A deal with the devil

Chapter 8
After Nina and her entourage departed, the grand lobby buzzed with chatter. Everyone was abuzz with speculation about
Benjamin’s identity. A man so strikingly handsome and exuding such natural authority—especially one personally greeted by
Nina—was bound to spark curiosity. Brook frowned as he watched the man’s tall, imposing figure disappear into the distance.
Benjamin Blackwood. It was a name that struck fear into Elderstone’s business world. Known for his ruthless methods and
complete disregard for family ties, he was a man whose actions left lasting scars. Even Brook’s older brother, Cole Gray, had
suffered more than a few underhanded blows from him. Unaware of Brook’s dark musings, Shirley tugged his arm, urging him to
move quickly and follow. It didn’t take long for people in the lobby to recognize Shirley and Brook. Someone couldn’t help but
exclaim, “What a day! First, we see Elderstone’s top heartthrob Samuel Moore, then the legendary Nina Gale, and now, the city’s
number-one socialite Shirley Weiss, along with the infamous playboy Brook Gray. Talk about luck!” Samuel? He was at Valiant
Lounge? Hearing that name, Brook instinctively glanced at Shirley. Her face was perfectly composed, her expression icy and
indifferent. But the tight clench of her fists betrayed her. There was a time when merely hearing Samuel’s name would bring a
smile to her lips. Now, every mention felt like a stab to the heart. Shirley didn’t want to hear that name. Not now. Not ever! As
they stepped into an elevator capable of holding 20 people, Shirley and Brook slipped in behind the last of Nina’s bodyguards.
The atmosphere was suffocating as all eyes immediately turned to them. Even Nina seemed surprised. With their formidable
presence, it was rare for anyone to dare share an elevator with them. However, Shirley saw this as an opportunity she couldn’t
pass up. She moved closer to Nina, but one of the bodyguards stepped forward to block her path. His expression was a clear
warning to stay back. Shirley was the most dignified lady in Elderstone, and she had seen such situations countless times. She
remained unfazed and gave him a polite smile, her gaze shifting to Nina. “Ms. Gale, do you remember me?” At the sound of
Shirley’s voice, the boy resting his head on Benjamin’s shoulder perked up. His sullen demeanor vanished as he straightened his

tiny frame, his bright eyes locking onto Shirley. Benjamin noticed his son’s reaction and frowned slightly. Nina studied Shirley for
a few seconds before nodding. Her tone was cool as she asked, “Ms. Weiss, are you here to see Kyle?” She knew? Shirley was
caught off guard, her expression giving away her surprise. Nina smirked lazily. “I’ve heard about the Weiss family’s situation. But
let me tell you this—Kyle can’t help you.” Shirley’s heart sank. “Why not?” Nina seemed in an unusually good mood as she
replied nonchalantly, “Wayne paid Kyle a visit three days ago. So as far as the Weiss family is concerned, Kyle won’t be getting
involved.” Wayne had already met with Kyle and struck some sort of agreement, which meant Kyle wouldn’t be helping the Weiss
family. Shirley’s heart sank. Her face paled as the hope she had clung to crumbled away. If Kyle was out of the picture, she was
left with only two choices—report this to the authorities or endure Wayne’s threats and exploitation. But calling the police wasn’t
an option. Megan’s life was at stake, and Owen was still lying unconscious in a hospital bed. If something happened to her baby
sister, she feared it would destroy Rachel completely. As the elevator doors opened, Nina glanced back at Shirley. “Ms. Weiss,
Kyle never changes his mind once he’s made a decision, and he won’t see you. You should look for someone else to help you.”

Shirley’s mind raced, and she quickly latched onto an opportunity. “Ms. Gale, please, any advice you can give would be
invaluable. I’ll make sure you’re rewarded handsomely.” Nina’s gaze flickered briefly to Benjamin’s chiseled features before she
smirked. “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do for your family.” With that, she turned, clearing the path for Benjamin and his son,
Damian Blackwood. They disappeared into the corridor as the elevator doors slid shut. Shirley darted forward, only to be blocked
by one of the bodyguards. “Ms. Weiss, please stay here.” Seeing how Shirley remained where she was standing, Damian tugged
at Benjamin’s sleeve, his bright eyes fixed on her. Benjamin glanced down at Damian. Ignoring the silent plea in Damian’s eyes,
he strode forward without hesitation. As Shirley’s figure grew smaller and smaller in the distance, Damian’s frustration reached
its peak. He yanked hard on Benjamin’s collar, glaring at Benjamin with fierce determination. Before long, Benjamin, Nina, and
their entourage disappeared into a private suite at the end of the hallway. A line of bodyguards stationed themselves outside the
door, standing like an impenetrable wall. Shirley stood frozen in place, her thoughts churning. Brook walked over, his heart
aching at the sight of her despair. “Let’s go back. We’ll think of something else.” After a long pause, Shirley finally spoke, “No.

Nina wanted to help me just now. She just couldn’t say anything with so many people around.” She replayed the moment in her
mind. Before Nina rejected her, she had glanced at that man. It was as if she was trying to tell Shirley something. Shirley lifted
her gaze to Brook. “That boy’s father—do you know him?” Brook hesitated, momentarily caught off guard. Of course, he
recognized Benjamin. But Benjamin was a man notorious for his ruthless nature and utter lack of mercy. Brook didn’t want
Shirley entangled with someone so dangerous. So, he shook his head. “No, I don’t.” Shirley felt a pang of disappointment. In the
elite circles of Elderstone, she couldn’t claim to know every billionaire, but she could recognize at least 80% of them. For
someone she and Brook didn’t know, it was likely this man wasn’t a local. Just as she was contemplating her next move, the
door to the suite at the end of the hallway opened again. Nina’s alluring figure appeared, her gaze falling directly on Shirley.
“Brook, it looks like we still have a chance.” A faint smile graced Shirley’s pale face, and the gleam in her clear eyes was as
dazzling as the stars. Her beauty at that moment was breathtaking, leaving Brook momentarily stunned. Ignoring her usual
composure, she hurried toward Nina. “Ms. Gale.” Nina’s crimson lips curled into a teasing smile. “Lucky you. Someone’s agreed
to let you in. Remember to follow my lead once we’re inside.” Moments later, Shirley stepped into the large, private room. It was
luxurious yet tastefully refined. Every piece of furniture and decorative detail exuded elegance. At the center of the room was a
round dining table, where two men and a child were seated. The two men were none other than Kyle and Benjamin. Their
striking features and commanding presence made them an imposing pair. If not for the chilling demeanor they radiated, the
scene might have resembled a masterpiece painting. Brook tried to follow Shirley inside but was blocked by the bodyguards.
Shirley turned back, offering him a reassuring glance before the door closed behind her. Nina walked over to Kyle and gave
Shirley a subtle look, signaling her to stand behind Benjamin. Without hesitation, Shirley moved to Benjamin’s side. Sitting
beside Benjamin, Damian froze, his small frame stiffening like a startled rabbit. He didn’t dare turn his head, but his curious,
bright eyes kept sneaking glances at Shirley, his fondness for her evident. Kyle gave Shirley a cursory glance before shifting his
focus back to Benjamin, his lips curling into a faint smile. “I’ll drink the first round. You can take your time.” With that, Kyle lifted

his glass of vodka and drained it in one gulp. Nina cast Shirley a quick glance, then leaned down to refill Kyle’s glass. Her silent
cue was clear—she wanted Shirley to drink on Benjamin’s behalf. Shirley noticed the untouched glass of vodka in front of
Benjamin. She hesitated briefly, her brows knitting together. She was accustomed to sipping red wine, and she rarely touched
hard liquor like vodka. But the hesitation was fleeting. She quickly reached for the glass. At the same moment, Benjamin moved
his hand toward the same glass. Shirley was faster. Her slender fingers closed around the glass just as Benjamin’s hand came to
rest on top of hers. Her skin was smooth and delicate, and her hand was petite but not frail.