Since they held the press conference, Colette's top concern was that Victoria would expose her true background.Although Victoria didn't do so, Colette was still constantly worried. She couldn't relax for even a minute.She would envy Victoria whenever she thought about it.Why were Roman and Ginny Victoria's biological parents? Why were her parents lowly farmers who couldn't make ends meet?But now, Colette heaved a long sigh of relief.What Victoria did was ruthless. Clearly, she didn't plan to accept Roman and Ginny as her parents.Likewise, they would never accept her as their daughter under such circumstances.If so, it didn't matter whether or not Colette, in whom they placed all their hopes, was their biological daughter.Because they had no other choice.She promised, "Dad, Mom, don't be afraid. I'm all grown up now. I can take care of you both. I'll work harder after I enter the entertainment industry and give you all my income."After she said that, realization dawn
Sarah glanced at Benjamin and was shocked to see him. "Mr. Harper!"Benjamin's eyes darkened. "Mrs. Connor."Yves was dumbfounded. He looked from Sarah to Benjamin. "Ben, you know each other?"Benjamin hummed softly in acknowledgment. "She used to be the Warde family's butler, Mrs. Warde Senior's most trusted assistant. No wonder you can't get any information after so long."His calm gaze fell on Sarah. He signaled her to sit and went straight to the point. "You know why I've brought you to Danube City."I want to know what happened to Victoria when she lived with the Jamesons. If you don't tell me, I'll personally meet Mrs. Warde Senior to discover the truth."Sarah immediately said, "Don't ask Mrs. Warde Senior about that."Benjamin immediately understood. "Seems like she knows about it."She was rendered speechless. It was then she understood she was tricked. She sighed. "Who is Ms. Victoria to you?" she asked.He told her straightforwardly, "She'll soon be the Harper famil
Sitting on the lounger, Victoria soaked up the sun as she tasted the wine. She felt relaxed.At that moment, there was a beep, and the door opened. She was startled and looked back to see Benjamin standing by the door.She sat upright. "Benjamin!"She didn't tell him her password, did she? How did he know what her password was?Benjamin stood at the door and gazed at her, basking in the sun.She was in a set of milky white loungewear and didn't have makeup on. Her eyes were big and bright, filled with surprise and confusion. She looked so docile.His heart wrenched even more.Victoria noticed that something about him wasn't right. She walked toward him. "Benjamin, what's wrong? Did something happen?"Benjamin ruffled her hair.He had something to ask her so badly. During those seven years of being separated from her family, what had she gone through to have changed so much? But he kept it to himself.Victoria watched as his lips quivered. "Benjamin, is there anything you want
Nicole frowned and stopped arguing with Zachary. They exchanged a glance and had a sense of foreboding.Zachary was irritated. "What's he here for?"Nicole glowered. She was miffed, too. "How would I know? Did you stir up trouble again?""No, I didn't!"Reporters were hovering outside his house. He had attracted a lot of attention because of Colette. How would he have the courage to loiter about outside?Zachary felt upset and wronged at being blamed.As they were speaking, Benjamin and Yves walked in with Benjamin in the lead. Yves followed him like a puppy and was carrying a laptop.Nicole's expression switched to one full of smiles once she saw them. She greeted them warmly, "Why hadn't you called before visiting?"Benjamin didn't even spare her a glance. He walked past her and sat on the sofa. Couldn't be bothered with pleasantries, he went straight to the point. "The annulment fee."Nicole was stunned. She did her best to maintain smiling. "I don't think I'm following."
Nicole stopped Benjamin from leaving. "Do you have a say in that? Is it necessary to hold a meeting over something so trivial?"Benjamin let out a soft hum. "I do have a say in this, and it's necessary if I say it is." He sounded calm, as though he was just stating a fact.But what he said pissed her off. "Ben, you're singling us out of spite!""So what if I am?"Nicole's eyes widened, and her face contorted with anger. She was at a loss for words.Things were tense between them. Joseph looked from one to another and tried to make peace. "Zachary is still young. He doesn't know what he's doing. Please don't bother yourself over him, Ben."Indeed, he's not a good fit for Ms. Victoria. We'll annul the engagement and pay the compensation. But we can't pay the lump sum. It's too much for us."Benjamin glanced at him. "You can mortgage your immovable assets and stock bonds if you don't have enough cash. I believe it's not a problem for you. I want it by today."Nicole blew a fuse. "
In the spacious living room, Zachary tried his best to lower his presence. He even stifled his breath as he tried to slip away.After toppling over the table, Nicole was still seething. She turned to glare at her son just in time to see him edging outward carefully.She immediately lost her temper. "Zachary Harper, look at what you've done! Get back here!" she bellowed as veins bulged on her temple.Startled, Zachary tried to flee. But he chickened out when he sensed Nicole glaring at him dangerously.Nicole hissed, "Why do I have such a good-for-nothing like you as a son? You're not only incompetent, but you're also a mischief-maker. I spend most of my days cleaning up after you."What use is there in me racking my brains for your future when you behave in such a way? I can grovel and beg all I want, but you'll still fail me!" Her anger flared as she spoke. She stomped toward Zachary and prodded him on the arm. "Where were your hands when you needed them? Did I give birth to an
Yves watched as Joseph entered the house. He clicked his tongue. "Joseph adapts well to the situation and knows what to do. He's much smarter than Nicole."He was studying us just now when we were inside. Ben, do you think he has discovered something? I have the feeling that he has.""Nicole wouldn't have married a guy who's all brawn and no brain." Benjamin opened the car door as he continued, "It doesn't matter if he has found us out. What can he do about it?"Then, he got into the car and dismissed Joseph altogether."Well, that's true. He's married into the Harper family. You can deal with him if he's up to no good." Yves agreed. He opened the door to the driver's seat and hopped in.Benjamin said coldly, "Head back to Zion Estate.""Sure," said Yves. "Nicole won't cause much of a fuss on her own. But if she cooperates with your admirer's family, I'm afraid Mrs. B will be at a disadvantage."It had been peaceful these few years because you didn't have a girlfriend … However,
Victoria looked suspiciously at Benjamin. Then, she peered at the paper he placed on the table.Her eyes instantly lit up when she saw the words "Certificate of Title"."Benjamin …" she exclaimed. Her hands moved before she could think, and she picked it up.Grantee: Victoria JamesonOwnership Status: Sole ownershipLocation: 888 Dawn Street, Rivendell Apartment #1, Hammington, Youngville.Victoria skimmed through the details and noticed the gross building area. It was 4176.4 square feet.She was stunned by the sudden bliss and couldn't resist the smile forming on her lips. "Is this the house Zachary is giving me as compensation?"According to the market price, a house of that size was worth more than 100 million.As expected of the Harper family, they would dish out birthday gifts worth hundreds of millions.For the sake of this house, she would've given Nicole and Zachary leeway for the annulment fee. However, what they did was simply too despicable.She continued reading