The room had an attached bathroom.Wendy and Victoria entered together. In the bathroom, there was a bathtub.Right then, the tub was being filled with water.Wendy leaned closer to Victoria, whispering, "I can see Mr. Jones is ruthless. But didn't they say he's emotionally stable?"He acted like a madman earlier. Is there a problem with your information source?"Wendy let her imagination flow as she continued, "He looks so much like Benjamin. Even their dressing style is the same. I'm sure this isn't a coincidence."Could he be Benjamin's brother? Perhaps he's the abandoned illegitimate son?"He resents Benjamin for his social status, and that's why he wants revenge. But he also admires Benjamin, so he imitates his behaviors and habits."Wendy was an avid romance novel reader. Hence, she did it methodically when it came to analyzing the plot.Victoria pondered on it. She recalled what Ashton had said and how he had acted earlier.He indeed showed signs of both admiration and
Ethan wore a flashy pink suit. He appeared like a playboy trying to charm married women.Victoria was at a loss for words at how foolish he looked.On the other hand, Wendy burst into laughter. Then, like a country bumpkin, she mocked, "Mrs. Harper, look at him. He's all decked out in pink!"Ethan's handsome face turned grim instantly."Keep quiet if you can't say nice things. If not, I'll rip out your tongue!" he threatened.Wendy hurriedly covered her mouth with both hands and shook her head in fear.Reacting swiftly, Victoria stepped in front of her. "I don't know who you are! Are you the one who ordered them to bring me here? Release me from this place immediately!"Wendy removed her hands from her mouth, adding fuel to the fire. "Mrs. Harper only has eyes for Mr. Harper! She'll never be interested in any other man with him around!"Fearlessly, she finished speaking. Then, she covered her mouth again and hid behind Victoria.Seeing that, the two men Ashton sent to lead Eth
Ashton chuckled. "You have both the formula and the personnel. If I allow you to take her, you might break your word and team up with others."If so, wouldn't my efforts be in vain? I'd even gain another enemy. That woman's man is not to be messed with, either."It's risky to be in our line of work. We can't afford to offend those who have a bit of power."Ethan scoffed in response. "So, you don't trust me. Why work with me when you don't even have fundamental trust?""I can give you that woman, Mr. Lynch. After all, she's a gift we've gone to great lengths to prepare for you."Ashton expressed his thoughts eloquently. However, he overlooked the chilling, murderous intent that flashed in Ethan's eyes when he referred to Victoria as a gift."You can see her anytime you want, Mr. Lynch. You can even stay here for an extended period," Ashton continued."But until we reach an agreement, you can't take her away. As far as I know, her man is looking for her everywhere. It won't be saf
After Ethan left, Ashton's face instantly darkened.But soon, he recovered his mask-like smile.Gordon's gaze remained on him. He sensed Ashton's displeasure and said indignantly, "Boss, people like Mr. Lynch are clearly unhinged. This is our territory, and yet he dares to challenge you."He got humiliated by a woman without a hint of resistance. He even plans to grovel to her. He's really pathetic!"Someone like him can never achieve anything. Why bother considering him, Boss? Once we get our hands on the formula, dealing with him will be as simple as squashing an ant."Ashton's smile faded. "What do you know? A man who achieves great things may enjoy the company of women, but he wouldn't openly compromise so much for a woman."He knows we won't cooperate, so he uses that woman as an excuse. His motives might go beyond this."Ashton's voice turned cold. "While we want the formula, he wants our clients."Gordon was incredulous. "How dare he?"Ashton's sharp gaze seemed to pier
Gordon glanced at Victoria and then turned to Wendy after delivering his message."If Mrs. Harper doesn't want to join us, then you better advise her to be sensible. Otherwise, she can continue making a scene. We'd love to experience the taste of a woman pampered by a wealthy family."Gordon swaggered away after threatening. However, the guys who came with him seemed rooted to the spot, as if their legs were glued.Their eyes were fixated on Victoria's face, and they were reluctant to leave.Gordon forcefully patted them and exclaimed, "Why aren't you leaving? She's not the type of woman you can dream of."Ethan was too arrogant and overbearing, and Gordon found pleasure in seeing him humiliated.However, if Ethan's mood turned sour, he might point a gun at him.What good was all the money if he lost his life?After careful consideration, Gordon decided to warn Victoria not to provoke Ethan.Gordon walked to the door and turned around. He smiled satisfactorily when he saw the
The watchtower hung in the air, with no safety measures on all four sides. People who were timid and afraid of heights wouldn't dare to come up.The platform on the watchtower was not large, spanning only about 50 to 60 square feet. Initially, three people took turns observing the surroundings.With Victoria, Ethan, and the others, as well as the guide, there were five people in total. As they ascended, the small space became even more cramped.Ethan looked at the people in the watchtower and ordered, "You can leave now."These people wouldn't dare to leave their posts during the day. In case something happened, they wouldn't be able to face the consequences even with nine lives.After exchanging glances, they looked at the person who had brought Ethan and Victoria up.Ethan's smile, as if bathed in a spring breeze, instantly turned cold. "Do my words not count? Do you want me to call Ashton personally and have you thrown down from here?"The highest watchtower is about 20 stori
Ethan was filled with anger. He stormed off to find Ashton.Ashton looked at the injuries on Ethan's face and felt a sense of satisfaction.Concealing his inner glee, he acted as if he knew nothing. "What's wrong?"Ethan randomly picked up things in the room and smashed several antiques that Ashton liked.Although Ashton's face still wore a smile as he looked at the broken pieces on the floor, his eyes revealed a cold demeanor.Ethan wasn't someone who cared about others' feelings.Well, he could. It was just that he wouldn't care about anyone other than Victoria."What's wrong?"Ethan approached Ashton and repeated his words. His slightly raised voice sounded cold."What did you say? Ashton, what do you mean by this? Are you not trusting me?"Since you can't have someone watch over me, are you planning to use some device to monitor me? Do you think I'm blind?"Ashton, I see you're genuinely not interested in cooperating with me!"Ashton quickly understood.When arranging
Ethan, of course, wouldn't cooperate.He glared at Ashton and questioned, "What do you mean by this?"Ashton smiled and explained, "I've never asked you to reveal the formula. Here, we follow whatever you say. Hence, don't make it difficult for me."Once we're familiar with and trust each other, we won't need this anymore. All my brothers who followed me went through the same. Gordon still blindfolds himself."Ashton's cold gaze flickered toward Victoria as he spoke.Victoria shrank back and obediently blindfolded herself with the black cloth.Ethan snatched the black cloth away and positioned himself in front of Victoria to block Ashton's view of her.He warned, "If you have something to say, say it to my face. Don't scare my woman!"Ashton, with an ambiguous tone, said as he retracted his gaze, "Lynch, you really cherish her. Are you serious about her?""It's none of your business!""Lynch, you're wealthy and handsome. What kind of woman do you want that you can't find? Jus
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