Benjamin and Yves entered the room.Benjamin stood behind Lena and called out, "Ms. Frost.""Hi there, sweetheart," Yves greeted.Lena turned around.Yves' eyes widened. When he noticed Lena was looking at him, he wittily commented, "Are you really Mrs. B's mentor? You're a sweetheart, indeed. Are you even 30?"Lena looked delighted as she touched her face. "Are you serious? I'm 35, but many say I look like I'm in my 20s.""35? You don't look your age at all. I thought you were in your early 20s. I would've mistaken you for Mrs. B's sister. You're young and gorgeous, yet you're the mentor to a group of excellent mentees. You're truly awesome."No woman would dislike someone who praised them for being young, pretty, and capable.Lena, more so, enjoyed such compliments. She grinned from ear to ear.Benjamin glanced at Yves and back at Lena.She wore a tight-fitting gown. Although she was sitting, no flab could be seen at all. Instead, her curves looked stunning.She was in her
"You mean we'll get to kick some asses soon?" Silas cracked his knuckles, ready for action."Victoria, what are the benefits we'd get over there? How much do we earn per month? If we take on a mission, how much bonus do we get?" Money was Wendy's top concern.She needed to pay for her games and novels. She couldn't do without money."I heard their team leader, Sevyn Harper, is drop-dead gorgeous and still single. If he falls for me, the Harper family will be ours." Ruby Warner flicked her hair and winked."How much does a team leader earn? A lot?"…Eager to express their opinions, they ended up cutting Victoria off.Victoria countered, "Is this about the money? Someone's trying to steal Benjamin and take my place as his future wife. She's provoking me. She even hired men to kill me when we were in Danube City."Can you put up with someone doing this to me, the person who's been looking after every one of you all these years?""No!" everyone said in unison."Which fool is aft
Tilly stared at Victoria and waited solemnly for her reply.Victoria pondered briefly before asking, "Did Simon tell you we've already obtained our marriage certificate?"Tilly nodded."He's nice to me. To be honest, no one has treated me the way he does before, regardless of his motives.""So you married him out of gratitude?"Victoria thought about it. "If it were someone else, I wouldn't have agreed to register our marriage before I'm 20. Maybe I only did that because it was Benjamin."She thought Benjamin was special to her.Victoria continued, "I enjoy the way he treats me. I'm satisfied with our relationship. If he feels the same and plans to live with me forever, I'm okay with that."I'm fine with being with him for the rest of my life. But, if he wants to break up someday, I won't bother him any further. If he turns his back on me, I'll do the same."Victoria sounded calm and unworried.Still, she felt a dull throb in her heart when she thought of him turning his back
Victoria was still fuming when they left Rosalia Estate.In the passenger seat, Tilly was full of smiles. "Don't be offended by a child's babbling. Why are you getting so worked up over what a three-year-old said?"Besides, don't you think it's cute and funny how children can always come up with such astonishing statements? You—"Victoria interrupted angrily, "No, I don't see what's funny about that!"She was there when the children were born.When Tilly was pregnant, she told Victoria that she couldn't look after her babies after they were born. But, she couldn't bring herself to abort the babies either, and she almost fell into depression.Victoria couldn't stand watching Tilly's depressed state. She asked Tilly to keep the babies.Ever since then, Victoria had been determined to take full responsibility for the children.She wished the children could live up to the standards and hopes she had for them. But, those kids were impossible!One fawned over men who matched her tas
Two women were with Yvette.Victoria met one of them at Harper Estate two days ago. The woman was from another branch of the family.While Victoria couldn't remember her name, she possibly was Yvette's supporter. She told Victoria off in Yvette's stead the last time they met.As a vengeful person, Victoria recognized her immediately.The other woman was beautiful, and her features reminded Victoria of Tilly. Flanked by the other two women, she stood out among the three. Even so, Victoria disliked her at first sight.She must be from a prominent background because Yvette had to step aside in her presence.Raising an eyebrow, Victoria merely glanced at them and withdrew her gaze. She pretended she hadn't noticed them.Tilly was still waiting for her in the basement parking lot. She didn't want to waste her time on them.Most importantly, if they couldn't reach Riverview Residence Unit One by 8:00 pm, it would give Simon more reason to restrict Tilly's freedom.Victoria decided t
After replying to Victoria, Tilly turned to Elyssa. She held her head high."This is my best friend, Victoria Jameson," she proudly introduced.Frowning, Elyssa sounded like a concerned parent telling off her child. "Tilly, don't blame me for saying this, but how can you mingle with a mistress who has an affair with someone else's boyfriend? She'll lead you astray."Tilly blew a fuse. "What mistress? Who are you calling a mistress? What do you mean?"Elyssa pointed at Victoria. She said gently, "I'm talking about her. Yvette and Mr. Harper are childhood sweethearts. Everyone knows about their relationship. They are one step away from choosing their wedding date."But, your friend here interfered with their relationship. She bought those indecent clothes and used improper ways to seduce … Am I wrong for calling her a mistress?"When it comes to marriage, we need our parents' consent. We must choose partners of equal social status. Someone should reflect on herself before she start
Yvette clenched her fists and bit her lip. As a final struggle, she defended herself."There must be a misunderstanding, Ms. Jameson!"Tilly darted forward with Victoria's bags. "What misunderstanding? There's no such thing. I heard it with my own ears. That was how you insulted Vicky!"She pouted as she turned to Benjamin and complained, "Benjamin, they claimed you and Yvette are childhood sweethearts and that you and Vicky aren't of equal social status. They also insulted Vicky by calling her shameless and despicable."Vicky is young, pretty, and competent. You have no idea how many admirers she has. She didn't even mind that you're way older than her, so what gives them the right to condemn her?"Give Vicky an explanation today, or I'll never approve of your relationship!"Pointing at Carrie, Victoria corrected Tilly casually, "She was the one who called me filthy, despicable, disgusting, shameless, and a slut."Victoria pointed her finger at Elyssa next. "She called me a mis
Carrie was dumbfounded. She was suddenly at a loss for what to do.Like a dog, she crawled toward Victoria as she sobbed.She begged, "Aunt Victoria, I made a mistake. I was blind and said things I shouldn't have said. I-I misunderstood you. I-I deserve to be punished!"As she spoke, she slapped herself several times. The slaps were loud and seemed to hurt. Soon, a red mark appeared on her face, and blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.Pointing at Yvette, Carrie proceeded to blame the former for everything. "I-I said those things because of Yvette. She said she was Uncle Benjamin's childhood sweetheart and that they liked each other, so I …"The manager felt deeply wronged. He regretted his actions, too. He imitated Carrie and dashed toward Victoria.Shoving Carrie aside, he dropped to his knees and slapped himself. "I didn't know any better! Mrs. Harper, I have a family to provide for. Y-You are the kindest. If I lose this job, my family and I will have to sleep on the s
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