Chapter 338 The Heir of the Reynolds Group
Most of the conversation was about Benjamin's childhood.
Anouk treated Daphne like her daughter-in-law, sharing funny stories about Benjamin as a kid.
She also asked how they met, and Daphne was honest.
When Anouk heard Daphne used to be on Benjamin's team, she felt bad. "My poor baby, Benjamin's tough on training. You must've had a hard time."
"It wasn't too bad," Daphne said, "The strict training was good for us."
"From now on, no bullying Daphne, got it?" Anouk told Benjamin.
Benjamin enjoyed this, smiling. "Okay."
"Let's eat," Anouk said, holding Daphne's hand warmly. "I didn't know what you liked, so I made a variety since Benjamin said you're not picky."
"Thanks," Daphne replied.
During the meal, Daphne sat between Anouk and Benjamin.
At first, everyone ate while Anouk introduced each dish to Daphne.
Then, Anouk kept giving Benjamin looks.
He didn't get it.
Finally, Anouk said, "Benjamin, get some food for Daphne. She can't reach."
"Okay," Benjamin nodded.
Throughout the meal, Benjamin kept serving Daphne food.
Luckily, he timed it well, bringing the next dish just as she finished the last.
She tried to stop him, but he said, "Anouk's orders. If I don't, I'll get scolded later."
Daphne believed him. No one would think Benjamin was lying.
After lunch, they had fruit for dessert.
Seeing more chatting coming, Benjamin said, "You guys take a nap. I'll take Daphne back."
"Not staying for dinner?" Anouk was confused. "Tomorrow's Christmas. You can leave after dinner."
"Ms. Green," Benjamin said softly, "We agreed on just lunch."
Anouk didn't want Daphne to leave; they hadn't talked much.
"We're leaving now," Benjamin said, holding Daphne's hand.
Daphne said goodbye, "Goodbye, Anouk, Henry."
Anouk and Henry were stunned. Even after Benjamin and Daphne left, they hadn't reacted.
Henry, holding a coffee, was puzzled. "They're leaving already?"
Anouk said, "Seems like it."
Henry asked, "So soon?"
Anouk nodded. "Yes."
"Did we give them the gift?" Henry suddenly asked.
Anouk was confused. "You didn't give it to me after wrapping it."
Henry checked his pockets and realized he still had it!
He handed the gift to Anouk. "Let's go. We might catch them."
But by the time they reached the door, the car was gone. They felt bad, worried they left a poor impression on Daphne.
It was Daphne's first time at their house, and they didn't give her anything.
Benjamin really dropped the ball.
Anouk quickly decided to text Benjamin: [Buy a gift for Daphne later and say it's from us. You left too quickly, and we didn't get a chance to give her the gift we prepared.]
Benjamin got the message after driving for a while.
While driving, he said, "Thanks for today."
"No problem," Daphne replied calmly.
But after this, she decided never to pretend to be his girlfriend again. Anouk's warmth would make it too hard if she found out it was all fake.
"What's wrong?" Benjamin noticed her thoughtful look. "Something in your mind?"
"Nothing," Daphne said, then changed the subject. "By the way, what does your family do?"
"Antique business," Benjamin said casually.
Daphne paused. Antique business? She immediately thought of a company.
She turned to Benjamin, speaking slowly,"The Reynolds Group, the low-key antique business, is your family’s?"
"Yes," Benjamin admitted, knowing he couldn't hide it anymore.
The Reynolds Group was low-key, not as famous as the Lancelot or Murphy Groups, and their people never attended business gatherings. But their assets were just as significant.
Any item they sold could fetch a fortune. While others faced risks in the antique business, the Reynolds Group had top experts in appraisal and restoration. They could get almost any rare item.
This was Benjamin's family?
"Benjamin," Daphne said, unsure what to say. "After Christmas, you should go back and inherit the family business."
What was she thinking before, thinking Benjamin had no money?
The Reynolds Group even shared his surname.
"You don't like me anymore?" Benjamin responded calmly, clearly prepared.
"The place you should be is the Reynolds Group. Working at HorizonTech Group is a waste of your talent," Daphne said, feeling foolish. "Judging by Henry's talk today, he really wants you to go back and help."
"The Reynolds Group is struggling," Benjamin said seriously. "I rely on my earnings at your company to pay the employees."
Daphne didn't buy it. "Nonsense."
"Really," Benjamin insisted.
"Keep talking," Daphne said.
"You don't believe me?" Benjamin kept an earnest face.
"Although I haven't looked into the Reynolds Group much, I've heard it's the most relaxed job in the industry," Daphne said slowly. "If it were really struggling, selling just one item could make collectors throw money at you."
"It's not as exaggerated as you say," Benjamin replied calmly.
"Benjamin," Daphne said seriously, "I can look up your company's revenue."
She couldn't understand. "Since your family is so wealthy, why do you work at Horizon Tech Group?"