But Frank stopped him again. "Wait a minute."

Bennett watched with a puzzled expression as Frank hurried out of the dining room and returned a moment later.

He was holding a jewelry box, which he handed to Bennett.

"This is passed down to the daughters-in-law of the Thompson family. Since you're going to marry that young woman, you should give this to her."

Bennett opened the box. Inside lay a bangle of the finest imperial green jade, so vibrant and clear it was practically priceless.

"I thought the Thompson family heirloom was that pair of gold-inlaid jade bracelets Grandmother has," Bennett remarked casually as he closed the box.

Frank explained, "That pair was part of your great-grandmother's dowry, used to fool your grandmother who didn't know any better. This bracelet was originally one of a pair. When your grandfather married your uncle's biological mother, he gave them to her. After she passed away, your grandfather kept them. When your uncle married, he gave one to your aunt. This one has always been with me."

Bennett nodded, offering a rare, “Thanks, Dad.”

"Just try not to make me angry so often, and I'll be thanking you. Now get out of my sight,” Frank said, waving his hand dismissively.

As Bennett walked out of the villa, he noticed Emma's car was still parked in the courtyard.

He strode over, and a side window slowly rolled down. Emma looked at him and said coolly, "Get in."

Bennett opened the door and sat beside her in the back seat.

The car started moving, pulling away from the Thompson estate.

"What did your father just say to you?” Emma asked.

"He said I upset you and gave me a harsh scolding."

Emma shot him a look of disbelief. "Don't think I don't know that you two are in this together."

"How could that be? I'm the one you risked your life to give birth to. You and I are on the same team," Bennett said.

His words visibly softened her expression, though she tried to maintain a stern face. "Don't try to sweet talk me: You rascal. You'll just be another son who forgets his mother once he gets a wife."

Bennett remained silent, clearly not wanting to engage with that topic.

But Emma wasn't finished. "I really don't see what's so great about that Yvonne. How long have you known her, and you're already talking about marriage? Do you trust her that much? What if she's only after your money?"

"Then she can have it. What's mine is hers,” Bennett replied without hesitation, as if

it were a matter of course.

Emma was left speechless, the anger draining out of her.

A brief silence fell over the car, so heavy that even the driver could feel the tension.

Seeing his mother's pained

expression, Bennett worried he might have, actually upset her health. He lowered his voice and said gently, "Mom Yvonne is marrying the She's the one be spending my life with. You don't have to dislike her so

much. If it bothers you, I have her stay away so she doesn't upset you."

Emma glared at him again. “Do you think I'm upset with her? I'm upset with you! You

treat that girl like she's a goddess. If she and I fell into a river at the same time..."

"I would save you, of course," Bennett cut in before she could finish. "Yvonne knows how to swim. She wouldn't drown."