Bennett's car had a smooth drive all the way to the estate, where he pulled into a designated parking spot.

When the estate manager and staff saw Bennett arrive, they immediately came forward to greet him respectfully.

"Young Master."

"Yes," Bennett acknowledged quietly, leading Yvonne into the estate.

"What do you feel like doing?" Bennett asked.

"I want to play golf." Yvonne was dressed in athletic wear today, with her hair in a high ponytail. She looked youthful and vibrant in the sun, just like a college student on her first day on campus.

Being with her, Bennett often felt like he was robbing the cradle.

Yvonne was skilled at horseback riding, swimming, and shooting—all things Bennett had taught her.

Her golf game wasn't bad either, but it was her weakest sport compared to the others. And the less skilled she was at something, the more she wanted to challenge herself.

"Alright," Bennett smiled warmly, leading her toward the golf course.

The estate manager followed closely behind them. Seeing them head for the course, he hesitated before saying, "Mr. Bennett Thompson, Mr. Taylor brought some friends over today. They're on the golf course right now."

Bennett frowned instinctively upon hearing this. He had brought Yvonne to the estate to relax, and of course, they would run into Thomas. Did the award-winning actor have nothing better to do?

"I see. Understood."

With one hand held by Bennett, Yvonne idly kicked at pebbles on the path with her sneaker. "It's fine," she said casually. "It's no fun with just the two of us anyway. The more, the merrier."

Bennett: "You enjoy Thomas's company that much?"

Yvonne: "What answer are you looking for?"

If she said yes, he'd probably have a fit.

As they spoke, they arrived at the golf course and saw a group of people playing on the green in the distance.

Thomas was wearing a polo shirt and dark trousers, looking every bit the part of a movie star.

Beside Thomas were his cousin, Dominic Taylor, and two young women— surprisingly, Caroline James and Letitia Bishop.

Yvonne stopped in her tracks, feeling an instinctive aversion to anyone from the James family.

"Since when did the Taylors and the Jameses start hanging out?"

"The Taylors and the Jameses are collaborating on a project recently," Bennett explained. "The James family offered very favorable terms so the Taylors are showing them some courtesy."

Even though he was in the military, nothing in Istra, whether it was business or company matters, escaped his notice.

Though the James family had fallen on hard times, they were still one of Istra's four great families. A starved camel is still bigger than a horse.

After considering all options for their latest project, the Taylors found that the James family was the most suitable partner.

Old Mr. James was a shrewd man. He conceded a lot on the deal, putting the Taylors in his debt.

Lately, Caroline and Letitia have been spending a lot of time with the Taylors. Old Mr. James is probably scheming for a marriage alliance again.

Unfortunately for him, no matter how well he played his cards, his plans were likely doomed to fail.

Thomas was the most outstanding Taylor of his generation. Any marriage alliance for him would have to be with an equal, and he certainly wouldn't look twice at the James family.

And while Dominic was known in their circle as a notorious playboy, he had high standards. He wasn't interested in the plain-looking was even less

Caroline, and he

interested in Letitia, who partied

harder than most men.

Lately, those two women from the James family had been pestering Dominic

constantly, and he was about to lose his mind.

Dominic swung his golf club with fierce energy, as if trying to vent all his frustration with the motion.

Caroline and Letitia seemed

oblivious, unable to read the room.

Letitia, in particular, was all smiles and flattery. "You're so good at this, Mr Taylor! You absolutely have to teach me..."