Chapter 201 Unworthy
Jean had nowhere to run as the reporters surrounded her and pointed their microphones at her face. She did not know what to say. “I…”
At that moment, Ben stepped forward with a rare serious expression on his usually easygoing and handsome face. He grabbed the microphones and said. “Jean is not part of the racing team. Shouldn’t you all be interviewing me?”
The reporters came to a realization upon hearing him. Then, one of them asked, “What is your relationship with her now? I believe she rejected your proposal on the podium during prize-giving.”
Mr. Coleman’s expression darkened. He quietly recorded the reporter’s face in his memory. Ben’s gaze had also darkened. Sonny and the others frowned beside him. What if Ben loses his temper and fights with the reporter? Wouldn’t that make things worse?
However, they did not have a chance to stop him. Jean quietly tugged the shirt on Ben’s back. She wanted to tell him to ignore the reporter’s questions. Unexpectedly, Ben said, “She rejected me previously. It is me who refuses to give up and keep clinging to her.”
His words flamed the reporters’ curiosity. “Do you mean you are pursuing her one-sidedly?”
“Yes.” “Was she the reason you retired from racing and went into business?”
“Yes.” Jean looked at Ben’s face from the side. His words sounded unreal to her ears. “I don’t have any special achievements, so it is understandable that she didn’t choose me. After she rejected me, I considered it for a long time. I will improve myself and gain enough power to protect her so that no one can bully her again.”
Although this speech was not as passionate as what he said on the podium, it was still moving. As he spoke, he seemed to be glowing with gentle light.
Even Jean’s frozen heart thawed slightly and began to feel a little warmth.
She realized Ben had changed.
“If Jean agrees to be your girlfriend, will you marry her in the future?”
In actuality, the reporter’s question had a deeper meaning. The Ludwig family is one of the wealthy families in this region. Do they not mind Jean’s past? Do they not care she was married before and had been to prison?
Everyone understood what the reporter’s question implied.
Ben’s expression turned cold. He answered decisively, “Of course.”
As the reporters were about to ask more questions, Ben pushed the microphone away. “I have finished answering your questions. Please leave.”
“But…”
“Mr. Coleman.”
Ben glanced at Mr. Coleman, who was also furious with the reporters. Thus, Mr. Coleman rushed forward with the racing team members and stopped the reporters from advancing closer.
They worked together and finally managed to out the reporters.
Meanwhile, Jean and Ben stood facing each other in the room.
“Is your father okay?” Jean asked before Ben could say anything.
“He’s fine. I was wrong for arguing with him.” Ben frowned. His past easygoing self was nowhere to be found. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not your fault.”
Jean nodded solemnly.
As she was about to continue speaking, Ben gathered courage and held her wrist. He looked nervous and unsure.
At the same time, he knew if he did not grab this chance, he would regret it forever.
Even if Jean would likely reject him again, he needed to try his best.
Thus, he continued to hold Jean’s wrist, channeling his warmth into her body. Then, he took a deep breath and said, “I understand it is difficult to bring Eyer Group to its former glory. You need a lot of manpower and capital. Furthermore, I was useless in the past. All I knew was drinking and playing around.”
“Therefore, I took over my family’s business recently. Soon, I will become your most trusted business partner.”
“Ben…”
A smile appeared on his handsome face. “Don’t feel bad about it. I am willing to let you use me any time.”
Those words sounded sincere, coming from him.
In actuality, he was expecting Jean to scold him, so he got ready to leave. However, Jean did not scold him but said, “Why aren’t Sonny and the others back yet? It’s time for the retirement ceremony.”
She pulled her hand away as she spoke and headed toward the door.
Ben watched her leave and was stunned for a moment. Jean didn’t scold me?
It means she has taken heed of what I said!
Ben’s smile widened. For the whole night, it felt like he was walking on clouds. He felt lightheaded with joy.
Thus, he drank a little more than usual.
Later, Mr. Coleman supported a drunken Ben into the car with much effort before saying, “I’ll send Mr. Ludwig home.”
As soon as the door closed, Ben opened the window and leaned out his upper body and hand. “Jean, see you tomorrow!”
Jean replied casually, “Have a safe drive, Mr. Coleman.”
The car soon traveled out of her sight.
Ben and the others were leaving too. They offered to send Jean home, but she rejected them and chose to walk alone on the streets.
The things that happened this month made her recall the past. Painful memories that she had buried deep in the recess of her mind surged into her consciousness.
However, they no longer made her cry.
She knew tears were useless. Furthermore, she could not afford to waste time crying to numb her thoughts.
Jean, wake up.
She looked up at the bright red traffic light and took a deep breath.
Do you think you are worthy of being loved at this point?
Don’t you know what he expects of you?
How can you bear to use him?
Jean looked down and smiled bitterly.
She felt undeserving of Ben’s kindness. Thus, she slowly squatted down and covered her face with her arms.
At this moment, a black car sped past her, causing fallen leaves to swirl in the air.
The man seated in the back seat had a sullen expression as he rested his arm on the car door. He had left the hospital and gone to a nearby bank for some matter when he coincidentally saw Jean having dinner with members of the racing team.
Jean seemed happy with them. She was laughing and even drinking with them.
Anger burned in his cold eyes.
“Has the debt collection company been slacking off recently?”
Miles, who was seated in the front passenger seat, immediately called Zane on the phone.
Is he being too permissive that she thinks she can do whatever she wants?
Miles put down the phone. “Mr. Royden, don’t worry. The debt collection company is working on it. Will you be going to the hospital now?”
Edgar closed his eyes.
Miles understood and instructed the driver, “Send us to the hospital.”
