The sudden cry rang out in Star Pavilion.

The guests all looked at Benson and Bernie in his arms in surprise. Some frowned, while others covered their mouths and snickered. Benson was dumbfounded by the crying and quickly took Bernie off his back.

He clumsily held Bernie in his arms and gently swayed him, asking, “Huh? Why are you crying? Weren’t you just fine? Are you feeling unwell?” He reached out to wipe Bernie’s tears, but the latter waved his small fist and pushed him away. The crying only got louder.

The rich scent of powder mixed with the smell of alcohol filled his nose. The heavily made-up faces of the women around him bobbed before his eyes in a strange, noisy environment. This made Bernie, who had just celebrated his first birthday, feel very anxious, and his small body trembled. Benson felt sorry for him when he saw him crying so sadly. Gently patting and comforting him, Benson said, “It’s okay, just stop crying.”

A girl approached and, noticing that Bernie was cute, reached out to touch his face. Benson suddenly became anxious and asked, “What are you doing?”

“Benson, I just thought this child was so cute and wanted to tease him. Why are you being so harsh with me?”

“That won’t work. Your nails are sharp and long. What if they scratch his face?” Benson said.

Benson held Bernie in his arms as if he were safeguarding a precious treasure, ensuring that no one could touch him even slightly. He walked upstairs, where his cronies were drinking. Benson’s appearance with the child startled his friends.

A young man in a blue shirt looked at him with a puzzled expression and asked, “Benson, what are you doing with a child?”

Benson rubbed Bernie’s chubby little hand and proudly raised it. “Not your business.” He introduced the child to them like a precious gem, saying, “Isn’t he adorable?”

His friend said, “Alright, enough with the showboating. Put the child down and let’s enjoy some drinks. We’re not leaving until we’re all drunk today.” Everyone stepped forward and quickly took Bernie from his arms. Looking around, they placed Bernie on a chair. He looked at Benson with anticipation, as if he couldn’t comprehend why he had been left there alone.

Benson felt a twinge of sadness, yet he couldn’t resist the enticing aroma of the wine. He found a seat and sat down. He was just about to drink when he heard Bernie crying. The weak, milky voice echoed directly in his mind. Bernie saw him turn his head to look at him and quickly waved her little hand at him.

“Stop looking. What’s so fun about a child? Let’s drink.” A man shoved a glass into Benson’s hand. Benson gave a forced smile and said, “Let’s drink.”

As the wine touched his lips, the image of Bernie’s disappointed and uneasy little face kept flashing before his eyes. He was so young and left alone; how terrified he must be. The more Benson thought about it, the more guilty he felt. He was supposed to take care of Bernie.

“I’m not drinking anymore,” Benson said as he set the glass down on the table, his expression dark. He got up, walked over to Bernie, and picked him up. Bernie stopped crying when someone picked him up and giggled. Seeing his smiling face, a smile finally formed on Benson’s lips. He reached out and gently tapped Bernie’s nose, saying, “You really melt my heart.”

Benson held the child and was about to walk downstairs. Seeing this, his friends all frowned. If Benson wouldn’t drink with them in the future, wouldn’t no one pay for this bill?

“Don’t go.” Barton Martha quickly urged Benson, “You haven’t even had a few drinks yet. Why are you leaving? We’re friends, come on?” Barton gripped his wrist tightly, causing Benson to frown in response.

Bernie, startled by the sudden pull, found his laughter cut off abruptly in his arms. His head nestled into Benson’s arms, and his large eyes gazed cautiously at Barton.

“I’m not drinking. “Benson tightened his hold on Bernie and said, “Bernie isn’t comfortable here. I’ll take him back to the manor for now. We can drink another time.”

“Another time? When will there be another time?” Barton released his grip but now stood in his way, wearing a forced smile. He said, “How long has it been since we got together? Besides, isn’t he just a babe? Just have a servant send him back. Is it really necessary for you to go yourself?”

A young man in a brocade robe remarked, “That’s right, Benson! Your mother dotes on you. Can Mrs. Cavendish really keep you in line? Additionally, this is our gathering, and you’re spoiling everyone else’s fun for the sake of a little kid. If this gets out, people will think you value him more than your friends.”

They spoke of friendship, yet their glances kept drifting towards others. At Star Pavilion, dishes started at a cost of double digits. If Benson were to leave, they would need to cover the cost of the drinks and the singers‘ tips themselves.

Benson was taken aback by those words, and a flicker of doubt began to stir in his heart. Since childhood, he had enjoyed hearing about the importance of loyalty and friendship. In the past, he often stayed up late with them for the so-called friendship. However, upon seeing Bernie’s timid expression in his arms, his hesitation faded away. He said, “Bernie is young and cannot be left alone.”

Benson took a step back, his tone firmer than before. “I’ve already paid for the wine at this table. You can take your time drinking. I need to take him back to the mansion.”

“You’ve paid for it?”

Barton’s eyes brightened, and he feigned dissatisfaction, saying, “Benson, come on! We’re enjoying a drink together; how can we let you pay for it all? You’re leaving too soon. Why not stay for just another half hour? It’s perfectly fine for us to share a farewell drink, isn’t it?” As he spoke, Barton winked at the people next to him.

The man quickly understood and called for a singer, saying, “Yes, yes, let Una sing a song! Just perform your favorite, ‘Song of Rainbows and Feathers.’ It won’t be too late to leave after we listen.”

Barton took the child from Benson’s hands and said, “It’s just a child. Just let the nanny take care of him."

“No, that’s not acceptable. Bernie is still young and doesn’t like strangers.” Benson tried to evade them, but how could he stand a chance on his own? Soon, Bernie was snatched away. He was about to chase after them when Una arrived.

She said, “Mr. Benson, it’s a rare pleasure to have you here. Would you allow me to play a song for you before you leave? Have I displeased you with my service?”

Benson felt a bit anxious, asking, “How can that be? I’m just worried about Bernie.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve already entrusted him to the nanny for care. Look, isn’t he behaving well?” Una said.

He was unaware of where Barton had found a wet nurse who was holding Bernie and soothing him. The wet nurse was within Benson’s sight, and he gradually felt relieved. He picked up his glass again and drank with his friends. Before long, the group was completely intoxicated.

Ansel and Jessa, hidden in the shadows, both shook their heads, disappointment evident in their eyes.

“What do we do now? Should we take Bernie back?” Ansel asked Jessa.

Jessa bit her lip and shook her head. “Princess Consort didn’t say that. Let’s observe for a while.”

It was only after Benson had drunk his fill and felt satisfied that he got up and staggered out of the Star Pavilion. He didn’t even look at Bernie from start to finish. He completely forgot about Bernie.

Jessa’s eyes sparkled with deadly intent. “That bastard, I’m going to kill him.”