Chapter 431 Farewell
Diana couldn't believe it until she was back in her room.
She patted her cheeks, flushed with excitement, and her eyes sparkled.
"God must be helping me!"
Diana muttered to herself, thrilled.
She had been wondering how to get Benjamin out, and now Charles had handed her the perfect opportunity.
This was fantastic! She needed to contact Dean immediately and get everything arranged.
Diana slapped her forehead and quickly grabbed her phone to call Dean.
They usually communicated through secret channels, so when she suddenly called, Dean thought something bad had happened.
His hands were shaking as he answered.
"Hello?"
"Dean, Benjamin and I can go home this week."
Diana got straight to the point, giving Dean a huge surprise.
Dean was stunned, thinking he must have misheard.
"Sophia? Are you serious? You're really coming back this time? So soon?"
Five years ago, Diana had faced numerous obstacles to leave, so this quick turnaround was hard for Dean to believe.
"I'm serious. The opportunity has come. Get us a plane ready for this weekend."
"Okay." Dean responded blankly, still processing, then asked, "Is Charles really that lax this time? What about the bodyguards?"
"It's not that he's lax. People change over five years. He doesn't want to keep me, but I'm taking the child. As for the bodyguards, I have my ways. Don't worry."
Diana rubbed her fingers, easing his concerns.
Since she said so, Dean didn't press further. He nodded, "Alright, I'll make the arrangements. I'll send you the details later."
"Okay."
Diana was about to say more when the door suddenly opened.
Startled, she quickly hung up, almost dropping her phone.
At the door, Benjamin was holding the door frame with one hand and dragging a stuffed toy with the other, a mischievous smile on his face.
Seeing it was him, Diana's heart settled, and she glared, "Who told you to come in without knocking? That's rude!"
Benjamin's smile faded. He closed the door and pouted, "I was too excited and forgot."
Diana didn't dwell on it. She pinched his cheek playfully, "Do it again, and I'll spank you."
"Okay, I got it."
Benjamin mumbled, then quickly asked, "Mommy, what were you talking about? I want to know too."
Diana paused, realizing he was asking about Charles. Her expression turned serious.
She pulled Benjamin to sit on the couch.
Under his expectant gaze, she said, "We can go home this week."
Benjamin's expression changed. He smiled at first but quickly looked hesitant.
"What's wrong? Aren't you happy?"
Diana ruffled his hair.
"I am happy, but does that mean I can't spend my birthday with him?"
Diana was reminded of their previous agreement.
She blinked, seeing the disappointment in Benjamin's eyes, unsure what to say.
"Maybe there will be another chance."
Her tone was uncertain. They both knew that once they left, they wouldn't return.
Tonight's dinner might have been their last meal together.
Benjamin bit his lip, feeling down but not wanting to ruin Diana's good mood. "Okay, let's get ready then."
Diana nodded. There wasn't much to prepare; they just needed to wait for Dean's arrangements.
She knelt down, holding Benjamin's shoulders. "If you have anything to say, you can go talk to him."
That night, Charles' door was knocked on.
He was about to sleep and frowned, surprised at the time.
Jacob was resting, and the other servants wouldn't dare disturb him.
Except...
He raised an eyebrow, casually adjusted his collar, and went to open the door.
But outside, no one was there.
"I'm here."
Charles looked down at the voice and saw Benjamin in his pajamas, holding Snowy, standing in front of him.
They were close enough that Benjamin wasn't in Charles' line of sight.
Seeing it was him, Charles adjusted his collar, his tone cold. "What are you doing here? It's late. Why aren't you asleep?"
Benjamin pouted, looking a bit aggrieved, his eyes pleading. "Mr. Percy, can I sleep with you tonight?"
Charles glanced out the window, then back at him. "The weather is nice tonight. As for you..."
He paused, touched Benjamin's forehead to check for a fever, then continued. "You seem fine. Sleep on your own."
He pushed Benjamin out, intending to close the door.
Benjamin cried out, quickly blocking the door with his hand and foot. "I just want to sleep with you."
"I don't want to."
"I've showered. I smell nice. And I don't snore. I won't disturb you."
Benjamin argued while squeezing inside.
"I don't like other beings in my bed."
Charles pushed his head out, careful not to hurt him, easing his strength.
He thought Benjamin would fuss for a while, but the next second, Benjamin stopped, pouted, and tears fell.
A few drops landed on Charles' arm, cool to the touch.
The sudden change in attitude made Charles pause. He sneered. "That trick won't work on me. I hate crying kids, especially boys who cry. It's weak."
Benjamin wasn't deterred. He cried because he had finally taken the initiative but was rejected.
If they didn't talk tonight, there would be no chance once Charles left for his trip.
Benjamin had grown attached to the Percy Mansion, to kind Jacob, the accommodating servants, and even cold Charles, who protected him when needed.
He didn't want to leave, but he couldn't abandon Diana. So he chose this way to say goodbye to Charles.
He sniffled. "Crying isn't weak. Why can't boys cry? Mr. Percy, didn't you cry when you were born? Didn't you cry as a child? Don't you shed a tear when you yawn?"
Charles was speechless, lips pressed together, his voice cold."Then keep crying here."
Benjamin grabbed his shirt, his expression serious despite the tears and snot, looking a bit funny.
He mimicked Charles' earlier tone."I have something to discuss with you."
"What is it?"
"I want to ask about my dad."