Colette hung up the phone. At the thought of Victoria's child inheriting the Harper family's fortune, her throat tightened. She stomped her feet and threw her phone in anger.Someone knocked on her door.Colette was shocked. She quickly picked up the phone from the ground and hid it under her pillow.She had gotten the phone and its number at a high price from a stranger.Yvette had asked her to invite Victoria out. It was obvious she intended Colette to be the scapegoat.Benjamin was now infatuated with Victoria. If something happened to Victoria now, Benjamin would do everything he could to investigate the situation.Using her own number to call Victoria would be no different than a death sentence. Victoria was about to die. How could she give birth to the future heir of the Harper family? How could Victoria continue to act high and mighty?Was there a need to fight with a dead person?Colette's anger subsided at that thought.Ginny opened the door to see Colette lying on
The arena was big. It was newly built and most of the equipment hadn't arrived yet.The arena was empty as her footsteps echoed throughout.Victoria did not see Colette. Instead, she saw Luna sitting by the arena steps.She connected the dots.Colette had tried so hard to invite her out, not because she wanted to see her. But to lure her into Yvette and Luna's trap.The smile on Luna's face was proud and malicious. She didn't seem normal."Victoria, did you think avoiding my calls could stop me? Now, you've fallen into my hands. Don't think of leaving this place alive!"As Luna spoke, a group of men began to enter through the different entrances of the arena. They each held a long bat as they began to surround Victoria.Luna stood up. She looked proud as she said, "If you crawl toward me and beg, I might allow you to leave this place alive!"Victoria touched her gun and sneered. There wasn't an ounce of fear on her face."You're the best at creating trouble. Luna, you're stil
Three shots were fired at the same time.The bullets shot through the air with an incredible force.Victoria immediately realized something was wrong when she fired her shot. She turned around and realized a bullet was aimed at her head from the third floor.She could even see a pair of cold eyes from where she stood.Victoria narrowed her eyes as a sinister smile appeared on her face. She lunged to the side quicker than when she dodged Luna's bullets."Victoria, look out!"Before Victoria landed on the ground, she heard someone shout out. Then, someone pushed her to the side.The moment they fell, Victoria turned around. She looked at Wendy's pained expression and widened eyes."Wendy!"Victoria shouted as she hugged Wendy. Her hands were covered in blood.Wendy tugged Victoria. "Victoria, avenge … avenge me.""Alright."Victoria laid Wendy down. The moment she stood up, her demeanor changed completely.She looked in the direction of the third floor. She raised her hand a
Victoria pointed at Wendy and tried to give her a warning through her gaze.Wendy begged for help. "Benjamin, seeing how I took a bullet for Victoria, please have mercy on me!"Victoria wanted nothing more but to shut Wendy up.She had been hinting at Wendy to not mention that matter. She never thought Wendy would expose her so soon.Victoria didn't dare to look at Benjamin. However, she could feel his gaze on her. It made her shudder.Yves added salt to her wounds. "Mrs. B, you were nearly shot?"Victoria glared at Yves, hinting at him to shut up. She made an excuse to run away. "I'll go take a look at Jayce."Benjamin gave Yves a look. Yves understood and followed Victoria with Wendy.As for Benjamin, he turned and headed to the third floor.Victoria walked up to Jayce.Luna had wanted to kill Jayce, but Victoria's bullet had hit her first. So when Luna fired the gun, her aim was slightly off. She didn't hit any vital points.Victoria tore off a piece of his shirt and band
Wendy sulked at Victoria. "What about me?"Victoria pointed at Yves. "He'll make arrangements for you."Wendy pouted, looking like an abandoned puppy. She looked pitiable."I came all this way for you. I even took a bullet for you. You didn't bring me home, treat me to a meal, or give me some money. Now you're even choosing to abandon me."Our mentor was right. You value love more than friendship. Once you have a partner, you'll abandon your humanity. You are blinded by love."You were like that the last time, and you're still acting like that now. Why do you have so many enemies? If you aren't being targeted, then you are being held at gunpoint. You—"Victoria glanced at Benjamin. She clasped a hand over Wendy's mouth. She whispered a warning, "Do you want me to sew your mouth shut? If you don't know what to say, just shut up!"Wendy struggled to break free. She shook her head but quickly changed to nodding instead.Benjamin raised his eyebrow. His smile was meaningful and dan
She would often play dead to avoid being shot at. Yves suddenly felt that he and Wendy lived in different worlds."Do you have to play dead often?"Wendy blinked. "Yes. There were a few times. Why else would Victoria catch me in the act so easily?"During normal circumstances, playing dead is not needed. However, during special circumstances, protecting your own life is more important."Yves looked at the group of men on the ground. There were more than a hundred of them. "Did Mrs. B finish them off alone?"Wendy was slightly annoyed by the parade of questions coming from Yves. However, her anger dissipated whenever she thought about the card with no credit limit.Her voice was soft as she explained patiently, "No. Me and Victoria finished them off together. They're a bunch of weaklings."Normally, Victoria would be able to handle it alone. But it has been a while since she fought, so she's a bit out of practice."I wanted to see her eyes being filled with bloodlust. Too bad th
Victoria dragged Benjamin out of the arena.Benjamin's car was parked at the entrance. Benjamin got in the driver's seat first and patted the passenger's seat.Victoria laughed dryly. She had actually wanted to sit in the back. She obediently got in the passenger seat. She heard the doors being locked the second she closed the car door.Victoria turned to look at Benjamin.There was a silver mini-gun in Benjamin's hand.After Victoria had knocked the guy out, Benjamin arrived. Thus, she had completely forgotten about the gun.She reached out to take it. "Benjamin, that's my gun. I … I used it to knock someone out. I wanted to pick it up. But when I saw you, I had forgotten everything."Thank you. If it weren't for you, I would still have to go back to look for it. I'm exhausted."Benjamin's hand moved away, not letting Victoria take it.He looked at Victoria's bright eyes and said, "You're exhausted?"Victoria smiled, "A little bit."The truth was, she wasn't the slightest
Benjamin's expression was terrifying.Victoria blinked. "Benjamin, there seems to be something wrong with you."Benjamin was stunned. He frowned as his irritation increased.Victoria looked at Benjamin. He was an extremely difficult man to comfort. Why did such a difficult man exist?However, she still had to comfort him, no matter how hard it was.Victoria's brain began to wrack for ideas. She quickly thought of 108 ways to comfort him.Benjamin turned his back to Victoria as he looked out the window.He finally turned around after a while.The second he turned, Victoria hugged him.His body tensed as he looked at Victoria. Victoria was smiling brightly at him."Benjamin, what were you thinking? Are you jealous? Are you worried I'll run off with someone else, making you the laughingstock of Youngville?"Benjamin's gaze sharpened. "Do I look like I care about what other people think of me?"Of course, he did. If he didn't, why would he spend so much effort to marry her? To
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