At worst, if Frank Foster tries to win him over, he’ll just make his position clear and firmly refuse, putting an end to it once and for all. That way, Frank Foster will finally give up, and there won’t be any more pestering after this rejection—it would be a real hassle otherwise.

Charles Bennett watched everyone’s expressions, secretly anxious.

His father was a typical military man—when it came to leading troops and fighting on the battlefield, he was by no means inferior to Frank Foster. But when it came to scheming and political maneuvering, his father was far behind Frank Foster.

They simply weren’t on the same level!

Frank Foster had thoroughly figured out his father’s character and deliberately set this kind of trap. If his father still clung to the idea that “as long as I act with integrity, I have nothing to fear,” he might be caught off guard and suffer a major setback at Frank Foster’s hands.

By then, it would be too late for regrets.

“Chong’er, since your father has spoken, you shouldn’t say any more. Hurry up and eat.”

“No one knows a son better than his mother.” Mrs. Bennett observed the situation and immediately saw through what Charles Bennett was thinking, quickly signaling him with her eyes.

She knew her husband’s temperament all too well—he hated discussing official matters at the dinner table. The fact that he tolerated Charles Bennett bringing it up without losing his temper was already quite remarkable.

His words, “I have my own plans,” had already made his stance clear. The matter was settled and should be dropped. If Charles Bennett kept pressing, he might really anger Mr. Bennett.

Charles Bennett was secretly anxious, fully aware of his mother’s intentions. But this was no trivial matter—if things went wrong, everything here, this main hall, even the entire The Bennett Family and Uncle William’s side, could be wiped out.

The entire The Bennett Family could be swept out of the political stage of the Tang Dynasty. His father didn’t know the extent of Frank Foster’s methods and wasn’t on guard yet, but Charles Bennett couldn’t help but warn him.

Even if it meant angering his father and being punished, he had to do it.

“Father, this is no small matter. I think… maybe we should inform Robert King about this, let him know in advance what’s going on… that might be better.”

Charles Bennett deliberated for a long time, finally coming up with a compromise and tactfully offering his suggestion. Directly stopping his father wouldn’t work—his father wasn’t a child, and being too stubborn would only provoke him.

Charles Bennett could only try a roundabout approach, not mentioning Frank Foster, but starting from Robert King instead.

“Leave adult matters alone.”

Mr. Bennett’s expression was cold as he stood up from the table:

“You all eat first. I have things to do, so I’ll be going.”

With that, he left before even finishing his meal.

Mrs. Bennett turned and gave Charles Bennett a reproachful look, and Charles Bennett could only sigh inwardly. He knew that, based on just one evening’s performance, it was nearly impossible to fully win his father’s trust.

“But at least he didn’t lose his temper.”

Charles Bennett thought to himself.

It seemed this family dinner had ended “on a sour note.” But Charles Bennett knew very well that, given his father’s usual temperament, if he had contradicted him like this before, his father would have exploded in anger.

This time, he was merely displeased, which was already quite good. It seemed his earlier arguments had had some effect—they weren’t completely useless.

As long as his father could notify Robert King before meeting with Frank Foster, all his efforts wouldn’t have been in vain. This was something his father had to do personally; even if Charles Bennett wanted to do it for him, it wouldn’t work.

“To make this happen, I’ll probably need Samuel Clark!”

Charles Bennett was deeply worried.

His father’s character was too stubborn—once he made up his mind, he wouldn’t change it easily. There was no way a few words from Charles Bennett could sway him.

This trait had caused him many losses in his previous life, allowing his enemies to take advantage.

Having failed to persuade his father at the dinner table, Charles Bennett could only think of another way, starting from a different angle. No matter what, this had to be stopped.

Finding an excuse, he quickly said goodbye to his mother and little sister, and Charles Bennett soon left the room.

Chapter 5 The Bennett Family’s Number One Expert

In the back garden, Charles Bennett sat atop a jagged rock formation, deep in thought.

He had been thinking for a long time.

The place where his father was to meet Frank Foster was called Guanghe Tower.

Frank Foster, the old fox, had planned everything perfectly and had already issued a ban on guests at Guanghe Tower.

At this time, aside from people from Frank Foster and Richard King, no one else could enter. However, from the outside, Guanghe Tower still appeared to be bustling with guests, every seat filled, just like usual.

His father had been fooled by this illusion back then, which was how he fell into Frank Foster’s trap.

Charles Bennett knew very well that if he couldn’t get in, there was no way to stop this disaster. Guanghe Tower was full of experts arranged by Frank Foster; forcing his way in was out of the question—he’d have to use his wits, not brute force.

“I’ve got it!”

Suddenly, Charles Bennett’s eyes lit up as he thought of someone. How could he have forgotten this guy? With him, he’d definitely be able to sneak into Guanghe Tower. But even that wasn’t enough.

“No, Guanghe Tower is full of experts. I can’t do it alone. I’ll need a truly formidable expert!”