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
Yvette despised Zachary and couldn't believe such a mama's boy would dare to pursue her.Victoria's equating Yvette with such an individual made her highly displeased.She glared, but Victoria remained composed and radiant.Isaac seemed to be swayed. He gazed at Victoria as if weighing his options.Yvette felt a growing unease.Isaac was her strongest asset in her dream to marry Benjamin. If he sided with Victoria, her chances of marrying Benjamin would plummet.Yvette turned anxious. "Victoria Jameson, I didn't expect you to be not only beautiful but also so eloquent. No wonder Mr. Harper is so enamored with you."He even disregards Youngville's affairs and opposes Mr. Harper Junior's wishes. Since you're so confident, I want to challenge you to a bet."Victoria cast a contemptuous look at Yvette. "Aren't you well aware of the reason for my confidence? You're nothing more than a lackey."Yvette felt indignant. "You know very well who was responsible for my defeat, whether it
"Are you trying to order me around in my own home?"Benjamin gazed at Logan with a haughty demeanor. It was as if he were looking down upon his subordinates. He exuded an air of authority.Even Victoria, who stood next to him, felt a chilling sense of imminent danger.His mood seemed worse than the previous time at the gym. He appeared to be holding back a range of emotions.Victoria had noticed this change in him recently.Logan couldn't meet Benjamin's gaze and weakly replied, "I dare not.""That didn't seem like the case." Benjamin retorted with a disdainful snort.He then turned and left, even slamming the door with anger on his way out.He had never shown such behavior in his previous fits of anger. Isaac and the others were taken aback, and their eyes turned toward Victoria.Victoria felt guilty. She was worried about how to appease Benjamin."All I can guarantee is myself. If I lose, I will leave Benjamin. I'll keep my word. We'll make the bet if you wish to. If not, s
Victoria went after Benjamin, running out of the manor. However, Colette blocked her way. Victoria was not in the mood to deal with Colette. With a cold expression, the former snapped, "Get lost!" Yet, Colette extended her hand to stop Victoria from going any further. She looked at the latter's anxious expression, and a smug smile appeared. "I was wondering how you seduced Mr. Harper. But it turns out you're bugging him," Colette commented disdainfully.She continued, "Do you think this will work? Mr. Harper will no longer fall for such tactics. "How does it feel to be dumped? Victoria, I told you, didn't I? Mr. Harper would never fall for a country bumpkin like you."I'd like to see how arrogant you can be in the future!"Upon hearing those words, Victoria silently cursed at Colette. In the meantime, she glanced in Benjamin's direction. But he had already gotten into the car.Colette was also secretly observing Benjamin. When she saw that he had entered the car, she laughe
Quinton walked up to Ginny and slowly rolled his sleeves before her.She was so scared that she stammered, "W-W-What are y-you doing?"He glanced at her, chuckling coldly. "What do you think I'm doing? Do you want to do it yourself, or shall I have the honors?""What did I do wrong? You can't treat me like this!" Ginny argued as she took two steps back.Quinton retorted, "You don't know what you did wrong, huh? Then, that justifies why you should get slapped!"Watching the scene unfold before her, Colette thought of playing dead. But if she did nothing in front of the crowd, it would ruin her image as a good daughter.She was depending on Ginny, after all. If the latter harbored resentment against Colette because of this, how could she get her hands on Ginny's shares?After a moment's hesitation, Colette rushed and stood in front of Ginny. She extended her right hand to protect Ginny.Then, she looked up at Quinton. "Slap me instead! I'll never let you hit my mother!"Colette
The Harper family's household staff sent Ginny and Colette to the hospital. On the other hand, Yvette called Elizabeth.After dramatically recounting the events, she got in the car and headed home with Logan. "Why didn't Mr. Harper Junior come out despite the huge commotion?"Ginny is Elizabeth's only daughter, after all. Even if he looks past that, he wouldn't have allowed such things to happen at the Harper manor."Logan looked at Yvette before replying, "It was Benjamin's orders to slap Ginny."He continued, "Even though he doesn't live in the Harper manor like Nicole and the others, the respect he commands is on an entirely different level."Who among the household staff will report to Isaac because of Ginny? Besides, who would dare do so when Benjamin is angry?"If Isaac appears, he would surely intervene. But no matter how Benjamin acted, it'd ruin someone's reputation."Even if it's Isaac, he wouldn't dare to provoke Benjamin when he's mad. Neither Ginny nor Colette is wo
Despite his solemn expression, Benjamin smiled faintly. Yet, he was still upset when he thought of Victoria hiding their relationship."So, you said you'll always be with me and never leave. Is that true, or are you lying to me?" he asked her.Victoria hurriedly replied, "Of course it's true!"She could not believe that he was still going on about that. Victoria was rendered speechless. However, she remained patient with Benjamin."Just look at how I treat Jayce and Yves. Have you ever seen me pacifying them? "Even if I'm at fault, they'll let me have my way. So, hear me out first."Then, Victoria calmly told Benjamin about what had happened at Isaac's study. "It was Yvette who suggested this. Initially, she said the loser has to leave you. "But since you're not interested in her and have never thought of getting together, she has nothing to lose. It's different for me! I'd lose out big time!"Most importantly, you're not a toy. How could I allow us to fight over you? Do you
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