Victoria tossed her phone toward Ashton, raising an eyebrow.Ashton, reading threats in every subtle expression of hers, tensed up. He grabbed the phone without hesitation. But even this slight movement sent a jolt of pain through his bandaged face, prompting a pained groan.Victoria frowned.In an instant, the room felt heavy to Ashton.Trembling and stuttering, Ashton explained, "I—I'm in too—too—too much pain." He didn't mean to.Victoria glanced at Wendy. "Give him some painkillers."As her words settled, she pointed at Ashton. "Make a single strange sound during your calls, and I'll ensure you endure five thousand cuts. Should your flesh prove insufficient, I'll strip your bones bare."Looking at Victoria's cold, expressionless face, Ashton shuddered. His mind went blank. "What should I, uh, say?"Victoria thought for a while and said, "Okay, spill it like this: tell them you got your hands on Celestria's latest military layout from the Campbell family crew. "During
Victoria observed Wendy, her confidence and excitement apparent. "So, are you and Ms. Frost part of the Hughes family?""Well, in a way. Ms. Frost technically belongs to the Hughes family, but I'm more like a part of the Hughes clan. "Jackalyn nearly killed you. Ms. Frost and I have been itching to settle the score with her. With you heading back to Youngville to sort out Mr. Harper, how can Ms. Frost and I feel at ease? We need to stick with you. "Initially, we thought you'd handle Mr. Harper's issues in Youngville before joining us at the Hughes clan. Little did we know, it turned out to be an imposter at play. Now that Mr. Harper is also at the Hughes clan, we can go together. "When it comes to using our brains, we need someone like you, Victoria!"Victoria's eyes lit up, and she eagerly asked, "Does Ms. Frost know how to get to the Hughes Mansion? Can she break through that enchanted barrier?""Well, I'm not entirely sure. You might want to ask Ms. Frost for the details.
Benjamin was in the Hughes clan.According to the rules of the clan, he would have to either marry one of the daughters from a prestigious family or the Holy Maiden. He would then be forced to stay with the clan.Benjamin had forgotten Victoria again. Wendy wanted to tell Louis to wait awhile more.However, the words were stuck in her throat.Wendy didn't know when they would return or if they would be able to return from their trip to the Hughes clan.Not to mention, Victoria was stubborn. She was adamant about being with Benjamin, the man who had forgotten about her completely.Victoria had never given Louis a chance. Louis also had a girlfriend now. Wendy gave it some thought and believed it was not a good idea to make Louis wait.…After Victoria took a bath, she got out and saw Wendy waiting by the door.Wendy heard the sound of the bathroom door opening. She turned to look at Victoria and smiled widely.Victoria pushed Wendy's face away and asked, "Is Ms. Frost in her r
Victoria was reminded of her dreams as she listened to Lena.Her sixth sense was still as accurate as ever.Victoria frowned and moved a chair to sit opposite Lena.Victoria's eyes flared up as she said, "Ms. Frost, do you have a way to break through all the barriers?"Lena's hands were on her knees as she leaned toward Victoria. "I can break through all the barriers. However, Vicky, you aren't part of the Hughes clan."According to the rule, you can choose a partner to marry once you join the clan. You won't be able to leave the clan even if you decide on marriage."You need to think things through. You can't enter and leave that place as you wish!"Wendy gave some advice. "Victoria, why don't you just choose a man from the Hughes clan to be your husband?"The men in our clan are all handsome. They are talented in literacy and martial arts. They aren't inferior to Benjamin."You and Benjamin are perfect together, but you two aren't fated to be. You—"Victoria looked at Wendy
Louis pointed at the cup in Victoria's hand. He took it and placed it on the coffee table.He took a few moments to collect himself before turning to face Victoria."How long will you be away for? When will you return? Will I be able to contact you?"Victoria remembered Lena's words and said, "I'm not sure. I think I'll be away for quite long."It won't be very convenient for you to contact me. I wonder if I'll be able to return before your wedding."Louis' expression immediately turned somber."Are you going to look for Benjamin? Vivi, when something happened to you last time, I—I was worried and anxious in Youngville. I want to go with you and protect you.""What about Megan? You have a girlfriend. I'll try my best to—"Victoria wanted to say she would try her best to return before his wedding.However, Louis interrupted her. "I've already broken up with her. I can make arrangements for the company. I don't have anything holding me back.""You broke up with Megan? When?""
"Mr. Harper Junior is inside."They had reached the third floor. Quinton walked first and pointed at a dimmed corner. There was a door hidden there.Victoria frowned. "Did Ashton arrange for him to stay there? Why haven't you changed a room for him after?"Isaac was the head of the Harper family. He did not used to stay there before.Ashton must have arranged for him to be locked up in such a place.However, Ashton's identity had already been exposed.Although Victoria did not care much for Isaac, he was still Benjamin's grandfather."No one mentioned it. I'm just a subordinate—"Victoria's gaze caused Quinton to purse his lips and keep quiet.Victoria's gaze was sharp. Quinton said honestly, "The Harper family is nothing without Mr. Harper."The downfall of the Harper family is all because of Mr. Harper Junior. He caused his own demise and dragged Mr. Harper down with him.""So, you did it on purpose? You wanted to use Ashton and cause the demise of the Harper family. Does
"What? She wants to hand the Harper Corporation over to Louis Langley? Did I mishear?""I don't agree. I disagree completely. Do we not have other people in the family? Do we need an outsider to tell us what to do?""I disagree too!"Victoria slowly descended the stairs amidst their protests."Disagree? What do you disagree with?"Victoria pretended to act dumb. Her voice was cold and terrifying.Everyone stopped talking and turned to look at her.Nicole stood in the middle of the crowd and began to add fuel to the flames."Six months ago, Victoria and Benjamin went to complete a task on behalf of the Harpers' security team. Victoria returned in one piece, yet Benjamin was nowhere to be found."She also sent my father and my brother to jail. Now, she wants Louis to manage the Harper family."How can there be so many coincidences? This must be a ploy!"Nicole looked at Victoria. "Did you kill Benjamin? Since the beginning, you have been approaching Benjamin with different int
Joseph's panic increased tenfold.He immediately sat on the photos in hopes of covering them up. However, he was too late.Joseph felt a shadow shrouding over him. He looked up to see Nicole picking up a photo he didn't manage to sit on.Nicole picked up the photo with shaky hands. Her complexion paled.Joseph was extremely familiar with the expression on Nicole's face. It was the expression she would have before an outburst.Joseph's face was ashen as he pleaded with despair, "Nicole!""Shut up!"Nicole did not show any mercy as she slapped the photo onto his face. She then slapped him in front of everybody."What is this? Who is that woman? Who is that child?"You motherfucker. You already use my money for everything. How dare you use my money to raise another family. Do you want to die?"Nicole's expression was full of fury as she aimed to kick Joseph's crotch.Joseph narrowed his eyes. After being a bodyguard for most of his life, he reacted immediately.He used his han
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