Victoria looked up. Her face was stern as she said warningly, "Ms. Susan!"Susan paused briefly, but she continued to implore, "I understand she deserves to face the consequences and does not deserve forgiveness. But she's my only daughter. I'm begging you."Victoria frowned. Her expression turned ice-cold as she refused, "I don't have that power.""Perhaps you could seek Mr. Harper's assistance."Victoria widened her eyes. She looked at Susan in disbelief. "Ms. Susan, do you realize what you're saying?"Avoiding eye contact with Victoria, Susan said, "Mr. Harper treats you differently. If you reach out to him, he'll surely help you. As soon as Yvonne is released from the police station, I'll arrange for her to go abroad. She won't come anywhere near you."Victoria looked at Susan with a cold and impatient expression. Out of concern for Susan's well-being, she refrained from saying anything that could upset the latter.However, she did not expect Susan to be this relentless.
After leaving the hospital, Benjamin treated Victoria to a meal at the most fashionable and expensive restaurant in Danube City. He selected the finest wine and the priciest dishes—all catered to Victoria's preferences. The bill for this extravagant meal surpassed three million dollars.Benjamin watched as Victoria set down her fork and wiped her mouth. He could not help but inquire, "How are you feeling now? Better?"Victoria looked at the upscale surroundings and asked seriously, "Benjamin, did you invest in this restaurant?"Benjamin replied, "I do have a share in this place, but not a big one."Victoria could not help but feel the pinch. "If I had known this meal would be so expensive, I would have gone to the restaurant you and Yves invested in. We didn't even finish the wine from last time."Benjamin found Victoria's frustrated expression rather adorable.He chuckled. As if he were coaxing a child, he said, "Are you already trying to help me save money before you've mar
Before Victoria could say anything, Louis asked, "Why was it Mr. Harper who answered your phone again?"Victoria, if a couple starts living together when they're only dating, it's always the woman who'd be at a disadvantage—especially when it came to someone of Mr. Harper's standing in society."It doesn't matter if word gets out or not, or if he marries you later on. Don't let him go too far."Victoria sensed Louis' fury and chuckled before asking, "What did Benjamin say to you?""Nothing," Louis scoffed.That was the truth.After answering the call, Benjamin simply said Victoria was asleep and instructed Louis not to disturb her.Benjamin had been so cocky that even after a few hours, Louis was still infuriated."I'm your uncle. If he wants to marry you in the future, he'll need my approval, right?"While Victoria did not think it was necessary, she figured she would only be adding fuel to the fire if she voiced that aloud. Louis would feel hurt. Thus, she simply hummed in r
Victoria rubbed the throbbing vein along her forehead. With an aching heart, she asked, "Why are you calling me?""Our mentor and I have almost run out of money, Victoria.""What did you say?"Victoria flew to her feet. Gritting her teeth, she snarled, "That was over a hundred million! It's only been a week! Did you start a bonfire with the cash or something? What project is it this time?"The caller corrected, "It's not a project. You forbade us from making any more investments, remember?"Our mentor has been obsessed with live streams lately. The money was spent on tipping the young male streamers. They've all got such honeyed tongues. Our mentor—"Seething with rage, Victoria almost fainted. "Where is she? I know she's right beside you. Pass the phone to her at once."She clenched her jaw.Soon, an older female voice rang out, "It's so good to have money in your pockets. I feel so good when those young men call me a pretty lady. It's been so long since I got to spend money s
At the Jameson manor, Colette was throwing a fit in her room. The video of her making out with Zachary at the stairwell had gone viral. Thus, netizens condemned her. And because of that, Colette turned off her account's commenting and messaging features. Yet, no matter what kind of news came up, she would still be severely criticized. Netizens could not care less, even if she had nothing to do with the news. Whenever Colette refreshed her feed, she would see endless comments scolding her. On the other hand, netizens were showering Victoria with praise. Colette was fuming but could not stop herself from scrolling. After looking through the comments for hours, she could not take it anymore. Colette lost her temper. She screamed and threw her phone against the wall. "So much for being the top socialite in Youngville! What a load of crap!" Colette cursed."How dare you boast about having good ties with Yrindale? Yvette White, you're useless!"She continued angrily, "World-cla
Ginny was extremely touched as she watched Colette shielding her without hesitation. "Compensation? They're the greedy ones who lost money. Why should we compensate them?" Ginny chided."If they want compensation, they should demand it from Victoria! She's rich! "She just received over 100 million dollars and a house from Nicole. She's loaded, and we're not!"Ginny furiously ordered, "Call the cops! Get them to arrest all these thugs. They're acting without regard for the law!"Seeing Ginny's attitude toward Victoria, Sarah could not help but sigh inwardly. "I've already asked someone to call the police."She had gotten someone to call the authorities before heading upstairs. Meanwhile, Colette was still shielding Ginny. Suddenly, someone threw a rock at another window. Colette hurriedly took two steps back in fright. She was worried that a stone would hit her. "It isn't safe in the room. Let's go out," Colette said anxiously.As she spoke, she turned around and embraced G
Louis arranged a get-together after the signing was over. Other than Fortuna's representatives, Victoria had extended the invitation to several other university leaders. Not long after the meal started, Jayce suddenly left with his phone. At the dining table, everyone complimented Victoria. The atmosphere in the private room was pleasant. But right then, her phone rang. Victoria glanced at the caller ID. She hesitated for a moment before answering. Soon, Ginny's hysterical voice came through. Victoria then looked at Louis briefly. He was sitting beside her and noticed her gaze. "What's wrong?" he asked.With a scornful expression, Victoria pointed at her phone. "You won't let me off the hook? Mrs. Jameson, please. Even if you're not tired of repeating it, I'm sick of listening to the same threat."So, Colette got arrested. What's the matter now? Why didn't the police apprehend me or anyone else then?" Victoria questioned sarcastically."I'm sure there's a reason for this.
Elizabeth and Ginny fought fiercely. In the end, Sarah, worried about Elizabeth's health, grabbed Ginny firmly. Only then did they stop arguing. After hanging up, Ginny became even angrier and restless. She vented her frustration on Sarah and the other maids. She even started throwing things around. As a result, the living room was a chaotic mess. Meanwhile, Elizabeth was so mad that she almost had a heart attack. After calming herself down, she called Louis. "Do you have anything to do with Lettie's arrest? I've also asked you to think of a solution regarding Yvonne's matter. Have you done so?"Why hasn't she been released, and yet Lettie got arrested?" Elizabeth asked straightforwardly. She tried hard to keep her composure. However, Louis could still sense her dissatisfaction. Elizabeth realized it, too. She let out a sigh before adding, "Ginny just called me. She was extremely agitated."I'm not happy with Lettie either, but I watched her grow up. Besides, Ginny loves he
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