Jason looked at Benson worriedly. "Mr. Evans, are you alright?"

Benson braced himself against the table's edge. "Keep going!"

"When we sought out Reed Corporation for a business partnership, Miss Evans was also there. I didn't recognize her then, so I didn't report it. But now, if Miss Evans is really Cecilia's manager, Mr. Reed's endorsement of Cecilia makes sense."

Benson was incredulous. "Didn't you say the owner of M Studio was an old man?"

"The information's source may be inaccurate. However, Miss Evans being Cecilia's manager is true. Beyond that, I don't know much."

Benson felt a little giddy. Who could explain what was happening? Why had his daughter become Cecilia's manager?

"Mr. Evans" Jason supported Benson, who was swaying.

The office door opened, and Pauline entered. Seeing the scene, she hurried forward. "Benson, what happened?"

"The medicine" Benson clutched his chest, pointing to the drawer.

Pauline quickly retrieved his medicine. "Here, take it with some water."

Benson swallowed the pill; his breathing evened out, but he remained upset.

"What on earth happened?" Pauline asked, looking at Jason, who repeated his earlier statements.

Pauline's face darkened. "Is everything he said true?"

"Yes."

Pauline frowned, then nodded. "I see. You can leave now."

"Yes, ma'am." Jason departed.

Pauline soothingly rubbed Benson's chest. "Do you feel better, Benson?"

"I'm fine" Benson's face was less red. "I just learned about so much happening at the company. Gwenda she"

Pauline hesitated. "She has disappointed us all."

Benson snorted. "Oh, yes. So capable she's working with outsiders against her own father!"

Had Jason not told him, he wouldn't have known Gwenda was behind the mess.

"She's changed. I heard from Gretchen she has a boyfriend. I don't know if he helped her found her studio."

"Boyfriend?" Benson's chest tightened. "Do you know what's going on?"

"No, not really."

"Didn't you find anything when you visited her?"

Pauline shook her head. "Last time, Gwenda threw me out before I could say much." She sighed. "This child deeply misunderstands me. This won't be resolved quickly."

"What a bastard!" Benson gritted his teeth. "You treated her so well, and she's not grateful! She has the audacity to treat you this way!"

"Benson, don't be angry. This can't be explained quickly. Let's talk to her when you've recovered."

Benson pressed his temples. "Very well, it's time to find her." He wouldn't stand for her continued misconduct.

The Lina Wood issue was resolved, and Cecilia had risen. However, Gwenda's increased workload and Cecilia's demanding schedule led to illness.