Dana couldn't help but sigh. Emma had always been proud and arrogant; she clearly didn't approve of the young woman Bennett had brought home. Their future relationship as a family was bound to be difficult.

Bennett would be caught between his mother and his wife, and his life would likely

not be easy.

Yvonne bid a polite farewell to Dana, Emma, and Karina.

Aside from Dana, the others barely acknowledged her, but Yvonne didn't let it bother

her.

Bennett held Yvonne's hand as they walked out of the Thompson residence together.

His car was parked just outside the courtyard. He walked to the passenger side, opened the door, and helped Yvonne in before getting into the driver's seat himself.

"Where to?" Bennett asked, one hand on the steering wheel as he turned to look at her.

"Aren't we going back to Cherry Bay?" Yvonne asked, confused.

"It's still early. Let's go on a date. If we go home now, I can't guarantee what I might do to you," he said, leaning closer.

Yvonne thought he was going to buckle her seatbelt, but instead, his lips pressed down on hers.

The military residential compound was sparsely populated, and hardly anyone ever passed by this area.

Yvonne let him kiss her, even cooperating by slowly wrapping her arms around his neck.

Her willing response made Bennett lose some of his control. The kiss deepened, growing more intense as their breaths mingled, and the temperature inside the car seemed to skyrocket.

Just as they were lost in the moment, someone tapped sharply on the driver's side window.

Yvonne, who was usually fearless, jumped like a startled rabbit and buried her face in Bennett's chest.

Bennett gently patted her head before turning to look out the window.

Emma was standing there, her cold eyes meeting his.

Bennett frowned slightly, said a few words to Yvonne, and then opened the door and got out.

The door closed behind him. Bennett leaned his back against it, his eyes narrowed as he looked at Emma.

"Did you have to do that right at the gate? Are you that desperate?" Emma scolded, her face stern.

Bennett was unfazed, casually tucking one hand into his pocket. "Did you come all the way out here just to watch us?"

"Do I have that much free time?"

Emma glared at him. "Next week your godmother Mrs. Zade is back from abroad. She's invited me catch up, and you're coming with me"

"I'm busy at the base. I might not have time," Bennett replied.

"Then make time. Mrs. Zade was so good to you when you were little and she's your godmother. She's been abroad for years and is finally back for a visit. would be rude for you to avoid her."

Emma gave him another sharp look.

Bennett nodded, a hint of impatience in his expression. "I know. Just let me know

the time in advance."

With that, he turned, opened the car door, and got back in.

He started the engine and drove away, right past Emma.

Her face remained cold as she watched the car disappear down the road.

...

Meanwhile.

Eden and Yolanda had taken Mrs. Thompson Sr. back to the nursing home.

The old woman had undergone heart surgery not long ago. Though she had been discharged, her health was deteriorating, and no one knew how much longer she had

After leaving the hospital, she had been living in the nursing home, where medical

staff were readily available.

As soon as she returned, a doctor examined her.