in Henry.

"What's wrong?" Elias challenged. "Don't want to deal? Take them back and stop cluttering my driveway."

He clenched his fists, his patience exhausted.

Caspian hesitated. It would have been better to let Windsor take Henry back. Now, refusing Elias isn't an option, but agreeing leaves a bitter taste.

"He wants my brother too!" Atlas shouted, leaping from the car. He froze as Elias turned, a sly grin on his face.

"And you? Why don't you stay?" Elias sneered.

Atlas blanched. "No, thank you," he stammered, unexpectedly targeted. "I don't know anything about this. Talk to Caspian." He quickly moved behind Caspian for protection.

Elias smiled mockingly, amused by his fear.

"Buy one, get one free," Caspian said smoothly, trying to appear calm. "But you'll have to pay extra." This simplifies things for now. Sophia's marriage doesn't concern Henry, and he's a burden.

"Thirty million for the pair." Elias waved dismissively.

Atlas's eyes widened. Thirty million dollars was staggering. In the past, it was insignificant, but now… Sophia was worth that much.

His greed showed as he tugged Caspian's sleeve. "We should agree. We could live off that for a long time." His eyes gleamed.

Atlas thought, With that money, I'd never have to return to the Bennett Villa! He envisioned a new life, far from the family drama—no more dealing with Oliver and Windsor. The mere thought of returning to the Bennett Villa makes my skin crawl.

Caspian considered the offer. "Fine," he nodded reluctantly.

Elias chuckled, satisfied. "The woman's for the posthumous marriage. What about the man? He's not right in the head," Caspian asked cautiously.

Elias gave him a sly look. "Not being normal makes it better. Sometimes a man can be more fun than a woman."

His implication made Caspian uneasy. Elias gestured, and several burly men emerged from the villa, gaudily dressed, with gold chains and toothpicks. The stench of stale alcohol hung heavy in the air. They shuffled forward expectantly. "Mr. Whitlock, what do you need?"

"Take them both inside," Elias commanded.