Victoria listened to Isaac's blunt and incisive analysis at the side. She couldn't help but be in awe.With age came wisdom after all.Benjamin glanced at Victoria. He calmly answered Isaac, "Just get someone to investigate if you're worried."He then ended the call.Benjamin stared at Victoria. "Are you keeping something from me?"Victoria smiled like she was in a good mood. She denied, "What do I have to keep from you?"Even if there is, that means you're not supposed to know about this, and I also don't want you to know about it. You shouldn't be asking me about it further."Jamie had told Isaac that he had fallen in love and was considering marriage. It seemed like the fish was already on the hook now.Benjamin tactfully stopped asking."What about Ethan's account number? Has he sent it over yet?"Victoria glanced at her phone and passed it over to Benjamin."Copy and send it to me."Victoria then copied the account number and sent it to Benjamin."I'll give Quinton a
Looking worried, Victoria rested her chin on her hands.Yves tensed up upon seeing that. He asked nervously, "What is it?"Victoria's brows furrowed. She said with a solemn expression, "I'm just a little concerned about Benjamin."You saw how he was at the Harper manor. Going to the Lacus Triangle will be very dangerous. What if—"Yves blurted out, "Then don't go!""What about Timothy and the rest? Do you think Benjamin will just leave them high and dry?"Yves sighed. He looked stressed, too. Giving up on them was not an option. "But Ben will be worried if you go!""And I'll be worried if he goes."The topic was left hanging in the air.Another two hours passed. It was slightly over 10:00 pm when Quinton left the study. Yves saw him off personally.The moment they were out of Benjamin's sight, Yves put his arm around Quinton's shoulders. "What took you so long? What were you guys talking about?""We talked about work."Yves nudged him. "I don't believe you. Talking about wo
The day soon came when they were supposed to leave.After having dinner, Victoria signaled to Wendy. Then, she went out to contact Ethan.Wendy made a cup of coffee and respectfully served it to Benjamin, sitting in the living room. She smiled flatteringly. "Here, Benjamin. I've run out of money to spend on novels."Benjamin took the cup from her. Instead of drinking it, he placed it on the table.Seeing that, Wendy picked up the cup and offered it to Benjamin again. "I just made it. Care to try it?"Benjamin stared at her thoughtfully before standing up. "Come upstairs with me."Then, he looked at Yves. "You, too."Yves pulled himself together as he looked at Benjamin, feeling anxious and uneasy. He hummed in reply before following Benjamin up with Wendy.Wendy was still holding the cup of coffee. She looked at Yves inquiringly. He looked baffled, too.Yves didn't know what that was about, either. Somehow, he felt as though Benjamin had realized something.Benjamin looked at
Yves saw Victoria and the others off.When he returned, he saw Benjamin standing on the stairs with one hand on the railing. He could sense the frost emanating off Benjamin from a distance."Ben!" Yves looked up and called.He was dismayed. He did his best and gave Victoria her last chance. Why couldn't she just take it?Benjamin was emotionless. His gaze seemed able to pierce through anyone like an arrow.Yves was mentally prepared. He aptly comforted Benjamin, "Mrs. B is only worried about you. Your safety is her top priority, and she won't allow anything at all to happen to you. Hence her choice."That proves all the more that she loves you, right? I'd be moved to the core if a woman would care that much about me. If you were in her shoes, you would've definitely made the same decision!"Benjamin slowly walked down the stairs. "No, I wouldn't. I'd bring her wherever I go."I believe she can look after herself and that I can protect her. But she doesn't believe in me!""Stil
Benjamin demanded, "Remember your promise, Victoria? You promised you'll never leave me behind wherever you go."You also said that regardless of what may happen, you'll face it with me. This is how you keep your promise?"You told me to take a nap and promised to wake me up, didn't you? But you got someone to drug me."If I hadn't sensed something was wrong, I would still be asleep by the time you and Ethan reached the Lacus Triangle, huh?"Victoria thought she had a good reason for doing what she did. Still, she felt guilty and didn't know what to say for herself when she saw him in such a furious state.And it was all thanks to Wendy, that traitor.She raised her hands in surrender and was quick to admit her fault. "I'm sorry!""What are you sorry for?" asked Benjamin.Ethan realized what was going on. Pointing at Benjamin, he accused, "The authority wasn't really regulating the air traffic, right? You were behind that!"Benjamin's presence surprised him, too. He knew Victo
Benjamin and Ethan's subordinates were already waiting when the group got off the helicopter.Ethan glanced at Benjamin and spoke before he could. "Let's take my car. My men have arranged our accommodation."Benjamin ignored him and pulled Victoria into a car. Seeing that, Yves opened the door to the passenger seat. He was about to get in when Ethan pulled him aside."What was that for?" Yves asked angrily.He broke free just in time to see his usual seat taken. "That's my spot—"Ethan responded by slamming the door in his face. Furious, Yves knocked on the car window.Ethan rolled down the window, looking irritated. "Just take my car and follow us!""Why? I want to sit with them. Ben, Mrs. B, ask him to get out. He'll only be a bother when you're trying to spend time together—"The window rolled back up just as he was still bellowing in retort. Then, the car whirred to a start.Yves stamped his feet grumpily as the car drove off, and its exhaust smoke engulfed him.Victoria
Victoria found herself a seat and sat down.Her thoughtful gaze swept across everyone in the room. Then, she pointed at the two female bodyguards."What about them? Can you send them to Yrinas first?"Liam looked at the stern and solemn-looking female bodyguards.One of them was taller than the other. They had tanned skin, and their muscular builds were not inferior to men.They were not the type most men would be interested in. Still, some men with different preferences would take a liking to unique women like them.Those people from Yrinas wouldn't turn them down, that was for sure."Sure!" Liam replied.Benjamin informed Ethan, "The other five bodyguards will go with you and Silas."Without hesitation, Ethan declined, "There's no need. I have my own men. They are waiting for me at the hotel I booked.""Your men are coming with me while you take mine." Benjamin sounded resolute."Who do you think you're talking to? Who do you think you are?"Why should I listen to you? Wh
Soon, the day of the stone gambling event arrived.All the hotels and inns were fully booked, and there was double the usual number of people on the streets. The town was bustling with activity.The event was held at Wickval Square. At 10:00 am, those who received the invitation entered the venue by flashing their invitation cards.Victoria followed Benjamin as they went in via the VIP lane. They entered the VIP room with the best view.She was in a white dress and wore her long, silky hair down.With her fair skin and sparkling eyes, she looked just like a fairy who accidentally entered the human world. She wore a pair of canvas shoes, and they gave her already youthful self a vibrant touch.Looking around curiously, she looked ethereally beautiful and innocent. Her beauty turned heads, and eyes were locked on her.Benjamin stood straight and tall in a green shirt. He looked dashing, and there was a distant yet elegant air about him. His gaze was clad in frost.Hand in hand, t
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