True Love Deserves a Second Chance
Chapter 198 Benjamin in Critical Condition

Joey turned around, fearless. "Let's see if Mr. Vale has what it takes!" she said coldly, then headed upstairs. Darren, fuming, was about to speak when Sebastian chuckled.

"Sorry, Mr. Vale. Joey's spoiled because of me, so she might come off as rude. But I think she's right-you don't have what it takes." Sebastian stood at the door, hands in his coat pockets, a cryptic smile on his lips. His eyes, however, sent a clear warning: 'You hurt her, you'll regret it.'

Darren clenched his fists but stayed silent. He looked at Sebastian and asked, "Didn't she break up with you? Why are you still defending her? Don't forget, because of her, your mother took a hundred lashes." Sebastian's gaze was cold. "So, Mr. Vale, you should know what to do. Anyone who hurts Joey, I won't let them off, even if it's my own mother."

Darren snapped, "Sebastian, you're bewitched by Joey. How can you be so heartless? What's so good about her? She's low-born, and her mother is a tramp. Aren't you afraid of bringing shame to your family by marrying her?" Benjamin, who had been quietly sipping coffee on the couch, couldn't take it anymore. He grabbed a broom and swung it at Darren. "Who are you calling low-born? You blind, heartless bastard! You're just like your scheming daughter. Get out! You're not welcome here!"

Usually gentle, Benjamin lost his temper for the first time in front of others. And he didn't just lose his temper; he took action.

Benjamin wished he could beat Darren to death with that broom. He thought, 'If Joey ever found out Darren is her biological father, how heartbroken will she be?'

Darren was kicked out of the Blackwood Estate. His expensive cashmere coat got dirty from the broom. He brushed it off in disgust, glaring at the door before storming off.

Darren pulled out his phone and called Cordelia. "Your son seems to be back with Joey. Your beating was for nothing."

Cordelia, still in pain from her injuries, gritted her teeth. "Don't worry, I won't let Joey get away with this. How's Isabella? She can't stay in jail for long."

Darren's voice was filled with frustration. "At this point, I can only get a lawyer to help Isabella." After hanging up, Darren drove away.

Benjamin watched him leave, still fuming. He threw the broom to the ground and looked seriously at Sebastian. "I was thinking of telling Joey the truth about her parentage, but now, with Darren being such a scumbag, I won't let Joey suffer because of him. She'll always be my precious daughter."

He got more emotional as he spoke, his eyes reddening. He wondered, 'My daughter is so beautiful and kind; why does she have to endure such a tough life?'

In the Blackwood Family, Joey was humiliated because of her mother. He had thought that as the daughter of Connie, Joey would be cherished by the Vale Family just as he cherished her.

Benjamin never imagined that Darren, knowing Isabella wasn't Connie's child, would still treat her so well. If Joey returned to the Vale Family, Darren's favoritism would surely hurt her.

Sebastian patted Benjamin's arm reassuringly. "Dad, Joey only sees you as her father. She's in the early stages of pregnancy and can't handle any big shocks. Try not to let her replace out about her past." Benjamin nodded. "I know. I'll protect Joey and her baby."

A few days later, Isabella's case went to trial. Joey was Sophia's defense attorney.

That morning, she touched her belly, smiling at her reflection. "Baby, once this case is over, we'll leave with your dad. I can't wait."

The thought of marrying Sebastian and living happily together filled Joey with excitement.

Just then, Sebastian called. His deep, husky voice was full of allure. "Honey, ready to run away with me and the baby?"

Joey laughed. "Ready. I'll follow Mr. Winters' plan."

Sebastian couldn't hide his happiness. "You're so good. I'll have to reward you later."

He said "reward" so suggestively that Joey's ears turned red. She replied softly, "I have to go to court later. No time for your reward."

"Then we'll celebrate after you win this case. I'm almost at your place. Get ready to come out."

Joey hung up and went downstairs. Benjamin was reading the newspaper on the couch.

"Dad, after the trial, we'll take you out to eat."

"Okay, be careful on the way."

Joey wore a camel cashmere coat, her hair in a casual bun, and light makeup. Her already beautiful face was even more radiant due to her pregnancy.

She hugged Benjamin's neck. "Dad, don't worry. With Sebastian protecting me, everything will be fine."

Seeing Joey's happiness, Benjamin felt joyful too. He patted her head. "Seeing you two together and expecting a baby makes me so happy. Even my heart feels better."

As they talked, a black Cullinan drove into the yard. Joey let go of her father and smiled. "Dad, I'm off. Wait for my triumphant return."

Benjamin answered, "Alright, I'll be waiting."

Joey waved to Benjamin and walked out of the hall.

Sebastian, with his long strides, hugged her, kissing her forehead. "Aren't you cold in so little?"

Joey shook her head. "Pregnant women are tough. Didn't you know?"

"If you're so tough, why are your hands cold? Get in the car." Sebastian helped Joey into the car and turned up the heat.

Watching them, Benjamin smiled and shook his head. Seeing Joey with someone who loved her like Sebastian made him feel content.

Just as Benjamin was basking in this happiness, his phone rang. As soon as he answered, his face turned pale.

Meanwhile, Joey entered the courtroom and saw Darren. He walked past her with his lawyer, giving her a sinister look. "Joey, I gave you a chance. You didn't take it, so don't blame me."

He then took a seat in the audience, looking calm and composed. Joey ignored his threat and sat at the plaintiff's lawyer's table.

The trial began smoothly. Joey's articulate arguments and evidence cut straight to Isabella's weak spot.

Just as the case was about to be decided, Isabella suddenly lost her temper and started yelling at Joey.

The opposing lawyer requested a recess. Joey knew it was just a stalling tactic and didn't pay it any mind, heading straight back to her seat.

As soon as she sat down, her phone rang from inside her bag. Seeing it was Benjamin calling, she quickly answered. "Ms. Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood is in critical condition. You need to come back right away."