Although the call was still going on, Harper looked at Benjamin calmly without unnecessary emotion.
Their eyes locked. Benjamin asked in a low voice, "Do you want to hold her accountable instead of forgiving her?"
"Benjamin..."
Upon hearing Harper's words, Lauren panicked immediately, her distress far surpassing that when Harper had merely mentioned suing her.
But before she could speak, Harper interrupted her, "Yes. I am unwilling to forgive her. If an apology is enough to pay for one's wrongdoing, what is the point of the police and the law?"
Harper was indifferent, yet her eyes remained fixed on Benjamin. She observed intently, unwilling to miss any subtle change or expression on his face.
Benjamin probably knew her thoughts.
Ignoring her gaze, he asked unhurriedly, "What will it take for you to give her a chance?"
"Benjamin, are you begging me for mercy on her behalf?"
"No, I just want to know what's on your mind?"
He was still gentle, betraying no emotions.
Harper had mixed feelings and subconsciously wondered if Benjamin intended to speak for Lauren.
She frowned slightly. "No matter who asks me, I will never forgive her."
After she finished speaking, Lauren said, "Benjamin. Benjamin, I truly didn't mean to escalate this far. Is Harper attempting to corner me? I've clarified that I was misled by those reporters, and I've already extended my apologies to her. What more does she expect from me?"
With a cold face, Harper reached out to grab the phone from Benjamin's hand and then hung up the call.
Benjamin was fascinated by her actions. She didn't speak, and he was silent as well. The atmosphere in the car was so quiet that it was uncomfortable.
Curtis, in particular, in the driver's seat, was even more uneasy. He felt that he ought not to be in the car but outside it at that moment.
Benjamin handed the phone back to Curtis and told him to drive back to the apartment.
After the car started, there were still no exchanges between Benjamin and Harper in the back seat.
Harper stared out of the window and kept asking herself if he was unhappy because she hung up on Lauren.
They returned to the apartment, and the door was gently closed. Harper was standing at the entrance and changing her shoes. Before she could put them on, Benjamin pushed her directly against the wall and kissed her on the lips.
He held her face, not giving her any chance to escape.
His movements were very light and gentle, and the kiss lasted for a long time. He didn't let go of her until she almost lost her breath.
With his forehead against hers, he whispered, "Are you displeased?"
Harper didn't reply.
Benjamin smiled, "Are you jealous and angry?"
Harper frowned.
"Shouldn't I be angry? Lauren's words were ridiculous. She did that on purpose and offered an insincere apology yet still expected my forgiveness."
The more Harper spoke, the more furious she became.
Benjamin touched her hair and looked into her eyes calmly. After she finished speaking, he said, "Well, you're right, so we won't forgive her."
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