Chapter 3 A Bolt from the Blue

Yvonne had just closed the car door when her phone rang urgently. The screen displayed the name of Benson’s mother, Victoria. She answered the call, and Victoria’s voice was noticeably anxious: “Yvonne, please come back to the estate immediately. There’s an emergency that needs your attention.” Yvonne’s heart tightened. She knew Victoria wasn’t the type to panic easily; something serious must have happened. Without asking further, Yvonne agreed, “Alright, Mom. I’ll come right away.” After hanging up, Yvonne gazed out the window, her thoughts scattered like clouds in the wind, unable to gather. Benson hurried towards the car, his steps a bit frantic, as if eager to explain something or to salvage the situation. However, Yvonne’s heart was calm and resolute. Her determination was as firm as a rock. Under the spotlight of the Benson family, Yvonne and Benson’s marriage had always been seen as a model of harmony by outsiders. They attended various social events together, always appearing as a loving couple. Yet, beneath this glamorous facade, Yvonne felt deep loneliness and helplessness. She knew this marriage was long dead, and the distance between her and Benson was not just physical but emotional. At this moment, sitting in the car, Yvonne felt a sense of peace and determination. She was no longer trapped by the facade of their marriage, nor was she considering Benson’s reputation. She realized that for her own happiness and dignity, she had to make a decision. The thought of divorce had been in her mind for a long time, and today, it had become unshakable. Benson stood outside the car, his brows furrowed, seeing Yvonne neither getting out nor lowering the window. He impatiently motioned for Yvonne to get out. “You have the driver take you separately. I’ll drive myself,” Yvonne’s voice was calm and unruffled. Benson lowered his voice: “You can’t make my mom upset. She’s not been well lately. If we don’t go together, she’ll definitely notice something’s wrong.” Yvonne didn’t answer, but her inner voice was clear and firm: “Even if there’s a problem, it’s something you caused. It has nothing to do with me.” Just as Yvonne was about to start the car, the engine noise about to break the silence, Benson suddenly spoke: “Don’t you want the brooch?” His words were like a key, instantly unlocking a corner of Yvonne’s heart. She felt a surge of complex emotions and hesitated for a few seconds before deciding to compromise. She got out of her car and into Benson’s car. They sat side by side in the back seat, yet it felt as if mountains and rivers separated them. The car slowly drove towards the estate, filled with a stifling silence. Once, Yvonne looked forward to every reunion, every journey together. Now, only awkwardness and distance remained. An hour later, the car slowly drove into the estate, the lights looking particularly warm and dignified in the night. Benson got out and gracefully adjusted his suit, his movements calm and powerful, as if preparing for the upcoming performance. His eyes showed determination and anticipation, as if he already knew what was going to happen. He reached out and took Yvonne’s hand. At that moment, Yvonne’s body involuntarily trembled. She instinctively wanted to shake off Benson’s hand, but his grip was like iron, unyielding despite her efforts. Yvonne gave a helpless smile and softly said, “Your mother is smart enough to see through our act of happiness. I’ll help you get through this, but then you give me the brooch.” Benson’s gaze lingered on Yvonne’s face for a moment. He didn’t believe she would really divorce him. Yvonne took his silence as consent. They entered the living room together, and Victoria immediately noticed their joined hands. She gave Yvonne a warm smile. Then she turned to Benson, her eyes filled with reproach, her tone stern: “Your father is waiting upstairs. Go quickly.” She held Yvonne’s hand, leading her aside and softly comforting her: “Yvonne, whatever trouble Benson has caused, Mom apologizes to you.” Aside from Benson, everyone in his family had always treated Yvonne well. “I know you’re sad and wronged. Tell me how you want to punish Benson, and I will support you.” Victoria hadn’t expected Yvonne to mention divorce. Her words revealed surprise and concern. She tried to salvage the marriage, promising to watch over Benson and make him cut ties with the other woman, hoping Yvonne would reconsider. Yvonne felt a warm surge in her heart as she looked at Victoria. She held Victoria’s hand and softly replied, “It doesn’t matter anymore. Even if we divorce, I’ll still see you as my mom,” Yvonne said, her voice firm yet filled with gratitude. “You’ve always been so kind to me. I understand, Mom. Let’s go upstairs and calm Dad down. We can’t let him get too upset.” Her words showed concern for the elder and expressed her resolve about the marriage. They slowly walked upstairs. As they reached the second floor, they heard Benson and his father arguing intensely. Benson’s father’s voice was filled with anger and disappointment. He questioned Benson: “You’ve been out all these years. Do you know how heavy the burden of the Benson family business is? If news of your affair breaks out, the entire Taylor family’s reputation and influence will face unprecedented challenges. The Taylor family, with its deep roots in both business and politics, has every move watched by many. Benson’s affair would be a significant blow to the family’s honor. In the business world, the family’s companies might face a crisis of investor trust due to this scandal. Stock prices might drop, partners might reassess their collaborations, and competitors could exploit this to weaken the Taylor family’s market position. Damage to the company’s image could trigger a series of chain reactions, affecting long-term growth and profitability. In politics, the family’s supporters and allies might feel embarrassed and uneasy about the scandal. Political allies might worry the scandal could hurt their careers, potentially distancing themselves from the Taylor family. Opponents and rivals could use the scandal to attack the Taylor family, weakening its political influence.” “If you agree to let Yvonne and me divorce, I’m willing to give up the family business.” This statement was like a bolt from the blue, shocking everyone present. Complex emotions surged within Yvonne. She realized how deep Benson’s love for that woman was, deep enough to give up everything. Victoria, enraged, responded: “If the Winstead family hadn’t helped us, you wouldn’t be here today.” Benson coldly replied, “My today has nothing to do with the Winstead family…”

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