Benjamin thought about it and retyped his message. Benjamin: "Thank you for your care, Ms. Frost. With Vicky here, I'm much better now. I'll add someone in. He'll be sending the Venmo."The Beauty: "Why can't you do it? Why do you need someone to do such a thing for you? Why don't you let someone else care for Victoria if that's the case? You're not sincere. I don't agree to this!"Benjamin: "I need to make money to Venmo you all. Vicky will also be suspicious if I'm always on my phone. I'll also take note of what goes on. If all of you need anything, my friend can help."Wendy: "Benjamin is right. If he doesn't make money, how will we receive any money? Victoria will also have to live a poor life with him. Benjamin was thinking of the bigger picture! Amazing!"A few courageous souls also followed Wendy and tried to persuade Lena.Benjamin called Yves. "I'll add you to a group."Before he could finish, Yves said in shock, "Ben, you created a group? What group? I thought you did
Benjamin held Victoria's hand and headed toward Eleanor.Eleanor was quick on her feet. She quickly arrived in front of them.She pulled down her shawl and took off her sunglasses. She looked at Benjamin in annoyance."What did I tell you on the phone? I told you multiple times to inform me when you're returning to Youngville, and what did you do?"If I didn't ask someone to pay attention to it, I would have missed your arrival. You never take my words to heart. Am I even your grand—"Benjamin looked at Victoria. He smiled as he interrupted Eleanor. "Greet Grandma."Eleanor's gaze fell on Victoria.She was surprised and quickly forgot about her anger directed at Benjamin. "Where did this pretty lady come from? Did I scare you? I normally don't talk like that."I was ecstatic to know that he found a girlfriend. But he didn't even tell me when he was returning."Eleanor smiled and handed Victoria the bouquet. "Welcome. On behalf of the Summers family, I welcome your arrival."
Quinton drove Victoria and Benjamin to where they would be staying.Benjamin set aside the luggage. "I don't like outsiders staying in my home. So, I spent most of my time here. If you think it's too small, we can move to a villa."Victoria changed into the shoes Benjamin had prepared for her. She looked at the spacious living room."Didn't you say you wanted our alone time? This place is enough for the two of us. Why should we move to a villa? Benjamin, can I look around?"Benjamin nodded. "Of course. It's my place. You can go anywhere you want."Victoria looked around and smiled as she looked at Benjamin. She said surely, "Benjamin, the size of this house is just nice. The place is surrounded by mountains and lakes. I can even see a river."The scenic view at night must be magnificent. There's also an empty room that I can use to do whatever I like."Benjamin, you've got taste. I love it here. Let's just stay here. I'll go and take a bath now."Victoria took her clothes and e
Seduced, Benjamin's eyes turned red.His hand slipped under Victoria's clothing and moved downward.The temperature in the room rose along with the intensity of their passionate embrace.Just as they were passionately immersed in their intimate moment, Victoria suddenly widened her eyes.She pushed Benjamin away and wore a concerned expression on her face.Benjamin felt an unbearable tension throughout his body after being interrupted in the midst of his passion.He gazed into Victoria's eyes, which radiated an intense heat that could incinerate anyone."Do you dare tease me like this again?"His voice was low and husky. His top buttons were undone. It revealed his toned chest, which was heaving with excitement.He realized that his actions might make Victoria suspicious, and he added, "I feel entirely comfortable with myself in front of you. But if there's a next time ..."Victoria stared at Benjamin, who was filled with intense desire. She felt extremely frustrated. "It see
Ginny couldn't believe what she was seeing. She gripped Colette's arm so tightly that she couldn't speak. "Is that ... is that ..."Colette was thoroughly annoyed and agitated. She glanced at Yvette only to see her face darkening. At that, she felt a slight sense of satisfaction.After Yvette had killed Yvonne, Colette was intimidated. However, as she gathered information on this matter around Youngville, she realized that Yvette was less formidable than she had thought.Plus, some time had passed, and her fear of Yvette had diminished.Yvette's high status in Youngville was solely due to Benjamin.People believed she would marry Benjamin. Taking his status into account, they were willing to give her and the White family some respect.Now that Benjamin had Victoria by his side, both Colette and the White family were not willing to simply step aside.Colette was ready to see them fight and profit from the situation.Colette's thoughts kept her jealousy in check. She replied to G
The once quiet living room suddenly became lively after Benjamin's announcement.People who were usually suppressed by the White family or had a bad relationship with Yvette came forward to congratulate Benjamin."Congratulations, Mr. Harper.""Mrs. Benjamin Harper is so beautiful. She looks like a doll. Mr. Harper, you two are a perfect match.""Mr. Harper, when can we attend your wedding?"Yvette and Logan had grim expressions.Meanwhile, Colette was consumed by jealousy.The Harper family and Benjamin Harper? Wasn't that what she had always desired?What did Victoria do to deserve all these? Why should Victoria step on her?Amidst these thoughts, someone chuckled."Zachary, isn't this your arranged fiancée by Grandpa? Ben, are there no other women in the world that you had to choose your niece-in-law?"She's pretty, but what use is beauty? Plus, you can't perform in bed. Are you seeking to suffer?" The man laughed audaciously.Zachary wore a tense and unpleasant expressi
Victoria's gaze was ice-cold and determined. She exuded the same imposing presence as Benjamin.Colette couldn't help but sneer silently.Why would Mr. Harper need someone to shield him in Youngville? It was quite the opposite. He was the one who usually protected others.Victoria was nothing but a flatterer. She always had a way with words, making sure she stole the limelight.Why was she so unsatisfied?Colette, who had been trying to restrain herself, finally couldn't hold back any longer.She took on the role of a dutiful daughter and pleaded with Victoria, saying, "Victoria, mom didn't mean to be offensive earlier. She spoke impulsively and didn't harbor any ill intentions."She has been regretful about her words. Remember, she's your biological mother, and she has realized her mistake."Could you please have someone release her? She hasn't been in the best of health lately, and she ..."Isaac highly valued family harmony. He definitely wouldn't like Victoria's behavior.
Just as they were halfway through dinner, Jamie returned.He headed straight for the dining table and quickly noticed Victoria."So, this is the woman Benjamin found? He's got good taste, just like me!"Victoria looked up at the man speaking. His face bore a striking resemblance to Benjamin's.He was undeniably handsome and had an unchanged physique, yet his eyes seemed sunken. He bore obvious signs of excess indulgence and appeared somewhat dispirited.Victoria cast a glance at Benjamin, who remained silent and didn't give Jamie a single glance.Not all fathers deserved to be dads, after all.Darryl knew Jamie well. He was afraid that he might create trouble, just like Diesel did.Thus, he signalled a few people to come and escort Jamie away. He then informed Jamie about the earlier incident where Victoria had reprimanded Diesel.The news took Jamie aback, but soon he burst into laughter. "What a woman Ben picked. She's way more interesting than that daughter of the White fam
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