Benson

Chapter 17 Leaving the Estate

Benson pulled out his phone from his pocket. The caller ID made him pause momentarily before he stopped tormenting Yvonne and answered the call. His voice turned soft and gentle, a stark contrast to his previous harshness. “Yes?”

A frantic voice came through the phone: “Benson, Miss Yvonne canceled my endorsement deal ”

Benson’s brows furrowed slightly. He looked at Yvonne, noting the possible bite marks he might have left on her shoulder, unsure if they were bleeding

Yvonne, fueled by anger and determination, didn’t care anymore. If he was going to break his word, she would push his buttons.

She leaned closer to the phone and said loudly and firmly, “Yes, I canceled your endorsement!”

Benson’s expression remained calm, as if unaffected by Yvonne’s intentional outburst.

His eyes, like a gentle breeze skimming over a lake, briefly glanced at Yvonne’s outstretched hand before returning to the call.

With a faint smile, he asked Mary on the other end, “Do you still want to continue the endorsement?”

Mary’s voice, soft like a whisper in the night, hesitated before she answered, “No, I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”

Her words, filled with consideration and understanding, made her seem like a noble lady, full of grace and gentle care. In comparison, Yvonne felt her actions had been somewhat impulsive and petty, like a jealous lover.

Yvonne couldn’t help but laugh at herself, silently admiring Mary’s high–level finesse. This was their second confrontation.

The first encounter had been at an auction. Yvonne was trying to discuss divorce with Benson, but he didn’t show up, ruining her plan

Late that night, Benson still hadn’t returned. Unease filled Yvonne, and she called Benson

Mary’s voice broke the night’s silence: “Hello, I’m sorry, Mr. Benson is currently unavailable. I’ll let him know you called as soon as possible.”

Mary’s tone was polite and professional, not like a mistress but more like a secretary. However, in the dead of night, Benson’s unavailability stirred suspicions in Yvonne.

Her mind involuntarily conjured up possible scenarios: Denson might be in the shower, or he might be lying next to Mary, lost in sleep. Either image filled Yvonne with discomfort and unease,

She couldn’t stop her thoughts, imagining the intimate moments between Benson and Mary, feeling a deep sense of betrayal.

Yvonne lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep all night,

On the other end, Mary might have been waiting for Benson’s promise, and Benson did not disappoint her.

His voice was firm and decisive, telling Mary, “I’ll handle the endorsement matter. That’s it.” He hung up.

Benson turned his gaze to Yvonne, a hint of tenderness mixed with his usual confidence in his eyes.

Yvonne, trying to break free from Benson’s grip, looked angry and defiant. But her efforts seemed futile against his strength

Benson, clearly in a good mood, didn’t care about Yvonne’s anger. Instead, he gently warned her, “Adjust your attitude quickly. Next time you misbehave, I might not be this patient.”

With that, he gently patted Yvonne’s head, as if soothing a disobedient pet, then turned and left.

Yvonne’s fury nearly consumed her. She shouted at Benson’s retreating back, “Benson, dream on! I don’t want the brooch!”

Her voice echoed in the empty room, full of resolve and defiance.

Yvonne’s departure was a silent break. She took all her daily belongings from the Taylor estate, Victoria, who had once given her warmth and care, stood quietly aside, not stopping her, her eyes filled with reluctance and worry.

Victoria gently reminded Yvonne to take good care of herself and promised to visit her.

Yvonne felt a warm wave in her heart and simply replied, “Okay,” before turning and leaving what she once called home

Her steps were firm and swift, without looking back or saying much, She didn’t want Victoria to loow how irreparably her relationship with Benson had deteriorated.

She knew revealing the truth would only bring more worry and pain to Victoria. So, she chose silence, bearing it all alone.

Back home, Yvonne’s world seemed even quieter. Her phone suddenly vibrated, displaying a news alert about Benson and Mary moving in together.

Yvonne stared at the screen for a moment, then chose to ignore it. She didn’t want to let these messages affect her mood or let Benson and Mary’s relationship trouble her thoughts again.

Mary gently opened the door and walked into the room, her gaze falling on Benson, who was focused on his phone, expressionless, unaware of Mary’s

presence.

Mary walked further in, but her presence didn’t seem to catch Benson’s attention. He didn’t even look up at her.

Finally, Benson put down his phone, turned to Mary, and asked calmly, “Where’s the brooch?”

Mary replied that it was still in her studio. Benson’s request caught her off guard.

Benson tilted his head, his eyes cold and emotionless. He ordered, “Give it to George in an hour.”

Mary could only agree, feeling a surge of unease.

Benson got up and headed to the door. Just before leaving, he turned and sternly reminded Mary, “I told you, except for that matter, don’t call my personal phone. Contact George if you need something.”

Mary froze for a moment, nodded, and replied, “Okay.”

As Benson’s figure disappeared out the door, Mary closed the door and collapsed onto the sofa, her strength seemingly drained.

In that brief moment, Mary had accidentally seen Benson’s phone. It was on the contact screen of Yvonne

Was he starting to care about Yvonne?

Was he planning to stop searching for the girl who saved him all those years ago?