Chapter 4 Brother’s Struggle

Benson’s mother sat on the spacious living room sofa, her eyes red and tears brimming. She couldn’t understand why her son wanted to deny this marriage, and she was filled with disappointment. Yvonne gently walked over and hugged Victoria warmly, her actions direct and intimate. She whispered softly yet firmly into Victoria’s ear, and those words seemed magical, bringing a sudden smile to Victoria’s face. Victoria’s laughter broke the awkward silence, like a breeze clearing the gloom from the room. Benson’s gaze involuntarily fell on Yvonne. His suit was perfectly tailored, highlighting his handsome and capable appearance. He hesitated for a moment, seemingly struggling internally, but eventually, he looked away from Yvonne. Yvonne remained unusually calm. She spoke to Benson with machine-like coldness, “We never should have married.” Benson looked at Yvonne, her eyes clear and resolute, her tone without hesitation or emotion. He knew that Yvonne meant it from the heart. At that moment, Benson realized that Yvonne genuinely wanted a divorce. Noticing Benson’s gaze on her, Yvonne turned to meet his eyes. This time, the look they exchanged was different from before; Yvonne felt no waves of emotion. She no longer felt shy or uneasy when their eyes met. Her gaze was clear and determined, silently telling Benson she had made up her mind. Victoria’s fondness for Yvonne was evident, her eyes filled with love and sincerity. She hugged Yvonne tightly, her voice firm and warm, “Dear, even if you and Benson separate, you’ll always be my daughter in my heart. We will never forget the Winstead family’s kindness.” Her words revealed her deep affection for Yvonne and the value she placed on their relationship. Benson’s father also joined the conversation, his attitude equally kind and sincere. He asked Yvonne if there was anything she needed as compensation, expressing his concern and support for her. This sudden kindness and support left Yvonne both surprised and touched, not knowing how to respond to this unexpected warmth. At that moment, Yvonne’s phone rang. It was her assistant, sounding urgent: “There’s a problem at the company that needs your decision.” Standing in the center of the living room, Yvonne conveyed the factory issue to the parents with a hint of urgency in her voice. Meanwhile, Benson sat on the sofa, expressionless, seemingly indifferent to it all. “The factory is in the suburbs, isn’t it? It takes several hours to get there,” Yvonne’s mother said with concern, turning to Benson. “Yvonne didn’t bring a driver. Benson, you’re now practically her brother. You should go with her.” Benson’s face showed clear reluctance. He didn’t respond, silently turning his head away, expressing his resistance. Yvonne noticed Benson’s attitude. Understanding his reluctance, she calmly said, “It’s fine, Mom. I can handle the factory situation myself.” Yvonne’s words conveyed her determination and independence, showing she was ready to face the challenge alone. As she turned to leave, Benson’s mother quickly approached him and whispered in his ear, “Benson Taylor, if you keep ignoring me, you can leave this family. You don’t need to carry the Taylor name anymore. Becoming siblings is already the biggest compromise.” Yvonne hesitated. She knew the factory problem needed her attention, but the thought of traveling with Benson filled her with resistance. However, reason told her that the several-hour journey wasn’t trivial. Facing unknown difficulties and challenges alone, she needed a driver. Despite her reservations about Benson’s attitude, she decided to accept the reality. Yvonne sat in the passenger seat, her brows furrowed, phone pressed to her ear, constantly taking work calls. Her voice was clear and strong, giving precise instructions with each call. The car was filled with a tense and focused atmosphere. Yvonne seemed completely immersed in her work, forgetting everything around her. Benson silently gripped the steering wheel, eyes fixed on the road ahead, not speaking at all. His face showed no emotion, like a statue, only occasionally glancing at Yvonne. He noticed her straight nose, her immaculate makeup. Even in such a tense moment, she maintained her professionalism and elegance. The car slowly drove through the factory gates. Yvonne finally ended her phone conference. She put down her phone, took a deep breath, seemingly organizing her thoughts. As she was about to open the car door, she suddenly remembered something and turned to Benson, “Thank you, brother. But remember to give me the brooch.” Benson’s face flashed with a barely noticeable surprise. He coldly grunted, internally marveling at how quickly Yvonne adapted to her role. Benson sat in the car, windows closed, the smoke from his cigar creating a stifling atmosphere. His fingers lightly tapped the steering wheel, his mind filled with conflicting emotions. He sent his location to Thomas, arranging for him to pick him up, as he had decided not to wait for Yvonne. Soon, Benson’s phone rang. It was Thomas, with a hint of teasing in his voice: “Brother, is it true? Did your wife really become your sister?” Benson frowned, his voice questioning, “Who told you that? How do you know?” Thomas continued, “Auntie did. She wants to arrange a matchmaking party for Yvonne at your estate this weekend, replaceing some handsome and wealthy young men. Brother, Yvonne is so beautiful. Don’t you regret not being with her?” Benson’s anger ignited like a fuse, quickly spreading. His face turned pale, teeth clenched, as if he wanted to grind all the displeasure in his mouth. Thomas seemed unaware of Benson’s mood change and continued, “Auntie said, Yvonne is so beautiful and excellent. From wife to sister, it seems Benson really has something wrong with his head. In our circle, everyone’s saying you probably can’t perform, brother. Otherwise, why would such a beautiful Yvonne be treated as a sister instead of a wife?” Benson’s anger finally erupted. He yelled into the phone, “Just come and get me!” and hung up. His voice was filled with impatience and fury, pouring all his emotions into that short sentence. Three hours later, Thomas’s car finally drove through the factory gates. Benson had intended to rest in the car, but the noise from the factory was like invisible waves, continuously assaulting his ears, preventing any peace. His mood was like a stirred lake, turbulent and restless. Noticing Benson’s unusual low spirits, Thomas hesitated before speaking: “Brother, I heard the factory issue is tricky. Everyone knows and is waiting to see how Yvonne handles it, expecting to laugh at her. Shouldn’t we go in and help?” Benson leaned lazily in the passenger seat, eyes closed, his voice cold and distant: “What do you mean? You want me to help?” “But brother! The factory carries the Taylor name. Even if you and Yvonne divorce, she’s still your sister now. Shouldn’t we do something?”