Disappointment was written all over Elizabeth's face. "Are you really going to ignore me?" she asked. Victoria looked down calmly and answered, "Mrs. Warde Senior, you made your decision first. I can only forgive you once. There won't be a second chance.""Yves, I'd like to speak to Vicky in private." Just as Elizabeth was about to respond, she noticed Yves standing behind Victoria. Yves hummed in acknowledgment and quickly retreated. Victoria's tone turned icy as she said, "Mrs. Warde Senior, I need to look for Benjamin now. Please get to the point and then tell me where he went." Elizabeth touched her neck before replying, "I know you won't listen to whatever I say now. But I still want to offer advice. "Vicky, Benjamin isn't as kind and simple as you think. You and him are not a good match."Victoria tracked her hand movements. Elizabeth was wearing a low-neckline dress, exposing her neck. The former noticed there were finger marks.She squinted her eyes, and a cold gli
Victoria's eyes were pure and clear in the dim light. Together with her slightly pouty red lips, she appeared charming. Benjamin was captivated. He gulped as the idea of pulling her closer to his body crossed his mind. She was his person, and no one could ever tear them apart.As he thought about it, he acted accordingly. In the next second, Benjamin embraced Victoria tightly. He was determined to kill whoever wanted to separate them. His grip was firm. Victoria was uncomfortable, but she endured it. In the end, with her brows furrowed, she let out a soft groan. At the sight of her in discomfort, Benjamin quickly put her down. It was as if he got electrocuted.He took the cigarette between Victoria's fingers, threw it to the ground, and stomped on it. "Who allowed you to smoke? No smoking! You should wait for me outside! Leave!" Benjamin ordered frustratedly. He avoided Victoria's gaze. His voice was not as gentle as usual. Instead, it was filled with indescribable irritabi
His questions left Victoria bewildered. She propped her chin on her hand and blinked knowingly. She proceeded to butter him up by answering each question sincerely. "You're handsome, Benjamin. Even when you're mad, you're still good-looking. It's not scary at all. I wasn't scared. "I don't dislike it either. Do you think I'm that timid? As for Ethan, you … Um …"If—and I mean it as a hypothetical situation—if someone slapped you and then gave you candy, would you act like nothing happened?"Benjamin stared at Victoria, looking just as serious as she was. "I will break their hand. But if it's you, I'd act like nothing happened. Even if you give me candy afterwards.""Will you be able to accept it if I am engaged to someone else?" she questioned while beaming.Upon hearing that, his expression darkened instantly. "You're my woman. I'll kill anyone who has the guts to be engaged to you! Then, I'll lock you up!"Benjamin sensed that his words were menacing and violent after he s
Ethan entered the room. He was in a bad mood and was unsatisfied.That was because after accomplishing such a big feat, Victoria did not praise him. He also didn't get to boast in front of Benjamin. He was annoyed at everyone and snapped, "What's with all the noise? Can you all stop arguing already?"I can hear your voices from the corridor. You've been bickering for so long. Have any of you come to a conclusion yet?"Everyone in the room fell silent instantly. Yvette and Zachary cowered in fear. "Logan, you stay. Yvette, you decide if you want to stay or leave. As for the rest of you, get lost!" Ethan ordered. As if granted amnesty, Zachary wrapped himself tightly with a blanket. He concealed the wet spot on his pants then dashed out the door.Ethan stood by the door, observing Zachary's wretched state. He suddenly recalled that Victoria used to be engaged to Zachary. Right then, he felt as angry as when he saw Victoria and Benjamin together. Ethan lost his temper and kick
Ginny picked Paul up at the agreed location. As soon as he got into the car, he started fidgeting. He appeared like a country bumpkin who is experiencing the world for the first time. He looked at Ginny and commented, "This car is really comfortable. How much does it cost? It must be expensive, right?""What on earth do you want? Don't beat around the bush. Just come out and say it," Ginny replied stiffly. She didn't spare him a glance. Paul gazed at her aloof and beautiful face. He swallowed hard before answering in a fawning way, "It's inconvenient to talk here. Let's find a better place."He took out his phone. Paul showed Ginny the address where Colette had given him money previously. "Go here. It's safe and discreet. You won't bump into anyone who will recognize you." Ginny also did not want anyone to learn about her connection with a lowlife like him. She immediately searched for the address using the car's navigation. As night fell, the road grew increasingly eerie.
Colette made sure Paul was truly dead before heading to the car.Colette was on edge. Her mind was racing quickly.Elizabeth already knew about Paul's existence. She would definitely investigate the matter and use the evidence against Ginny. She'd urge Ginny to sever ties with her.Colette had to rationalize her previous interactions with Paul. It was crucial to hold on to the only lifeline she had left.Colette soon came up with a plan."Mom, why did you come here with him? Did he threaten and demand money from you? He approached me earlier and said he wanted to take me away. "I gave him all the money I had on me. I didn't tell you about this because I was afraid you would worry."He promised me that he wouldn't bother you. I didn't want him to cause you harm. How could he do such things to you?"Was he the one calling you incessantly at the hotel at night? It's all my fault. If I hadn't borrowed your phone, none of this would have happened."Ginny seemed lost. She paid no a
"Paul tried to rape Ginny? Is he out of his mind? Still, Ginny's actions fall under self-defense. Why didn't she call the police? She even buried the body. This is beyond redemption, isn't it? Damn!"Yves couldn't help but curse as he grasped the situation. "She's truly evil. Colette has a dark heart!"Ginny was selfish and foolish. While she treated everyone indifferently, Colette was an exception.Benjamin remained silent and handed the phone to Victoria.Victoria wasn't surprised at all. She took the phone and thought for a moment. "Send me the evidence. Also, send me the photos and videos of Colette's deal with Paul from the last time. Don't report it to the police for now."After passing on the instructions, Victoria returned the phone to Benjamin."Do as Mrs. Harper says.""Mrs. B, why not report it? Isn't this a great opportunity to send Colette and Ginny to prison?" Victoria tapped Benjamin's body with her fingers. "They won't escape prison. But it's still not the righ
Benjamin stood alone under the roof of the Westshore Manor and looked up at the lamp. There was no telling what was going on in his head and he was also a little out of it.The light stretched his shadow, as if he was the only person left in the whole world.It made him look even lonelier.Victoria felt as though a needle had stabbed her heart and her urge to hug him became stronger.She ran up to Benjamin and hugged him from behind, her entire body pressed against his back.Benjamin held Victoria's hands that were wrapped around his waist. His gentle voice was slightly cold. "What's wrong? What did Yves say to you?"Victoria didn't want Benjamin to know what Yves had told her. Instead, she playfully patted Benjamin on the back. "My husband's back looks pretty broad and strong. Do I need a reason to want to lean on it?"She then jumped onto Benjamin's back as soon as she finished speaking. "Benjamin, carry me upstairs."Benjamin let out a delighted laugh. "Feel free to lean on
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