Denisse began to unravel the story . Derek once had a younger cousin , Melissa Benton , the daughter of his uncle . After Derek's father , Hamlin Benton , and Melissa's parents died in a tragic accident , Denisse was left to hold the Ben- ton Group together single - handedly . She brought Melissa into their home , raising her like her own daughter . Those were dark days for the Bentons . Without Hamlin , the Benton Group was like a cake on display , and everyone wanted a slice . Denisse had to steel herself , her decisions growing colder and more ruthless . Naturally , she made enemies along the way . Four years ago , Derek and Melissa were kidnapped . 17A Melissa , who was only six years old , saw Derek being beaten and threw herself at one of the kidnappers , sinking her teeth into his hand and refusing to let go . In a fit of rage , the thug bludgeoned her to death with an iron rod . Derek had watched it all . Later , he was rescued , but he never smiled again . He also stopped speaking entirely . Denisse tried everything to reach him , but nothing worked . In desperation , she followed a friend's advice and decided to adopt a girl , hoping it might help . Denisse stood and walked to the window , her voice quiet but heavy . " You're not the first one we brought home . " Her words hung in the air before she turned to me , a faint smile breaking through . " Rick hasn't opened up to anyone in so long . He really likes you . " *** A week later , I was discharged and returned to the Benton's villa . The way people treated me had shifted . Before , I was just a disposable foster kid , someone who could be sent away at any moment . 0.0 % 15:08 Chapter 6 Now , they looked at me as if I truly belonged - as the Benton family's daughter . But my schedule didn't lighten . If anything , it grew more intense . Denisse sat me down and said , " If you're going to join the Benton Group one day , you need the skills to command re- spect . " Her words left everyone in the family stunned . Their eyes on me were now laced with suspicion and scrutiny , I didn't have time to dwell on their reactions . My eyes darted to Derek . I was worried he'd be upset by the implication . But when I looked , he was propped on his hand , watching me with a soft gaze . In a halting voice , he said , " Eunice , don't be scared . You're amazing . " His sparkling eyes brought tears to mine , and I nodded fiercely , " I will try harder ! " Denisse's expression softened , a rare warmth in her smile . " Rick , you've got to step up , too . If Eunice outshines you , she might end up being the one protecting you . " " No way ! " Derek shot to his feet , his face flushed with determination . " I'm going to protect Eunice ! " To prove it , he even threw a few mock punches on the spot . Ever since the alley incident , Derek had thrown himself into his fighting training with newfound fervor . Denisse and I exchanged a glance and burst into laughter . Watching Derek's anxious , determined face , I couldn't help but smile . Denisse had once told me , " Rick is lucky to have you in his life . " But in truth , in this life , coming to the Benton family was my luck , too . 52.7 % 15:08 C