Chapter 514

The carriage stopped in front of Xander Manor. Athena got off the carriage and said to Hedda, "I'll only give you 30 minutes. I won't wait any longer."

With that, she took Trina and got off the carriage.

Hedda was uneasy. She stood in front of Xander Manor with Benson for a while, hesitating whether to agree.

Benson said, "Mom, let's head out. It's really hot outside."

Benson tugged at Hedda's sleeve and urged impatiently, "I have a music appointment at Beau Pavilion."

Hedda observed her son’s disheveled appearance and felt a surge of anger rising within her.

"Music appointment?" Hedda exclaimed, grabbing Benson's ear in frustration. "Is that all you care about? Haven't you already embarrassed yourself enough in front of Princess Consort Athena today?"

"If you weren't even aware of the 'Incident at Tyler Gate' and kept bringing up brothels, how could Athena have rejected you outright?"

Benson grinned in pain, "Mom, let go. So what if I don’t know? Those history books are so boring. How can they be as interesting as listening to music!"

"You!" Hedda was so angry that her hands trembled.

She was utterly disappointed as she observed her son’s indifferent demeanor. His future would be dire if he continued like this. But Hedda worried that Athena would hit him if she handed him over to Athena.

While she was hesitating, footsteps suddenly came from behind.

Ansel approached Hedda and inquired, "Hedda, have you not returned to the manor yet? Princess Consort instructed me to relay a message to you if you are still here. Benson’s temperament requires discipline, but there is no need to worry about Princess Consort being overly strict. She believes that teaching should be gradual; first, he needs to understand responsibility before delving into reading and managing affairs."

Hedda took a deep breath, released Benson’s ear, and her tone became serious. "Starting today, you are no longer allowed to visit Beau Pavilion. You must get up early each day and study with the teachers in the manor. Laziness is no longer an option. During this time, you will reside in the Princess Consort’s courtyard."

Benson suddenly felt anxious and exclaimed, "I won’t go. Athena is too scary."

Hedda ignored him and gestured to Ansel, "Please, Ansel, escort him inside?"

Ansel wore a peculiar smile as he placed his hand on Benson’s shoulder and said, "Benson, come with me?"

The grip felt light, yet Benson was unable to move. He screamed and yelled in terror, thrashing about like a madman as he tried to escape. Jessa landed softly at the door and gave him a push into the yard.

Then, the gate closed tightly, and screams came from inside.

Hedda, feeling concerned, leaned against the door panel and knocked continuously, asking, "Son, are you okay?"

There was no response from inside, just Benson's desperate screams. "Mom, please save me! Save me, ah…"

Hedda’s tears fell, but as she recalled Benson’s unpromising demeanor, she steeled herself and walked away.

Inside the courtyard, Athena sat in a chair, looking at Benson with calm eyes. Ansel and Jessa stood on either side, looking like they were watching a show. No one hit him, and no one scolded him. Benson was putting on a show all by himself. He shouted for a long time without Hedda coming in, and his throat began to hurt again, so he sat down on the ground with a thud.

"Athena, why do you have to lock me up in this kind of place?" he shouted. Benson felt both angry and anxious. "I made plans with a close friend to listen to music, and the time is running out."

Athena said with a smile, "Is that so?"

She signaled Trina, who took a bundle of silver from her sleeve and handed it to Benson. Seeing this, Benson was a little confused. He carefully glanced at Athena and asked, "What’s this?"

"You have plans with your friends. Hurry up and go." Athena smiled, her expression serious despite the playful tone.

Benson was confused. He opened the bag, took a bite of one of the silver coins, and confirmed it was authentic. But he hesitated to move and asked once more, "Are you truly letting me go without any other conditions?"

"There’s just one condition: you take care of my child for me for a month. After that month is over, I won't mind where you go," Athena said with a smile.

Benson’s eyebrows arched in surprise. "Is it really that simple?"

He glanced at Bernie, who was holding a rattle, giggling. His tiny mouth was constantly blowing bubbles, which was incredibly cute. Bernie looked at Benson, extending his small hand towards him and requesting to be held. Benson believed that as long as he took good care of Bernie, he would get money; it was a worthwhile deal.

"Athena, you’re not lying to me, are you?" Benson asked.

Athena smiled softly, "If you choose not to believe me, that’s your choice. Just return the silver to me."

"No, no, no, I believe you," Benson said with joy as he filled his arms with the silver.

Then, he picked up Bernie. He was incredibly soft and had a milky scent. He was absolutely adorable. Holding Bernie in his arms, Benson felt a strange sensation in his eyes. He was so cute and soft.

"Then, can I take him out?" Benson asked again.

Athena didn’t even lift her head. "Go ahead and go wherever you want, as long as you take good care of the child and keep him safe."

Benson was so thrilled that he nearly bowed down to Athena. He smiled and said, "Got it, I’m leaving now."

Athena waved her hand and said, "Go ahead."

Benson asked the nanny for a carrier and carried Bernie on his chest. He grabbed a pot of milk and stepped outside.

Trina anxiously asked Athena, "Princess Consort, isn’t this too dangerous? Given Benson’s temperament, aren’t you worried that he might sell Bernie?"

"Don’t worry, I’ve already sent Ansel and Jessa over. Bernie will be fine," said Athena.

Athena’s eyes sparkled, a strange smile on her lips.

Trina wanted to say something, but Athena yawned and went into the house. She stamped her feet anxiously and said to Marquita, "Marquita, why don’t you advise Princess Consort?"

Marquita smiled and said, "Princess Consort always has a sense of propriety when doing things. She loves Bernie so much that she won’t let anything happen to him."

Meanwhile, Benson got a bag of silver and went straight to Smoothy Workshop. Bernie was quiet the whole way. He opened his bright eyes and curiously looked outside. Benson pinched his face, feeling it was unbelievably soft.

"Bernie, I’m taking you out to play. Are you happy?" Benson asked.

Bernie waved his little fists and babbled as if talking to him. He was adorable. Benson gazed at him before leaning in for a kiss. When the carriage arrived, he carried Bernie off the carriage. But as soon as he got to the door, he noticed the strange looks from everyone.

"Benson, why did you bring a child to this kind of place?" someone asked, puzzled.

Benson didn’t think there was anything wrong. He patted Bernie’s little butt and said proudly, "Look at him. Isn’t he cute?"

Bernie was born fair and chubby, indescribably pleasing. Everyone nodded repeatedly and said, "He is indeed cute."

Benson grinned and became even happier. As he stepped inside, a rich fragrance of powder enveloped him. Benson took a deep breath, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. "I’m finally free," he said.

He looked down at Bernie and asked, "Are you happy?"

Bernie looked at him, pursed his lips, and burst into tears with a wail.