"And is the Moore family's appetite any smaller?" Bennett shot back coldly.

For the past two years, Yolanda, parading around as the future Mrs. Thompson, had leveraged the family's name to drain at least nine figures from their various businesses. The Thompson family was wealthy enough not to notice, but that didn't mean Bennett was a fool.

"Yolanda is the family I've chosen. So what if she spends a little? It's pocket change for the Thompsons," Emma declared.

Bennett almost laughed at her blatant double standard. When Yolanda spent money, it was a trifle; when Yvonne did, it was naked ambition.

"I'll say it again: whoever chose her can marry her."

Seeing his unyielding stance, Emma felt a surge of anger. "What does that Yvonne possibly have that Yolanda doesn't? She is from a noble family, well-mannered, and completely devoted to you! You spoke so harshly to her at the hospital that she cried her eyes out. Yolanda's health is already fragile, and you insist on hurting her like this."

"Fragile health?" Bennett scoffed. "A stolen life always comes at a price."

"What do you mean, stolen? What are you talking about?" Emma asked, confused.

"Nothing," Bennett said, deftly flicking ash into the crystal ashtray. "What did you come here for?"

"Tomorrow is Christmas. If you're not busy, you should come home and spend it with your father and me..."

"I'm busy," Bennett cut her off before she could finish.

"Busy with what now?" Emma asked, annoyed.

"It's classified," he said, letting her assume it was military business.

Emma didn't press further, and Bennett offered no correction.

"You have to come back to the family estate with us for that, right?" she asked.

"Yes," Bennett agreed.

His grandfather had connections in

his military unit and knew his

né

schedule down to the day. If he didnt show up after the holidays,

there would be no explaining it away.

Emma had come to discuss the holiday plans, and now that they were settled, Bennett reached for his phone to call her driver.

"It's getting late. If there's nothing else, you should head back."

He picked up his phone, but before he could dial, Emma shot up from the sofa and strode quickly toward the bedroom.

Bennett was on his feet in an instant. With his long legs, he easily intercepted her, blocking her path.

"You said you aren't living together. What are you so afraid of me seeing?" she challenged, glaring at him.

Bennett flicked his cigarette. "I'm afraid will clash," he said yout with a low chuckle. "And if I defend her, you'll just accuse me of being an unfilial son again."

ét

"What kind of spell has she put on you!" Emma snapped, then turned on her heel and stormed out, slamming the door with a

resounding bang.

Bennett took out his phone and called Emma's driver, only hanging up after he confirmed his mother was safely in the car.

He stubbed out his cigarette and walked into the master bedroom.

Yvonne was curled up on the sofa by the window, reading a script. When Bennett came in, she asked casually, "Is your mother gone?"

"Yes," Bennett said, walking over to the sofa and bending down to embrace her.