Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 145 Benson's Ambitions

Niall is currently single and not engaged to anyone.

Hattie found him particularly interesting, not just because of his present status but also because of the potential he possesses for the future.

She saw it as a great opportunity to get to know someone like Niall.

When Hattie and Benson moved from Harbor City to Quinston for school, Hannah advised Hattie that networking in the capital would be crucial, especially with business magnates.

This way, when Hattie entered the entertainment industry, she would have a robust support system.

In the entertainment industry, it was widely recognised that making it without connections or a solid background could be extremely difficult. While hard work alone could sometimes lead to success, it often resulted in a much more challenging path.

So, why not take a shortcut if one presented itself?

Hannah had chosen to have children, betting on the support of the Ridges for life; after all, children were valuable assets.

Like her mother, Hattie harbours significant ambitions.

"Zoren is also at Toland University and is close to Liam. Benson, Liam is better connected in Quinston than you, so we must carve out our own successful path," Hattie noted.

Benson, seated and contemplative, responded, "I plan to finish my studies next semester and then head abroad."

Surprised, Hattie asked, "Abroad? Have you discussed this with Mom?"

Gazing out at the sea, Benson replied evenly, "Liam will graduate and join the company before me. Without taking a shortcut and just following the usual path, I can't compete with him. I don't aspire to enter the entertainment industry as a star. My goals are different."

Originally, when they both started at Toland University, Benson genuinely wanted to major in finance.

However, opting directly for finance would have raised suspicions after he just reintegrated into the family.

Hence, he chose to study performing arts with Hattie.

Although he considered it a waste of time, it was just a ruse to mislead the Ridges.

Next semester, he plans to study finance abroad and return ready to take on a significant role.

"Hattie, I've already talked it over with Mom. She's arranged a school for me abroad," he concluded.

Hattie lowered her gaze. "Okay, Benson, it looks like we won't be spending much time together soon.

"It's fine," Hattie said with a smile, her lips curling up, "I have no doubt that by the time you return, I'll have made it big in the spotlight, and my influence will surely be of help to you." "Of course."

At that moment, the siblings exchanged a look, their eyes alight with shared dreams for the future.

Then, Benson stood and left.

Hattie remained lounging in her chair, sunbathing and scheming about how she might meet Niall.

On the yacht's deck.

The grill was hot, and the barbecue was underway.

Jasper said, "Liam, if Hattie is on the island, Benson might be there too. Why don't you go say hello?"

Liam, holding a skewer of chicken wings, replied coolly, "I'd rather not."

Zoren popped open a can, remarking, "Benson's faced quite a lot since starting school. Anyone who can handle that isn't ordinary.

"Vio, what's your take on those siblings from your class?"

Sitting on a low stool, Violeta answered thoughtfully, "Birds of a feather, I suppose. She's tight with Zelena and even joined the dance club with her. As for Benson, he doesn't really stand out in class; he's very under the radar."

Hayden chimed in, "Staying under the radar shows he's got the patience to deal with being marginalised at school and still manage his studies. That takes significant resilience and craftiness." Liam nodded in agreement with Hayden's assessment.

Niall came over with some freshly thawed fish, seasoned them, and laid them on the grill.

"What's the topic?"

"We were just talking about the Ridges' less legitimate branches."

Niall settled down with them, "Oh? What about them?"

Zoren, with a hint of mischief in his voice, teased, "Niall, imagine if Uncle Anton decided to bring back two illegitimate children who might claim a share of the family fortune. What would you do then?" Niall replied with a straight face, "Before they could even step foot back, he would be the main feature in the press, with headlines blazing 'White Group Chairman admits to years of infidelity and chooses to end his life in remorse, leaving a poignant suicide note."

The group fell silent, stunned by the severity of his response.

"Wow," someone muttered, impressed by the dark humour.

Niall continued, "My mother didn't rise to prominence in the theater world by being passive. You can only make jokes like that around me. If my father ever caught wind, it wouldn't be pretty, so best keep such thoughts to yourself."

Violeta, unable to suppress a smile, added, "And my father is known for his strict fidelity.

"There's no room for illegitimate children in his book.

"If any were to appear, the first person to be dealt with would be my dad Anton, not the child."

Niall nodded, "True, and before Violeta returned, I hadn't really thought about taking over the family business. The plan was always that the shares would be passed down, and those who were capable would naturally rise to lead.

"Now, with Violeta back, things might shift in their perspective."