Victoria was on the receiving end of the kiss.It all happened too suddenly, and her body went numb and limp. She would have fallen to the ground if she had not clung to Benjamin.Her thoughts were racing.Fuck! She overdid it!To think the man she thought of as her uncle would kiss her!Shit! It was her first kiss!Did she just dig her own grave?Victoria regained her senses and tried to push him away. However, she could not gather the strength to do so and was no match for him at all.She felt like she was being taken advantage of. She was so glum she wanted to slap Benjamin.But no, she could not do that.He was impotent in the first place. It was rare that he would feel aroused.What if he decided to stay away from women after this because of her slap?Also, he was supposed to be impotent. Judging from the way he kissed her, he did not seem to have any issues with that. She was almost out of breath.Were the rumors wrong?Men of Benjamin's stature and ability could re
Sulking, Victoria turned to leave.Just as she grasped the doorknob, Benjamin grabbed her hand. "Let go!" she cried."No!" He was worried she would leave for good if he let her go just like that.Not knowing why, he was also irritated and peeved—especially when Victoria asked him to date somebody else.She said it without showing any reluctance, and that added to his frustration.But when he recalled what she said about it being her first kiss, his anger simmered.Miffed, Victoria hit him with her elbow.He did not dodge, so she hit him squarely in the chest, and he started coughing."I won't be fooled by you." She bit her lips but defiantly refused to turn around and check on him."Victoria," Benjamin called out, feeling helpless.It was her first time hearing his cold voice sound so soft. In fact, she thought he sounded like he was acting cute and eager to please."That won't work on me." Although that was what she said, she seemed less angry."I … It was my first time ki
Victoria was wearing Benjamin's coat. The lights shone on her swollen lips and the hickey on her neck. She even looked bashful.Benjamin's shirt was buttoned to the top. Even so, the hickey below his chin could vaguely be seen.Hand in hand, they returned to the cocktail party and immediately attracted everyone's attention.Everyone was dumbfounded, especially those waiting to see Benjamin punish Victoria.Murmurs arose among the crowd."I thought Mr. Harper was a germaphobe and never touched women. I heard he wouldn't even let them touch him or his belongings. But look, Victoria is wearing his coat and holding his hand. Am I seeing things?"It was nice of them to say he was a germaphobe when the entire Youngville labeled him as impotent.They deemed that as the reason why he had no sexual desires. He loathed women and was touchy about them.However, no one was foolish enough to blabber about that on such an occasion."I think I'm seeing things, too.""Mr. Harper changed his
Victoria and Benjamin sat in a corner. In her hands was a cup of warm milk Benjamin got for her. "Are you hungry? I'll get you something to eat. What would you like to eat?" asked Benjamin. "Anything is fine. I'm not picky."Everyone kept seeing Benjamin walking around the ballroom. He would get something for Victoria in one moment and get something else for her in the next moment. It was as if he were serving a queen.The women who saw this became green with envy. Victoria very much enjoyed being cared for by Benjamin. She ignored their hostile gazes. Her meal was entirely unaffected.Benjamin gazed at her as she ate. He pointed at the black forest cake she was eating. "Is it tasty?""It's alright. It's my preferred level of sweetness. Would you like a taste, Benjamin?"He eyed the dark chocolate stuck in the corner of her mouth. He smiled as he agreed.Using his finger, he swiped the chocolate from the corner of her lips. Then, he put said finger into his mouth and sucked
Yvette already had a fire burning within her. Upon hearing Victoria's words, she nearly had an aneurysm. Victoria could touch and kiss Benjamin whenever she wanted, but when it came to Yvette, she was not even allowed to sit in his seat?Yvette thought this was clearly a challenge. It was as expected from someone who grew up in the countryside. Victoria was uncultured. How presumptuous of her.She ignored Victoria's words and sat in Benjamin's seat. "Mr. Harper and I grew up together. We frequently sat together and shared the same meals. He wouldn't mind this."Victoria scoffed. "Childhood friends, huh? You are not that young anymore, Ms. White. Why hasn't Benjamin married you yet?"She targeted Yvette's sore spot. Every word struck a nerve.Because of her reputation as the future Mrs. Benjamin Harper, Yvette was the number one socialite in Youngville. She had always stolen the limelight. However, as Benjamin did not marry her, lots of jealous people were waiting to ridicule
Victoria looked up at Louis. Her hand fell away from her neck.She was about to speak when Louis beat her to it. His words were unforgiving."Others may not understand you, but I know you all too well. You wouldn't be in this state if everything was fine with him. Is it all for the sake of the 200 million dollars? My greatest regret is not rushing over the moment you arrived in Danube City."That way, even if Benjamin crossed paths with Victoria, the situation would not have unfolded as it did.The mere thought of how Victoria's reputation had been tarnished and how she became a target of many because of Benjamin filled Louis with rage.Victoria locked eyes with Louis. Her expression was serious and determined. "You don't understand. There's nothing wrong with Benjamin, so please don't jump to conclusions."Louis looked at Victoria with a soft and affectionate gaze."Your strong sense of justice is something I've always admired. You're the kind of person who goes above and beyond
Eleanor was happy. She said hurriedly, "Is that her? Hand the phone over to her. I'll have a few words with her."Victoria heard the voice on the phone and belatedly realized that Benjamin was on the phone.The woman's voice was full of energy. It was also kind and loving. It sounded like she was smiling. She was probably an older woman.Victoria quickly got off Benjamin and stood in front of him. She crossed her hands and signaled for him to reject the call.Benjamin looked at her cute little expression and burst out laughing.His laughter and amusement stunned Eleanor. She could barely recall the last time Benjamin laughed.She had yet to meet Victoria, but her satisfaction with the young woman increased by a few degrees."You're too enthusiastic. You'll scare her off. Once some time has passed, I'll bring her to Summers Residence. You'll definitely like her," Benjamin said to Eleanor.Eleanor was in the habit of bringing up the topic of marriage and having children. She al
Victoria thought she had misheard Benjamin. She stared at him in disbelief. "What did you say?"Benjamin repeated himself, "Marry me. Become the actual Mrs. Benjamin Harper."He had the idea of marrying her a long time ago. It was the best way to keep her beside him. However, Victoria was too young and disliked being constrained.Most importantly, he never found the opportunity to mention this without being suspected and rejected by Victoria. "We can obtain our marriage certificate before returning to Youngville. Once we're back in Youngville, I'll find a nice church and plan the wedding ceremony."Once they were legally married, even if Victoria went to Yrindale in the future, Benjamin had a valid reason to go after her and snatch her back.Initially, he only brought it up as a suggestion. But after giving it more thought, his attitude became more resolute."If Yvette seeks you out again, you don't have to say a word to her. Just throw the marriage certificate in her face. Als
Victoria saw that Benjamin wasn't looking like he was kidding at all. She placed both of her hands on his chest and turned her head away when he leaned in to kiss her.She then pushed him away hard and changed the topic by saying, "I heard that Solomon was beaten up in his own house last night."Benjamin chuckled lowly and said, "There's no use changing the topic."As he was talking, he arched his neck and pressed his lips near Victoria's ear.Victoria's ears, especially her helix, were extremely sensitive. She subconsciously pulled her hands back and covered her ears with her palms.Benjamin took the chance to wrap his arms around Victoria's waist and pulled her close to him. His face was close to hers.Victoria could feel Benjamin's burning desire as she was pressed down onto his lap. She now knew better than to struggle.This was just shooting herself in the foot!It wasn't that she didn't know what he was like, but she just had to stir him up.Victoria felt uneasy when she
Victoria used her other hand to support her cheek as she blinked.She said, "How could someone who dislikes wasting words and unnecessary chatter nag endlessly over just a small wound?"Benjamin coldly asked, "Are you complaining that I'm long-winded and annoying now?"He looked aggrieved, as if he would be angry if Victoria were to answer "yes".Victoria laughed out loud again and replied, "I'm not!"She used her finger to poke at Benjamin's cheek.She was smiling when she asked, "Are you madly in love with me, Benjamin?"Benjamin looked at Victoria seriously as he crouched by her legs.If it was before this, he would've nodded and replied "of course" without hesitation. But now …Benjamin couldn't be as confident and sure when he recalled Wendy's previous words.Victoria didn't think much of it and took Benjamin's silence as affirmation.She continued, "I'm thinking that you're definitely madly in love with me. That is why you're so heartbroken and reacted abnormally even
"Where are we heading to now, Ben and Mrs. B? Why are the people here so weird? Why are they dressed up as if they're in a period drama?"What is this place? Why are the both of you here?"Yves was back to his lively self as soon as he got into the carriage. He started asking endless questions."You regained your memories now, Ben? I knew you'd never forget about Mrs. B no matter what. Even if you did, you'd definitely remember everything as soon as you saw Mrs. B!"Yves gushed on. It took him a good while to realize that Benjamin's expression had changed. Even the atmosphere in the carriage became strange.He asked, "Did I say something wrong?"Wendy laughed dryly and replied, "He's not as deeply in love with Victoria as you think he is. He didn't remember anything."Yves laughed awkwardly before pursing his lips.He started to butter Victoria up."How did you know Ben is here, Mrs. B? How did you find—"Victoria pursed her lips and glanced at Gwen who was driving in the fro
Yves stared at Anna. She started out mumbling, and her voice grew louder toward the end.He looked confused. "Ben, Mrs. B, what is she talking about?"He was sure she was speaking the same language but couldn't, for the life of him, understand what she meant.Upon listening to Anna, Wendy immediately felt she was too quick to agree to Yves' request because of the money. She wanted to push him aside.However, he was in a sorry state with his limp. His face was visibly thinner than before, and his eyes weren't as bright as they used to be. She found herself sympathizing with him.Victoria pressed her lips together, and her brows creased further.Benjamin turned to Silas. "Go and get Asher!"Anna didn't dial back on her arrogance. "Great idea. I'm looking for him, too."There was a horse race today, yet he locked me up in that cabin! I have a score to settle with him!"Victoria recalled Asher leaving the stables urgently during the day and had a hunch about what happened."If yo
Yves looked up with teary eyes and could vaguely make out Benjamin's sour face.He rubbed his eyes with all his might. Benjamin's face slowly became clear to him as his vision cleared."It's really you, Ben! Oh, Ben!"He was pleasantly surprised, as though he finally had someone to rely on. He teared up in excitement.The next moment, he became aggrieved again. He was just like a three-year-old who was bullied by a stray cat.He cried, "You're here, Ben. Why didn't you ask someone to look for me? You've no idea what I've experienced."I've been locked away in that shabby cabin and almost lost it. I miss you so freaking much!"Benjamin looked less sour now. He took out his handkerchief that he brought along wherever he went.He passed it to Yves, who had tears and snot all over his face. "Clean up. You're a grownup man, you know. Look at you."With one hand taking the handkerchief, Yves clung onto Victoria with the other.Benjamin stared at his hand that was holding onto her.
Asher felt his heart shatter. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? I've already gifted it to someone else!"The person in charge felt his heart ache, too. "I wanted to inform you when you arrived, but you told me to talk to you after the race."You've always said that horse has a character and that you like it, no? I never expected you to give it away."Who did you give it to? Could you, perhaps, buy it back from him?"Asher was dispirited. "I can't."He waved it off and continued, "Forget about it. It belongs to someone else now."I'd been obliging to its every wish for all the time it had been here. Still, it never obeyed me."It's intelligent and chooses its own master. I can't tame it. It's no better than an average horse to me."Tell those who witnessed that incident that they shouldn't talk about it to anyone. You may leave."The person in charge glanced at him. Bowing, he acknowledged the instruction he received and left.Asher looked toward Sebastian and sighed dejectedly
Silas and Wendy immediately hurried over in excitement when they heard they were going to split the winnings.Wendy, who wasn't the best in maths, counted gleefully, "We bet one thousand gold coins. As the odds are at one to 246, we'll get … ten thousand, 200 thousand … 244600 gold coins. Am I right?"She surprised herself when she said that out loud. She and Silas exchanged glances and started hopping about in delight.That was a lot of gold coins! They were rich!"Ten percent of 244600 gold coins would amount to roughly 24 thousand gold coins, so 20 percent would make it about 50 thousand. Victoria—"Silas and Wendy were already dizzy. Turning to them, Victoria instructed, "Give us a moment, and take Onyx with you.""You …" Silas looked at her suspiciously. Was she planning to keep all the money to herself?She gave him a warning glare, and he and Wendy obediently led Onyx away.They shouldn't offend their moneybag right now.Victoria looked at Asher. "That's over 240 thousa
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound. It was a teenager who was around 15 years old. Not bothering to keep up his image, he sat on the floor and clung to Sebastian's leg.Besides him, many others were standing around Sebastian. They all looked at Sebastian pitifully.Asher loudly asked the one kneeling, "Just look at you, Troy Lancaster! What happened to your enthusiasm?"It's only a meager sum. Do you really have to react this way?"Troy Lancaster? He was the Lancaster family's youngest son, Sebastian's younger maternal cousin.Victoria had a photographic memory. She saw his name when she skimmed through the log book earlier.He had bet 500 silver coins, which wasn't the least of all. It wasn't a hefty sum either, considering who he was.The Lancasters had very conflicting approaches in his upbringing. His mother pampered him, while his father was very strict toward him because he thought he was spoiled.Judging from his reaction, he must've been greedy and impulsivel
Once Roxy left, several women with ill intentions who criticized Victoria earlier became uneasy. They came up with excuses and left one after another.As the drama ended, everyone calmed down. Some were listless, while some were feeling down.There were also a few who approached Victoria, among whom were mainly men. They earnestly introduced themselves.Benjamin scanned the men who surrounded Victoria and somehow felt betrayed. Glowering, he seemed about to fly off the handle.His glare was too harsh, and many retreated after a short exchange with Victoria. She studied those who resolutely remained beside her.Compared to people from the outside world, the clan members had less desire for material possessions.Those who stood their ground didn't feel displeased at losing a hefty sum in the bet. They also withstood the pressure Benjamin's glare exuded.It was fair to say they were the best among the best.They were from decent families and had been receiving proper education sin