Chapter 181

She could not believe that Bennett, whom she had regarded as her "saving grace," had instantly accepted Noelle. The whole thing happened too fast. Earl, Rod, the pilier bootlickers, interacted with Noelle in their own way, drawn to her for different reasons.

For instance, Noelle's skill in driving a racing car caught Damon's attention. Similarly, Noelle's undeniable talent in flower arrangement charmed her.

As for Eli, Leia thought, "This guy was a traitor. He has been defending the bitch."

However, Bennett was not like Eli. At first, Eli was stubborn, alas, soft-hearted.

Bennett's actions left her completely confused. He had clearly been on edge before he went home, yet after seeing Noelle, he instantly changed. Leia really suspected that Noelle had some sort of magic. Otherwise, people's attitudes towards her wouldn't have changed so drastically.

Leia thought that was unfair. She was angry, and she felt the need to ask for a reason.

After dinner, Bennett went upstairs. Leia seized the opportunity and followed him. She blurted out, "Bennett!"

Bennett turned around, still looking gentle, as if nothing had happened. He smiled and asked, "What's wrong, Leia?"

Leia was extremely puzzled by Bennett's attitude. Bennett was friendly to Noelle. How could he still smile at her as if nothing had happened? Indeed, she didn’t understand him at all!

"Bennett, why did you do that to Noelle?"

"What did I do to Noelle?" Bennett smiled and asked a question, the answer to which was...

Leia felt a wave of frustration rise within her upon hearing the question. She clenched her fists tightly, biting her lip, and finally said to him, "Why did you hug Noelle the moment you saw her? You were so kind to her."

If he didn’t want to embarrass his family, he could just ignore Noelle. There was no need to act like a good brother. And he even called Noelle "little princess," which she thought was her exclusive title. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

Bennett chuckled softly when he heard her question. He glanced at Leia and replied, "Leia, what do you expect me to do in that situation? Should I ruin the mood and make things awkward when everyone is happy and getting along?"

Bennett’s question made Leia choke. She paused, confused again.

"What did Bennett mean? Does he mean he didn’t like Noelle and he was just acting in front of people?"

"That's not what I mean!..." Leia spoke hesitantly.

Leia pursed her lips, her gaze fixed on Bennett. "Of course, you didn't want to ruin the atmosphere," she said, her voice laced with frustration. "But you didn't have to hug Noelle like that. You acted like such a good brother…"

Bennett laughed again when he heard that. "Acting like a good brother? Leia, what do you mean? Am I not a good brother?"

When Leia heard this, she quickly shook her head. "No, Bennett, don't misunderstand. Of course, you're a good brother to me, but Noelle..."

She thought that Bennett was her brother, and he didn’t have to be a good brother in front of Noelle. Leia felt depressed.

Then, she heard Bennett say, "Leia, Noelle is my sister after all. If I only treat you well but treat Noelle coldly, what will people in the circle think of us?"

Bennett's words made Leia's heart turn cold. ‘Does Bennett also value his reputation as much as father does?'

She snarled and felt sad for no reason. She couldn't help but say what was on her mind, "Bennett, I thought you would stand on my side. I didn’t..."

Before Leia could finish her sentence, Bennett sighed softly. He seemed disappointed.

Bennett's voice softened, a trace of sadness creeping into his tone. "Leia, I've always treated you like my sister. In these ten years, have I ever hurt you or said anything harsh? I thought we were family, but now it seems like you just see me as a tool. It's really disappointing."

Bennett's words stunned Leia. Why is he blaming me now?

She looked up at him and asked in shock, "Bennett, what do you mean that I treated you as a tool?"

"Don't you?" Bennett looked at Leia with a sad expression. "I only hugged Noelle once, and you're already so dissatisfied. Do you think I will treat you badly just because I hugged Noelle?"

"So tell me honestly, do you want us to love you as always, or do you want us to only love you but abandon our own sister? If it's the latter, aren't we tools for you?"