Brian Bennett slapped her on the butt. “I’m not that bored. Do you think I want to sleep with everyone I meet? If it hadn’t been for your provocation back then, I’d probably still be pure.”

Sophie Carter giggled, and after a while said, “When Emily announced her retirement from acting, Eric Turner’s career after returning from military service didn’t go well either. The couple started to feel life was a bit tough, so Emily wanted to make a comeback.”

“What’s the point of coming to you for a comeback?”

“Because I want to start my own agency. Emily thinks following my company would be more reliable.”

Brian Bennett said with a chuckle, “There’s a story behind this, isn’t there?”

Sophie Carter smiled. “Can’t hide anything from you. Normally, a star of Emily’s level making a comeback would be a huge deal. Any producer with sense would be fighting to get her. But strangely, Emily auditioned for several roles and, without exception, hit a wall every time—even got some veiled hints. For someone like Emily who’s had a smooth career since debut, it’s unbelievable.”

Brian Bennett became interested. “Someone’s pulling strings, huh? I bet when she got married, she broke someone’s heart. Eric Turner’s recent struggles are probably related to that person too. It’s all connected—they just want to get her into bed.”

Sophie Carter said, “Emily feels the same way. Later, she thought maybe I could protect her, so…”

Brian Bennett laughed, “If this person is that powerful, what protection can you offer?”

Sophie Carter sighed. “It’s not like people at that level haven’t tried to get at me too. I couldn’t handle it, but The Bennett Family helped me withstand it.”

Brian Bennett also sighed. “Is that why you’ve come to terms with things?”

“Partly, I guess. It’s about facing reality.” Sophie Carter snuggled into his arms and murmured, “I don’t know why, but whenever I close my eyes, I keep thinking of the way you used to look at me so foolishly, and it makes me feel warm for no reason. I used to hate you for forcing yourself on me, wanted to skin you alive, but later I realized you never really forced me into anything—it was all me pushing myself.”

Brian Bennett sighed. “You’ve really thought it through? If you really want to be with me, forget about getting married, and you’ll have to live in the shadows for the rest of your life.”

Sophie Carter gave a sorrowful smile. “Maybe this is heaven’s punishment for me.”

Brian Bennett said nothing, thought for a moment, then asked, “About Emily Parker, do you want to take it on?”

Sophie Carter said, “If possible, of course I want to help her. Not just because we’re friends, but also because I don’t want to see that kind of thing happen.”

Brian Bennett was silent for a moment. “The price of asking The Bennett Family for help is more than she can afford.”

Sophie Carter bit her lip. “What if she sleeps with you?”

Brian Bennett couldn’t help but laugh. “Then why bother with me? She could just sleep with that other guy and be done with it.”

Sophie Carter said quietly, “I’m afraid that’s not all he wants.”

Brian Bennett smiled. “Let’s talk about it later. You don’t even know what she wants or what she’s willing to give. You’re just worrying for nothing. Go to sleep, it’s almost dawn.”

Sophie Carter gave a sweet smile. Exhausted, she quickly drifted off to sleep.

……

Brian Bennett didn’t get much sleep before he was summoned home early in the morning by a call from his eldest brother.

The The Bennett Family family tree was vast, but they placed great importance on primogeniture. The eldest legitimate son of the clan leader’s line in this generation was Brian Bennett’s big brother, Brandon Bennett, who was also destined to inherit this enormous family as the primary heir. Brian Bennett was playful by nature and never had any intention of fighting for power, so the brothers got along very well—none of those melodramatic family feuds you see in Korean dramas. Brandon Bennett was a full ten years older than Brian Bennett, and in the memories from before Brian Bennett’s transmigration, it was almost entirely this brother who raised him. Having inherited those memories, Brian Bennett had always respected his brother, and as his brother gradually took over the family, he often contributed his own ideas and advice.

Rushing back to the The Bennett Family estate, Brian Bennett went straight to Brandon Bennett’s study. Brandon Bennett was making tea, the rich aroma of Da Hong Pao filling the room, making Brian Bennett, who loved all things Chinese cuisine, eager to try it.

Seeing Brian Bennett enter, Brandon Bennett smiled and said, “This Da Hong Pao is something I just got last week. You know I’m not very skilled in the art of tea, so I’ll leave the tasting to you.”

Brian Bennett took the tea set and sniffed the gaiwan. “Got ripped off again, didn’t you? How much did you pay—one hundred million or two hundred million?”

Brandon Bennett shrugged. “This time it was a gift.”

Brian Bennett brewed a pot and poured for both of them. “The aroma’s not bad, but honestly, Korean water isn’t suitable for brewing Da Hong Pao. Don’t waste your effort next time. So, what did you call me back for?”

Brandon Bennett’s expression turned serious. “What do you think of the entertainment industry?”

Brian Bennett was taken aback. Given their status, bringing up this topic clearly wasn’t about gossip or scandals. If it was worth Brandon Bennett asking, it could only be about the future prospects of the entertainment business. But with the The Bennett Family’s lofty, aristocratic style, they’d always looked down on that field. Why was his brother asking about it now? Did he forget to take his meds today and suddenly get all cute?