Chapter 308 Could Benjamin Like Her?
Daphne paused, locking eyes with Benjamin.
"I didn't set this up," she said, trying to keep things calm. "Jesse handles the annual awards. You just got lucky."
Benjamin glanced at the item in his hand, a slight smile forming.
After a moment, he asked, "Do I have to accept it?"
"It's a company reward; you can't just return it," Daphne replied. "If you really don't want it, you'd have to return all the other gifts and let them reselect."
Benjamin realized she wasn't giving him an out.
"Can I pick any house?" he asked.
Daphne nodded.
Benjamin fiddled with the paper, his eyes shifting. "How about the one next to yours?"
"Next to mine?" Daphne asked.
"The one I'm living in now," he clarified.
"Sure," Daphne agreed without hesitation.
She missed the smile on Benjamin's face. He used to think Daphne was hard to pursue, but now he saw her obliviousness as an advantage. It made it easier to take things slow.
"Prepare the documents tomorrow," Daphne said, assuming he just liked the place. "I'll have someone transfer the ownership."
"Okay," Benjamin agreed.
They chatted a bit more before heading to the masquerade ball on the eighth floor.
The hotel had masks and costumes on the seventh floor for the event. Everyone dressed up before heading up.
Daphne wasn't a fan of these events, but Benjamin convinced her to join, so she reluctantly agreed. To blend in, she chose a simple black dress and matching mask. Despite the simplicity, her bright appearance made her stand out, adding a touch of mystery.
After changing, Daphne went to the eighth floor and found a quiet corner to sit in, planning to pass the time.
But Benjamin wouldn't let her just sit there.
The banquet hall was lively, with people chatting and dancing. The atmosphere was harmonious.
Suddenly, a gasp echoed through the hall, drawing everyone's attention to the door.
"So handsome!"
"Who is that?"
"I don't know; he must not be from our department. We don't have anyone that tall."
"He's so handsome, even with a mask on. Imagine if he took it off!"
Curious, Daphne looked over and froze.
The tall and elegant man at the door wore a black tailcoat. Though his mask covered his eyes, it couldn't hide his strikingly handsome face, making him look like he stepped out of a comic book.
Daphne racked her brain but couldn't recall anyone in HorizonTech Group who looked this good.
'Is he lost?' she wondered.
As she pondered, the man in the black tailcoat walked towards her with an air of nobility.
Under everyone's gaze, he approached her.
Daphne stayed calm, not moving from her seat.
The man extended his hand to her mask. His fingers were long and elegant, perfect for playing the piano.
For the first time, Daphne admired someone other than Charles. Not only was his face striking, but his hands were perfect, too.
Who was this guy?
"May I have the honor of inviting you for a drink?" Benjamin removed his mask, revealing his handsome face and unique elegance.
Everyone froze, unable to look away.
Daphne was stunned. Benjamin?
Benjamin smiled slightly, picked up a glass of wine, and handed it to her; his demeanor relaxed. "Is that okay?"
Daphne was about to speak when Benjamin raised his index finger to shush her.
She was dazed, her mind blank, with only Benjamin's face and unique charm in front of her.
Benjamin maintained the gesture, closing the distance, and whispered, "Daphne, you wouldn't let me be rejected in front of so many people, would you?"
Instinctively, Daphne took the glass, her thoughts lagging.
"Benjamin! It's actually Benjamin!"
"I always thought Benjamin was handsome, but now he's even more stunning in this outfit!"
"Who's the girl Benjamin invited? Which department is she from?"
"She looks a lot like Ms. Murphy!"
"The girl is gorgeous!"
As others started to crowd around, Benjamin put down the glass, took Daphne's hand, and led her away.
People wanted to follow but were stopped.
Daphne's mind was chaotic.
She valued looks but wouldn't fall for someone just because they were attractive.
With Charles, it was his looks and their good conversations that drew her in. Over time, she fell in love.
But now, she was confused.
Feeling the warmth of Benjamin's hand, her heart felt strange.
She didn't pull away or speak, letting Benjamin lead her out of the banquet and off the eighth floor.
Five minutes later, they were in the hotel's back garden.
Benjamin stopped, and they stood under the soft streetlights.
Daphne's thoughts returned. Looking at Benjamin, who was still holding her hand, she spoke with a slightly unsettled heart, "Benjamin,"
"Sorry," Benjamin said, slowly letting go, his tone lazy and deep. "I was rude."
"It's okay," Daphne replied calmly.
She thought about everything that had just happened, about Benjamin calling her Daphne, and some thoughts crept into her mind.
Could Benjamin like her?
Just as she thought this, Benjamin naturally asked, "Shall we go back? There's nothing much going on here anyway."