She had heard that Karina had suffered severe hemorrhaging during childbirth, making it difficult for her to have more children. As a result, they had only one daughter, whom they cherished like a precious gem.

"Bennett, you're here! I made your favorite scallops in savory sauce and the signature seafood bisque today. You..." Karina came out of the kitchen, her face wreathed in smiles, but her smile froze when she saw Yvonne.

"Karina," Bennett greeted her with his usual calm demeanor, then added, "This is Yvonne. You've met her before. My girlfriend."

"Huh? G-girlfriend?" Karina's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. After a moment, she immediately turned to find her phone.

"Mrs. Thompson," Yvonne said, addressing Karina more formally instead of using her first name like Bennett did.

However, Karina ignored her, frantically picking up her phone. Just as she was about to dial, the sound of the front door opening filled the air.

Noah was back, and with him was Yolanda.

The Thompson and Walker families had long intended to unite through marriage, and Karina was very close with her future sister-in-law, Yolanda.

With Bennett and Yolanda's recent falling out, Yolanda had been heartbroken and had tearfully confided in Karina several times.

Karina, unaware of the situation between Bennett and Yvonne, had assumed it was just a lovers' quarrel. She had taken it upon herself to invite Bennett over, hoping to act as a peacemaker and help them reconcile.

She never expected Bennett to show up, and not alone, but with a new woman on his arm.

In a panic, Karina had tried to call Noah to tell him not to bring Yolanda over, but it was too late. Before she could even dial, Noah had already walked in with Yolanda.

At that moment, the air in the room seemed to crackle with awkwardness.

Only the family's nanny was oblivious, bustling over to get slippers from the cabinet and offering them to Yolanda. "Ms. Walker, you're here! Madam has been talking about you all day. She even made a few of your favorite dishes."

Yolanda stood frozen, not changing her shoes. Her eyes were wide as she stared at Bennett and, next to him, Yvonne.

Noah hadn't expected the situation to turn out like this either. He sighed in resignation but still invited Yolanda inside.

Telling Yolanda to leave now would be a grave insult to the Walker family. But if he asked Yvonne to leave, Bennett would undoubtedly walk out with her.

Karina quickly recovered and came over with a smile, taking Yolanda's hand. "Yolanda, you're here! I've finished cooking most of the

dishes I was just waiting for you to help me make the ravioli."

Karina pulled Yolanda straight into the kitchen.

Noah changed his shoes, walked into the living room, and sat down opposite Bennett and Yvonne.

"Ms. Jones, long time no see," Noah said, nodding politely to Yvonne, his tone neutral.

"Mr. Thompson," Yvonne responded just as politely, then said no more.

"You should have told me you were bringing a friend over would have had Karina make a fewě dishes,

just in case today's meal isn'tto Ms. Jones' taste."

Noah picked up his teacup and took a sip as he spoke.

"You also failed to mention you had invited others," Bennett replied, his deep eyes

narrowed, revealing little emotion.

But Noah knew he was annoyed.

Noah instinctively glanced at Yvonne, who was sitting beside Bennett.

A young and beautiful girl. Perhaps a

bit cunning, but that was all. There was nothing particularly special about her How had

r How had shễ suddenly

gotten involved with Bennett, charming him so completely that he was willing to call off the

engagement with the Walker family?