Chapter 24 - Cousins

When they entered the hall, Benjamin was not too surprised to see the many invitations that came to him. But what made him surprised was the whisper of several invitations, especially from men who adored his niece.

Whether he should feel proud or frustrated, Benjamin must admit that his current niece's appearance was no different from the upper-class girls.

Her dignity and her signature friendly smile could make any men fall in love with her.

He was proud because he felt it wouldn't take him long to introduce his niece as a Paxton heiress. At the same time, he also felt frustrated. It felt like wanting to shut their mouths and keep their niece away from their gaze.

Benjamin shook his head, knowing that his thought strays away from the usual thing. Is this how a father feels? He'd like to see his daughter grow to a fine lady at the same time; he did not like watching her being a showcase.

"Benben!" exclaimed a woman he knew very well. "Finally, you came. I thought you wouldn't."

Benjamin answered politely to the sole heiress of the Bernz corp.

"So you're trying to say you wouldn't come if I didn't come?" guessed he.

The girl laughed while covering her hands, gracefully. "What do you think?"

"Benjamin, did you come alone this time?"

"Is she your new secretary?"

"She looks so young."

Benjamin felt uncomfortable with the questions raised by the crowd of women around him, but he still wore a casual expression and wore his professional smile.

The only woman he allowed to approach him was Felicia. Only that woman, he would talk more than polite words.

As for the other women, Benjamin only answered perfunctorily and was not interested in lingering with them.

Benjamin saw Felicia waving at someone. Automatically, he was curious about the person he greeted.

He was shocked at what he saw. His younger cousin, Vincentius Regnz, has never shown the bridge of his nose at an event like this. What made him come tonight?

"Are you really Vincent?" Actually, he didn't mean to tease, but it had become his habit to annoy his younger cousin.

He couldn't pass the day without teasing the sullen boy before him, maybe because he got taken care of by his aunt and Vanessa.

"Let's just say I'm not the Vincent, you know."

"Oo? Then which Vincent are you?"

"Can't you just let the day pass without bothering me?"

"No."

Vincent's forehead frowned even more at this. Not to mention, there was new gossip in their midst.

"Vincent? Do you mean Vincentius Regnz? Isn't he the only son of the Regnz family?"

"I don't think so. The Regnz wouldn't dress modestly like that."

"But his face looks like Vanessa Regnz."

"No. No. Vincentius Regnz never wants to come to an event like this. So he can't be Vincentius Regnz."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Paxton," Vincent spoke in a voice loud enough for the gossipers to hear. "I am a good friend of Miss Bernz. My name is Vincent Black H. I came because Miss Felicia invited me to accompany her." he continued, stretching out his hand to shake hands.

Benjamin raised an eyebrow at the word 'Black H' and turned towards Felicia, who was trying to hold back her laughter.

Black H, aka black hedgehog.

As if he could read the thoughts of his ignorant cousin, Vincent gave him a grimace as if to say, 'Let me go today!'

Benjamin held back his smile at his poor cousin's younger brother. He also felt something gently nudge his arm. Finally, he decided not to continue his 'prank.'

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Black." Benjamin deliberately said 'Black' very slowly and firmly, as if afraid that the other person could not hear what he was saying.

They shake hands without looking away from each other.

'After this, we have to talk.'

'Do you want to nag again?'

Only the two of them knew the meaning of each other's gazes. It looked as if they had met for the first time and didn't like each other to outsiders. But only Felicia knew how close the two men to the point they pull each other's leg, while Cathy had a suspicion that these were not the first time the two men meet.

Even Cathy herself felt that this was the first time seeing her uncle's figure act like this. She never knew his uncle had this kind of mischievous side.

She didn't know who Vincent was in front of her, one thing she was sure of; her uncle and Vincent already knew each other. And this young man was quite special in the eyes of his uncle.

"Benben, let's go over there. I have someone to introduce you to," said Felicia softly.

Benjamin nodded slowly before following the woman. Then as if he had forgotten something, he stopped and turned to look at Cathy.

"Catherine, please, relax and have a meal to your heart's content. If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to let me know."

Catherine lowered her head in both affirmations and salute.

Cathy glanced at the young man named Vincent, who stared sadly at the two people's departure.

She knew Felicia had feelings for her uncle, even though she didn't know if her uncle had the same feelings, but she could see her uncle treating Felicia differently than other women.

Then now, she could see as bright as the sky that Vincent has feelings for Felicia.

Cathy took a deep breath.. She had never been in love before, but seeing the love triangle between the three of them, she felt that love was very troublesome.