Victoria brought her clothes and cell phone into the bathroom.Wendy looked at Ethan and took the opportunity to add insult to injury."You're not only the King of Infidelity, you're even mean-spirited. No wonder Victoria liked Benjamin instead of you."Ethan retorted, "Then you should ask Benjamin if he would let you watch him while he showers!"Wendy angrily replied, "I've already said I don't want to watch you while you shower!"Ethan continued, "Who knows? Wouldn't you know yourself the best whether you're an admirer or not?"Silas saw the way both of them were about to fight. He then stood up to smooth things over between them."Enough, stop quarreling now. What if someone heard us?"Both of them gave a pointed look at each other and turned their heads away.…On the other hand, Benjamin had been waiting for Victoria's call after receiving her email.He picked up as soon as Victoria had called."Cutie," Benjamin said with a low voice.He was missing her dearly.Benja
The next night, Victoria brought Wendy and Silas to the underground club as planned.Silas looked at the lavishly decorated underground club.He exclaimed, "Fuck, isn't this Ashton too fucking rich, Victoria? Should we find a chance to abduct him before we take action? We can easily ask for a few million."Wendy's eyes lit up as she agreed, "I just can't stand these rich people. They're all ill-gotten gains anyway. It'll just be a dog-eat-dog situation. Sorry, I mean a Robin Hood situation."Victoria calmly replied, "It'll be impossible to abduct him before we take action. But it's fine if you guys managed to get money from him without affecting the entire plan."That can be considered your "thank you" reward for the two of you to split equally."Ashton was involved in drug trafficking, prostitution, and even human organ trafficking. He did not let anything go to waste, no matter if it was the living or dead.These were all profiteering industries, and he would surely be rich.
Soon, it was time for Ashton's business partner to arrive at the factory.Ethan looked at Victoria.He said, "I went to sound Ashton out during the night you went to the underground club. He only told me how outstanding this person was and praised him to the heavens."But I suspect that he's not sure of the other party's details as well. He refused to even tell me their name."I'll go have a look for now. Wait for my news here."…The meeting place of both parties was set at the underground laboratory.Sharon was the only one in the laboratory when Ethan arrived. She was in her protective suit and had her gas mask on.As soon as Ethan had arrived, her gaze did not leave his face.Ethan had a complicated expression on his face when he saw her. It finally settled on grief and hatred.Sharon opened the door for Ethan. She then passed the protective suits and gas masks to Silas and him.After a while, Ashton arrived with a group of people.Ethan looked at the man beside Ashton.
After seeing Walter off, Ashton remained standing at the doorway. He was waiting for Ethan. When Ethan was still not out after a long while, Ashton could only head back into the laboratory to look for him.In the laboratory, Ethan had removed his gas mask and was leaning back in his chair. His hair on the front was damp. His lips were pressed tightly together, and his face was ashen out of exhaustion.Sharon was still in her safety equipment as she poured him a glass of water. Even though she had her face hidden behind the mask, it was evident she couldn't bear to see him like this.Ethan looked at her as he took the glass. "I'm fine," he said soothingly.Silas was surprised. He looked weirdly at Sharon before tapping Ethan on the shoulder. "Boss, Ms. Cross is in her room. She's not Ms. Cross. Are you too tired? Should I help you to the room so you can rest?"Silas thought Ethan was hallucinating because he was too tired and had mistaken Sharon for Victoria."It's okay. I'll just
Silas was soaked to the bone. Seeing that, Victoria went to the window and pulled the curtain aside.It was raining outside, and beads of water covered the window panes. The rain was heavy, indeed. The ground outside was utterly wet in no time. It further dampened her mood.Taking out his phone, Ethan opened a weather forecast application. It not only predicted rain but also predicted an incoming thunderstorm. His face darkened as well.Victoria swiftly pulled herself together. She asked, "What did you find out?"Silas replied, "Walter has approximately two dozen men with him. They are all martial artists and armed with guns. There's only one woman with him, and she's not Yvette."Victoria's brows relaxed. "That's good news. Ethan, I'm going with you to the dinner party tonight."Because of her, Yvette was now a prisoner with nothing to her name. If she were here, she would ruin Victoria's plans and drive her to a corner at all costs.Ethan disagreed. "I'm going on my own. I'll
Walter was stunned. He looked at Sienna.Right then, Ethan took the chance and swiftly snatched the gun from him. At the same time, he kicked his other hand that held the gun aimed at Victoria. Then, he followed with an elbow to Walter's stomach.Walter took several steps back, and his face contorted in pain. As he looked up, there was a glint in his eyes. He lunged at Ethan."Stop!" Sienna stood in front of Ethan and stared right into Walter's eyes.Walter glanced at her. When he shifted his gaze to Ethan, he clenched his fists so hard that his knuckles cracked. Eventually, he grudgingly lowered his fists."Get your men to keep their guns!" Sienna commanded domineeringly.Ashton couldn't understand what he was seeing.Walter liked Sienna, his godsister. However, Sienna appeared to be more interested in Ethan. Also, Ethan was truly a daredevil. To think he had the nerve to fight back against Walter!Ashton was suddenly at peace with himself.However, he didn't expect Ethan to
Victoria immediately understood what Sienna meant.She needed only to stand outside in the storm all night. Then, Sienna would turn a blind eye to them and help them keep their secrets. She might even help her for Ethan's sake.They were rivals in love. Ashton wouldn't think much of it even if Victoria stayed outside in the rain. He would only assume that Sienna was jealous.It was not that bad. So, Victoria replied, "I don't mind it at all!"Sienna thought such a storm would be Victoria's shortcoming. However, it could no longer threaten Victoria. She got up and turned to leave.Just then, Ethan stopped her. "No! It's raining cats and dogs outside, and there's also thunder. Not even the toughest man can endure that. Sienna, you shouldn't take this too far!""I'm taking this too far, you say? Which one of us is the one going overboard? Now, I deeply regret not letting Yvette come with us!"Yvette had lost all reason. If she were here, she would've bitten Victoria's head off with
"Why have you come?" Sienna asked. "Or maybe I should ask you what Victoria is here for?"Ethan was displeased. "Are you interrogating me?"Sienna sat beside him. It was evident that she was very dissatisfied with Victoria. "Doesn't she know what kind of person Ashton is? I don't believe she's ignorant of the danger."She's Benjamin's wife now, and it's not like he's incompetent. Why did she let you take the risk instead?"Ethan replied, "You know nothing about us. I'm doing this willingly, and what can you do about that? Given that I'm with her, I won't bat an eyelid even if she wants my life, let alone take a risk."Besides, she didn't ask me to do this. I was the one who asked her for a favor. Don't make assumptions when you don't know anything. And you don't get to intervene and judge whatever we do!"Sienna exclaimed, "Of course, I know how much you care about her. But can't you be more discreet about it when you're with me?"And you said you asked her for a favor? Walter 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