"Men are always the same. A changed heart means they just turn their back on you -cold as ice. Your engagement to Bennett is definitely over," Mrs. Walker said with a sigh.

"Then what do I do? If I can't marry into the Thompson family, I'll be the

laughingstock of our entire social circle!" Yolanda exclaimed, her eyes wide with indignation.

"Who said you can't marry into the wealthiest family? The Thompsons have more than one son, you know," Mrs. Walker said, stroking Yolanda's hair. Her expression turned cold and menacing.

Yolanda paused, then it dawned on her. Mrs. Walker was talking about Frank's illegitimate son.

Years ago, Frank had an affair that resulted in fraternal twins, a boy and a girl, who were five or six years older than Bennett.

Because the twins had always used their mother's surname and were never officially recognized by the Thompson family, they were rarely mentioned in high society. Everyone assumed Bennett was Frank's sole heir.

"You mean the illegitimate one? How could a bastard with no inheritance rights possibly be worthy of me?" Yolanda said disdainfully.

"He may be illegitimate, but he is still Frank's son. If you marry him, he'll have the support of the Walker family. The position of heir to the Thompson fortune isn't entirely out of his reach.

"Since Bennett doesn't want to marry you, we'll see to it that he becomes a cast-off of the Thompson family. Let's see how proud he is after he loses his inheritance for some tramp," Mrs. Walker sneered, the words hissing through her teeth.

Now that the Gonzalez, Spencer, and Rogers families had all fallen, Mr. Walker's own career advancement had stalled, leaving him with few allies. That illegitimate Gonzalez boy could be a very useful pawn.

"Your father has already met with Chasel Gonzalez. He may not be as handsome as Bennett, but he's tall and presentable. Besides, a man's looks aren't what matters. Your father says Chasel has ambition and capability. He has potential. If he were to inherit the Thompson Group, he would be a worthy match for you."

Mrs. Walker patted Yolanda's hand. "When you're discharged, your father will arrange a meeting. I expect you to get along with him."

"... Yes. I understand," Yolanda finally agreed, biting her lip.

...

After leaving the hospital, Bennett was driving back when he got a call from Yvonne.

"Is the mission over?" she asked.

"Yes. It's a shame I'm back but can't see you."

"I won't be back in Istra until next month..."

As Yvonne spoke, her assistant's voice cut in from the background, "Yvonne, the doctor looked at the you!!

Xays. It's a hairling fractur

need to be admitted. I'll go handle

the paperwork..."

Yvonne hadn't expected her assistant to interrupt and instinctively tried to cover the phone's microphone, but it was too late.

"You're injured?" Bennett's voice deepened.

"I fell from a wire rig during a scene. It was only about six feet, just a minor injury. It's nothing serious."

During a seene that day where her

character, Stella, jumps from a

rooftop in despair, a mistake by

the

props department caused Yvonne to

fall from her harness.

Fortunately, it was a short drop onto a grassy area, and she had only injured her foot.

Yvonne had sustained worse injuries during her police academy training, so she truly didn't think it was a big deal.

But to her surprise, Bennett was on a plane that very night.

Yvonne was hopping on one foot, her other in a cast, when she was suddenly lifted off the ground A pair of strong, steady arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her into a secure embrace.