They had never approved of Darcy, the scoundrel. Fortunately, the Rogers family had fallen, and their daughter had been spared.

Now, Steven was the confirmed heir to the Hughes family—a successful, young, and promising member of the elite, a perfect match for their daughter.

But Jerome's daughter had inherited her father's genes: no amount of makeup could make her beautiful. On top of that, she had a reputation for bringing bad luck to her fiancés' families, so the Hughes family wouldn't even consider her.

Yet, Jerome and his wife were utterly clueless, their foolishness almost laughable.

Marcia and Joshua had been watching the scene unfold from the sidelines. Joshua, holding a cigarette, couldn't help but chuckle.

"What are you laughing at?" Jerome asked with a scowl.

"Nothing. Just thought of something funny," Joshua replied dismissively, stubbing out his cigarette in the ashtray.

Jerome ignored him and turned back to Yvonne. “Yvonne, I'm warning you. If you dare to steal her engagement, I will never forgive you."

"I'm curious. How exactly do you plan on not forgiving her?" A deep, cool voice cut in from the doorway.

Everyone in the room turned to look. The heir of the Thompson family was standing at the entrance, one hand in his pocket, leaning against the wall.

His dark, piercing eyes scanned the room.

"Mr. Bennett Thompson," Jerome stammered, his voice trembling under that intense gaze.

Joshua and Marcia had already stood up. "Mr. Bennett Thompson, what brings you here?"

Bennett paid them no mind, his eyes fixed solely on Yvonne.

Yvonne blinked her beautiful eyes at him. “Didn't I tell you to wait in the car? What are you doing up here?"

"I came to see Mr. James Sr.,” Bennett replied. He walked in, naturally took Yvonne's hand, and led her toward the inner room.

Mr. James Sr., who had just calmed down and was looking over some documents, was stunned to see Bennett walk in holding Yvonne's hand.

“Mr. James Sr.,” Bennett said politely, though his expression remained distant and superior.

"Bennett, you're here! Please, have a seat," Mr. James Sr. said, immediately putting down his documents and trying to get out of bed.

"Yvonne told me you were in the hospital, so I came to visit," Bennett said, though he didn't sit down.

“Just the usual old-age problems," Mr. James Sr. replied with a chuckle, his gaze repeatedly drifting to Bennett and Yvonne's joined hands.

"I attended the Thompson family's project bidding event last time and even had a nice chat with your father."

"Is that so? I don't pay much

attention to business matters,”

Bennett said, before abruptly

changing the subject. "However

าวเ

did hear recently that the Janes and Hughes families are considering a marriage alliance. Is it between Mr. Hughes and your eldest

granddaughter? Don't forget to invite me for a celebratory drink."

Mr. James Sr. was a sharp man and immediately understood the meaning behind Bennett's words.

"A misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding. Mr. Hughes Sr. and I were just talking casually. Nothing has been decided."

"Oh, I see," Bennett said with a nod and a smile. He then turned to Yvonne his tone softening

instinctively Are you hung od

Let's

go get something to eat."

"Mmm," Yvonne nodded obediently.

Bennett gently stroked her head, then turned back to Mr. James S "Mr. James Sr., please take care of yourself. We'll visit again another day"

Mr. James Sr. smiled and nodded. "I understand. Go on your date."

Bennett gave a courteous nod to them before leading Yvonne out of the room.