Yvette bit her lip in frustration, and a wicked glint appeared in her eyes.Then, she laughed sinisterly before unveiling an even more vicious plan."I'm okay with you being in a relationship with Victoria. But if you choose to be with her, I'll become a laughingstock again, especially to my uncles, aunts, and cousins."Can you arrange for me to work at the Harper Corporation's finance department? Since you don't understand how a company operates, I can help you. Let's join forces and then transfer their assets."Victoria ruined my reputation before, and I became a subject of ridicule. I want to give her a taste of her own medicine and ensure she repays a thousandfold! My request isn't too much, right?""Does the Harper Corporation have a lot of money?"Yvette replied, "I don't know the exact amount. But besides the Harper Corporation, Benjamin also has stocks and funds from many highly successful companies."He has countless houses, too. So, he probably has several hundreds of
After Yves hung up, he made a retching gesture.Then, he looked at Victoria and said angrily, "Ben would never say those cheesy lines. Did he think he was in a drama?"He's disgusting! How could I not have noticed this before? He has completely ruined Ben's image!"Victoria gazed at Yves, asking, "Did Benjamin really transfer the shares of the Harper Corporation to me? I have no recollection of that at all.""It should be during the time he asked Quinton to restructure his assets. You truly don't remember it?"But didn't you sign the documents? I saw them, and it is your signature."Victoria thought about it momentarily before replying, "Benjamin had Quinton investigate his assets and then made a list for me. A few days later, he asked me to sign some papers."I think I had something on my mind at that time, but I can't remember what exactly. Benjamin asked me to sign, so I did without paying much attention."Yves answered, "Well, that must be it. I can't believe Ben didn't tel
It was May, and the weather in Youngville was gradually turning warm.Victoria paired a white T-shirt with snug jeans, outlining her attractive curves. She wore canvas shoes and tied her long hair in a ponytail.Her exquisite features gave off a lively vibe that would make hearts flutter.Aston was momentarily stunned by her beauty. In the next second, a sly smile appeared while his eyes lit up.Soon, he noticed Wendy, who was behind Victoria. The smile on his face deepened, revealing a more malicious motive.Although Wendy was not quite on par with Victoria, Ashton thought she wasn't too bad. Since she had presented herself, he was determined not to let any of them slip between his fingers.Ashton rose to his feet. He looked cold and dignified, like a true gentleman, and approached Victoria."I've heard about our matter from Yves. I-I've forgotten everything. But since we've registered our marriage, I'll take responsibility for you."I can also sense that you're important to m
Ashton stared at the opened suitcase.With her clothes in her hand, Victoria was ready to shower. At the sight of that, his face flushed with excitement.He was confident that for such a beautiful young woman, her body was as captivating as her face. Otherwise, why would Benjamin be enchanted?Ashton had already planned how to make Victoria kneel before him, begging for mercy in the bathroom.He gulped and felt a rush of excitement in his veins.Ashton approached Victoria before asking, "Shall we shower together?"Victoria cocked an eyebrow and glanced at him. She was familiar with that kind of unabashed gaze.An indescribable discomfort welled up inside her. Victoria wanted to beat him up.If it were Benjamin, she would not feel this way."No!" Victoria snapped, pushing Ashton away.He furrowed his brows but refused to give up. Ashton hurriedly blocked her from walking further."Is it because you think the scars on your body are hideous? I heard from Yves that you suffered
"What did you say?" Victoria questioned with a frown.Her expression had turned cold, too.The fact that a man who disrespected women looked exactly like Benjamin was an insult to him.Victoria thought of all the things Ashton had done in Benjamin's name. In an instant, her frown deepened, and her gaze turned cold with a hint of hostility.She wanted to peel the skin off Ashton's face."It's normal for a man to have multiple women at the same time, huh? Benjamin Harper, what are you trying to tell me?"This isn't what you used to say! You claimed that I was the only woman in your life!"Victoria's voice was icy, and the menacing glint in her eyes made Ashton feel uneasy.For a moment, he did not know what to say.Victoria stared at Ashton, who was now visibly afraid. Then, she pointed at his nose and warned, "If you dare to entertain any twisted thoughts, I'll ruin you."Her hand slowly moved downward as she spoke, landing between his legs.Ashton shuddered and instinctively
Victoria looked at Ashton. "I believe you. But I almost lost my life for you and your family, yet you left me behind and celebrated Yvette's birthday so grandly."You even announced your engagement with her. Do you think you can just get away with it?"Until my anger wears off, that bed over there is yours."Victoria pointed to the bed on the floor."And you better not touch me!"Ashton promised. "Okay, okay. I promise not to touch you until you calm down."He sighed. "The thing between me and Yvette is not what you think. She stayed by my side to take care of me even after I woke up from a coma."I don't have feelings for her. Before I met you, all women were the same to me."I just wanted to repay her kindness. I promised to make her the lady of the Harper family, but I no longer can do that."Still, she has been kind to me, and I can't forget that. I can only find another way."Ashton looked at Victoria sincerely. "I plan to bring her into the company and let her choose an
Victoria looked at the two items in her hands with a slight curve of her lips. She smiled contentedly and then walked out the door.Wendy was sitting on the living room sofa. She was engrossed in watching TV. Upon hearing the door open, she leaped off the couch and rushed toward Victoria."Victoria, what happened last night? You weren't taken advantage of, were you?"Victoria felt speechless and gestured toward the room. "When have I ever been taken advantage of? See for yourself."Ashton's bed from the night before remained untouched.Wendy chuckled. "You let him off easy. You should have made him sleep in the living room."Victoria adjusted her shoulder bag. "Louis is done arranging everything. Let's go."Wendy drove the two of them to a private research institute, where Louis was already waiting.Victoria handed the hair strand and toothbrush to the professionals."How long until we get the results?""For safety, we'll do several comparisons repeatedly. It will take about
Victoria spent some time playing with Ciel and Selene before it was time for lunch.The two little ones mentioned being hungry.Louis and Simon were still engrossed in their discussion. Their faces were lit up with enthusiasm. They were obviously having a great time chatting.The collaboration was basically formalized."Let them chat. We can find a place to eat. Afterwards, we can go shopping."Uncle Simon said he will foot the bill. We must take advantage of this opportunity."Tilly, with a smirk on her lips, linked her arm with Victoria's.Victoria, observing Tilly's happiness, playfully poked her cheek. "Love has done wonders for you. Your complexion has improved, unlike the dull days before.""Vicky, all you do is tease me."Victoria shook her head. She held a serious face."No, I'm genuinely happy for you, Tilly. I hope you stay this happy always. That way, I can have peace of mind."If you wear a gloomy face all the time, it worries me. It's not good for Ciel and Selen
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