Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1017

As Benedict's words faded, the room was enveloped in stunned silence.

Everyone knew that Benedict had lost to a reclusive chess expert abroad and had taken that person as his mentor. What was shocking was that this mentor was a woman—and surprisingly young.

Otto couldn't help but glance at Helen, his eyes wide with astonishment. Though he had faced similar surprises before as Chandler, each one left him feeling inadequate.

Here was his fiancée, a woman so remarkable that no one could rival her.

Benedict's knees were starting to give way as he pressed Megan firmly, "Megan, what are you waiting for? Showing respect to my mentor is a fundamental principle of propriety. Is this really so difficult for you?"

Megan clutched the skirt of her gown so tightly that her fingers turned pale from the strain. She had never before faced such a profound upheaval in her life.

The person she had despised and resented turned out to be Benedict's mentor. How could she possibly move forward from this?

In stark contrast to Megan's turmoil, Elijah, also Benedict's protégé, showed no hesitation. He promptly knelt before Helen and bowed his head. "I offer my respects to you, Ms. Spencer."

Helen's lips curved into a faint, approving smile. At that moment, any lingering resentment she held toward Elijah melted away. His openness and integrity were the true marks of a gentleman.

"That's enough; you can stand now," Helen said, stepping forward to assist Elijah. Her gaze then shifted to Megan, who remained motionless.

Meeting Helen's eyes, Megan gritted her teeth in distress, feeling as if she were under intense scrutiny from all sides.

Megan forced a smile and attempted to ingratiate herself. "Of course not, Ms. Spencer. I'm not a delicate woman. Kneeling before you and Mr. Murray is simply proper etiquette; I must uphold it."

"Oh, really?" Helen responded with a cold, mocking laugh. "It seems you've decided to make amends. Unfortunately, I'm not accepting it at this time."

Megan's breath caught in her throat. She shot a desperate glance at Elijah and Benedict, silently pleading for help.

Despite her distress, Benedict's attention was fixed solely on Helen. His eyes remained locked on her as if she were a goddess, refusing to blink.

Meanwhile, Elijah disapproved of Megan's actions and opted to distance himself from her. He turned away, deliberately ignoring her plight.