Even though Yvette said it with confidence, she was actually panicking.She had felt threatened and humiliated by the way Benjamin had treated Victoria—especially when Benjamin introduced Victoria as Mrs. Benjamin Harper in front of the scions of Youngville.Otherwise, Colette would not have been able to take advantage of Yvette now.That being said, a capable man like Ethan had also given in to the pressure and got engaged to Sienna.Was there a man who would not put power and authority first?Victoria was just a country bumpkin. She was uneducated and had a poor upbringing. She was even Zachary's fiancée. How could someone with such a tainted background become the matriarch of the Harper family?Upon remembering that, Yvette regained her confidence.She was not alone either.She had the support of the White family. There were also other families from Youngville who thought she would become Mrs. Benjamin Harper.Their common interests had long since tied them together.Even
The cocktail party was held at the hotel Victoria was staying at.Everyone else besides Victoria was staying there as well. Brighton's other student representatives, the expert judges invited by the college, Brighton's management executives, as well as Fortuna's team of representatives were all there.There were also scions from Youngville present.Louis had gotten Yves to book the hotel for the entire week. He did that when they decided to hold both the graduation ceremony and the showcase together.Most of the bigger hotels and entertainment businesses near Danube City Stadium had something to do with Yves. Even the stadium had been built by a construction company under Yves' name. It had won the project bidding.Louis knew something the others did not. The investor behind all Yves' projects was actually Benjamin.Both of them had an unusually close relationship, even financially. Plus, everyone thought Benjamin had a certain problem.Now and then, Yves would appear in enterta
Ginny was confident. She acted as if she were actually doing Victoria a favor by accepting her back into the family.Victoria's good mood was utterly ruined.Her gaze was cold. "So, you came here just to have a mother-daughter reunion with me? What about Colette?""Lettie has always been an obedient girl," Ginny declared. "She's very thoughtful of me and will listen to what I say. She won't have any problems with this."Ginny had originally wanted Victoria to learn from Colette. Victoria could learn to become an understanding daughter and could also help Colette out whenever the latter needed it.But then, Ginny recalled Victoria's temper as well as the conflict between Victoria and Colette, so she held herself back."Blood is thicker than water," Ginny insisted. "You wouldn't be here if it weren't for me. Isn't it normal for a mother and daughter to reunite? With the qualities you have, you can have your pick of wealthy young men from Youngville."But if you continue to go agai
Louis did not hold back at all. He pulled out his phone to make a call.Ginny did not expect him to humiliate her before these people instead of helping her.She was already dissatisfied with him in the first place. Plus, she just had a confrontation with Victoria. At that moment, anger built up within her.Springing up from her seat, she lunged forward to grab Louis' phone.Louis' hands were full with the things he bought for Victoria, and he could not avoid her. However, he did not seem to mind and did not even try to get his phone back."You're not calling anyone!" Glowering, Ginny hurled his phone on the floor to vent her anger.Her chest heaved as she wagged her finger at Louis and berated him. "Louis Langley, who do you think you are? What a jerk! Have you forgotten yourself?"You're just a dog taken in by the Warde family. You're nothing without us. Watch your attitude! I'm a member of the Warde family, and you're an ungrateful bastard!"Once I'm back in Youngville, I'll
Victoria was worried Louis would confront Benjamin. "I'm bold alright, but it depends on the situation. If I drive her out, how are we to proceed with the reception? It has nothing to do with Benjamin. But, wow, Mr. Langley. You've become so stern. I'm scared now."Louis was miffed, but he gave in and smiled. "You're just defending him."He answered Victoria's first question, "You rarely ask for clothes. I had to buy more, of course. Choose the one that catches your eye for today's event. When you're back in Youngville, you'll need the rest. I even bought matching shoes. Where should I put them?""Send them up."Benjamin stayed upstairs. Once the reception ended, Victoria planned to head back to Zion Estate with him.Though, on second thought, it did not seem appropriate.Benjamin was upset yesterday when she merely took her clothes out and said she needed to shower. He accused her of not treating him as a man.If she went to his room just to change …She had better not test hi
Guests started to arrive at 5:00 pm. The banquet began at 6:00 pm sharp.Victoria changed into the outfit and shoes Louis picked for her. After styling her hair and doing her makeup, she waited at the venue in advance.In ancient times, her beauty would have caused wars.Even though Victoria usually wore all black and went without makeup, she was already prettier than most.Now that she was all dressed up, her beauty stunned everyone, regardless of whether or not they knew her.Men were especially mesmerized by her.Victoria went to the Hall of Hope first. The guests there were this year's graduates and their parents.Many parents instructed their daughters to look up to Victoria as a role model. Some hinted at Victoria, both openly and subtly, to assist their children.The most ridiculous ones concerned themselves with her marriage. Quite a number of them took the opportunity to introduce their sons or relatives to her.Victoria remained in the ballroom for less than half an
Carefully and stealthily, Colette tailed Victoria and Louis.Still, they noticed her.A cold glint flashed across Louis' eyes.After giving Victoria a signal, he pulled out his phone and checked it. Then, he said, "I have a very important call. You go ahead."He looked around him before briskly walking into the stairwell.Colette glanced between Victoria and Louis. After a moment of dilemma, she decided to follow Louis.She found a suitable hiding spot and pressed her ears against the wall to eavesdrop.Soon, she heard Louis asking, "You're saying that the late Mr. Warde Senior owned some shares in Harper Corporation, and he left Ginny a part of it before he passed away? Oh, and five percent of Warde Corporation's shares as her wedding gift?"Alright, I got it. Don't let anyone else know about this."What? Ginny not only inherited Warde Corporation's shares, but also Harper Corporation's as well?Was it true? Judging by Louis' reaction, it had to be.Colette's eyes widened.
"Zach! W-What happened to you? What did Vicky do to you?" Colette exclaimed.Zachary was worried Benjamin would find out what happened. Enduring the pain, he growled, "Are you trying to make me the laughingstock of everyone here? Shut up!"He was right. Colette wanted to make a fuss. She wanted those from Youngville to know how rude and violent Victoria was.As for Zachary, she could not care less about him after the way he treated her."Why are you up here? Do you know how humiliated I am because of you?" Zachary hissed.At the cocktail party, several guests poked fun at him about his relationship with Colette.Zachary was so angry that he wanted to hit them. However, he held himself back because he dared not do so. That was why he excused himself and went to the restroom.To make things worse, he received Victoria's blatant rejection.At that point, he was like a bear with a sore head.So, he vented his anger by lashing out at Colette who chanced upon him now. "My friends fr