"It wasn't on my way. The driver will bring her," Bennett replied casually, taking a seat opposite Frank.

As soon as he finished speaking, the faint sound of a car engine drifted in from the courtyard. A moment later, Emma walked in.

She entered the hall without so much as a glance at Frank, her eyes fixed on Bennett. "If you wanted to see me, why didn't you come to my apartment? Why meet at the Thompson estate?"

Bennett raised an eyebrow and shot a look at Frank.

It seemed Frank would say anything to trick his wife into coming home.

Bennett didn't expose the lie. Instead, he said calmly, "There's something I need to discuss with you both."

“What is it?” Emma asked, her posture suggesting she wanted to get this over with and leave.

"Emma, since you're here, let's eat first. We can talk over dinner," Frank said eagerly.

Emma ignored him completely, treating him like he was invisible.

Seeing this, Bennett spoke up. "I'm hungry too. Let's eat first."

He stood up and led the way to the dining room.

The long dining table was laden with a magnificent feast, featuring delicacies from land, air, and sea.

Frank even had the butler open a bottle of vintage wine from the cellar.

Bennett swirled the wine in his glass, savoring it slowly.

Frank rarely brought out the good wine from his cellar; today was a rare exception.

Emma felt uncomfortable just sitting at the same table as Frank. She looked at Bennett impatiently. "What is it you need to tell us?"

Bennett took another sip of his wine before answering, "Yvonne and I are planning to get our marriage license."

Emma's eyes widened in shock. "Why the sudden decision to get married? You're always so impulsive."

"Bennett, getting a license means you'll be legally married. That has all sorts of implications. You need to think this through," Frank added.

For once, Emma and Frank were on the same side, both clearly disapproving.

Who Bennett dated was one thing, but marriage was a far more serious matter.

Bennett finished his wine, set the glass down, and picked up his silverware. As he began to eat, he continued in a placid tone, "I'm not asking for your opinion. I'm O

informing you."

"If you've already made up your mind, why even tell us? Does our opposition matter?” Emma snapped, slamming her utensils down.

"Of course Thad to tell you. Yvonne's career is on the rise right now, sowe can't have a wedding ceremony just yet. But once we're licensed, we'll be husband and wife. You'll have to provide a dowry, won't you?"

Bennett stated it as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"You're demanding a dowry from us on her behalf!" Emma exclaimed, clutching her chest in anger.

Frank immediately shot up from his seat and rushed to her side. “Emma, your health is fragile. Please don't get agitated. Let's just talk to our son calmly."

Emma impatiently pushed him away. "Look at this wonderful son you raised! He's

not even married yet, and he's already siding with an outsider.”

"Yes, yes, it's all my fault. I didn't

raise him right," Frank said, trying to soothe her before turning to glare at Bennett "Apologize to your mother, now."

"Mom, I'm sorry," Bennett said, his tone devoid of sincerity.