Chapter 1 The Lost Brooch

Yvonne had tried her best to maintain her marriage, but her husband Benson's "first love" was always on his mind.

When their marriage seemed to be on the verge of collapse, Yvonne found herself able to chat and laugh with other admirers, while Benson was caught in turmoil, as if an insurmountable wall always stood between them.

On a sunny afternoon in Dallas, at a bustling location, the doors of Harried Auction House were wide open, welcoming collectors and celebrities from all over.

Yvonne gracefully stepped out of a black car, and her eyes caught a familiar figure—her husband, Benson. He was there with his lover, chatting with other guests.

Yvonne stood there like a meticulously crafted painting, every detail just right. Her features were deep and delicate, and her eyes as blue as the sea. Benson’s taste was undeniably exceptional.

Yvonne's heart sank, but she forced herself to stay calm. Her friend, who was closely following her, looked at her with concern.

"Yvonne, are you sure you want to go in? I can bid for the brooch for you," her friend whispered, eyes full of worry.

Yvonne smiled slightly and shook her head. "It's okay." Her voice was calm, but a hint of sadness flashed in her eyes.

Benson's eyes, when they met Yvonne's, showed no emotion, as if he were looking at a stranger.

There were no glances exchanged, no words of greeting, not even a trace of awkwardness—just like parallel lines that would never intersect.

Yvonne and her friend walked into the venue. Fate seemed to be mocking her; Benson and his lover’s seats were right in front of hers.

Yvonne tried hard to shift her focus away from them. Her goal was a French brooch that was about to be auctioned. This brooch held great significance to her, and she hoped to buy it as a gift for her mother.

The auction began, and one by one, precious artworks were displayed, but Yvonne's mind was entirely on the brooch.

When the brooch was showcased, her eyes lit up. It was a simply designed yet charming brooch, and several other society ladies showed strong interest in it as well.

The bidding started, and the price quickly soared. Yvonne tightly held her bidding paddle, her heart racing.

When the price reached 7.2 million, she frowned. Her friend couldn't stand it anymore and decisively raised the paddle.

Benson seemed to notice the bidding as well and joined in, driving the price up to 15 million.

Yvonne felt helpless. She took out her phone and sent a message to Benson: "I want this brooch."

Benson looked at his phone but didn't reply and continued to bid.

Yvonne sent another message: "This brooch is very important to me."

This time, Benson didn't even look at his phone, which made Yvonne completely desperate.

Their marriage had lasted three years, but Benson's coldness toward her had never changed.

He only came home once a year, and she was always the last to know about everything.

If she hadn't seen it herself today, she would have thought he was in California. How could such a husband help her?

Yvonne forced a bitter smile and switched contacts, sending a message to her father-in-law.

Shortly after, Benson received a call. He walked out of the venue, and when he returned, he glared at Yvonne sharply.

Yvonne did not return his gaze. She knew what the brooch meant to her.

Benson left the venue, then came back, glaring sharply at Yvonne.

Yvonne didn't meet his eyes. She knew how important this brooch was to her. With no other option, she had to seek help from her father-in-law.

However, things did not go as she had hoped.

When Benson returned to his seat, he immediately raised the price to 21 million.

Yvonne's friend was furious and wanted to keep bidding, but Yvonne stopped her.

In Dallas, few people could be richer than Benson.

After the auction, Yvonne found Benson and politely asked him to let her have the brooch, offering to pay triple the price.

Benson looked down at her. Despite her beauty and the pitiful look that could evoke sympathy, he coldly said, "This can only happen once."

Yvonne's face turned pale. She knew what Benson meant. Their marriage was a transaction, and she had gained her parents' approval by appearing pitiful. Now, she was trying to use the same method to get the brooch.

Yvonne weakly explained, "It's not like that." But Benson had no patience to listen. He took the jewelry box handed by the host and turned to leave.

Yvonne panicked and grabbed Benson's arm, pleading, "It's my father's..."

Benson's eyes turned icy and unfamiliar. "Let go," he said with disdain.

Yvonne recalled the day they got their marriage certificate, a moment full of hope and promises.

The priest's solemn voice echoed in the church, announcing them as legally married.

At that moment, Yvonne's heart was filled with joy. She thought she had found her lifelong support.

However, the moment the priest's words ended, Benson's gaze made her heart sink into a cold abyss.

There was no love in Benson's eyes, only coldness and unfamiliarity. He looked straight at Yvonne and said firmly and mercilessly, "Besides the title of wife, you will get nothing."

These words were like a sharp knife, deeply piercing Yvonne's heart.

But she still chose to believe, believing that time would change everything, that love could melt the ice.

However, time proved everything. Just as Benson said, besides the title of wife, he never gave Yvonne any real care or love.

Their marriage was more like a transaction, a contract without emotions.

Yvonne's heart gradually froze, and her smiles became less frequent.

But today, she came here for that brooch.

She had searched for a long time for this brooch to give her mother a memento.

Yvonne had searched for a long time and finally found it at this auction.

She thought it was a chance given by fate.

However, reality was so cruel. Benson's appearance completely shattered her hope.

That brooch was something she had painstakingly sought to give her mother a keepsake.

The brooch was not just an object to her but a token of her deep affection for her mother.

So, she decided to try again, hoping to get the brooch from Benson.

Yvonne suppressed her emotions, mustered up the courage, and pleaded with Benson again.

Her voice trembled slightly, "Benson, I'm begging you, please give me the brooch."

However, Benson's response was cold and ruthless. He shook off Yvonne's hand and coldly replied, "Didn't I beg you once too, Miss Yvonne?"

Chapter 2 Marital Strife

"Miss Yvonne?"

Throughout their marriage, Benson's attitude had remained constant. His coldness towards Yvonne was like a winter wind—biting and heartless.

Yvonne felt a deep sense of loss. She knew that no matter how much she pleaded, Benson would never give her the precious brooch.

Her eyes revealed helplessness and sadness. It felt as if her heart was bound by heavy chains, impossible to break free from.

She had tried to move Benson with kind words and sincere feelings, but each effort seemed like a stone thrown into an abyss, without any response.

Benson's indifference left Yvonne in despair. She began to think if there were other ways to get the brooch back from him.

On the way home, Yvonne's thoughts were as fleeting as the scenery outside the car window—chaotic and elusive.

As the car slowly stopped at a traffic light, her eyes were drawn to the LED display on a building across the street.

On the screen, Benson’s image was strikingly bright. He had bought a precious brooch for 21 million, a scene that stood out vividly in the night.

The headline was particularly jarring to Yvonne: "Did Benson buy this brooch to propose to someone special?"

On the screen, Benson looked spirited and confident, the brooch gleaming under the lights like the brightest star in the night sky.

Yvonne felt a surge of complex emotions.

Her heart was filled with a deep sense of loss. The brooch, once her cherished dream, was now in someone else's hands.

She couldn't help but recall her marriage to Benson. The happiness that once existed now seemed so distant.

She felt the pain of being forgotten, as if she had become insignificant in this marriage.

Tears welled up in Yvonne's eyes. She wiped away the tear that was about to fall.

With trembling fingers, she dialed Benson's number.

Benson's voice on the other end was as cold as ice. He only said two words: "What's up?" His tone was impatient, like a winter wind—biting and heartless.

Yvonne took a deep breath, her voice trembling but determined: "Benson, if you give me the brooch, we can divorce."

There was silence on the other end, as if time had frozen.

But Benson didn't respond. He hung up the phone, leaving Yvonne alone in the sudden silence.

Yvonne didn't call back. She knew Benson was tired of her.

Her heart was filled with helplessness and sorrow. She felt she had lost all dignity and worth in this marriage.

The brooch, once a symbol of her last attachment to this relationship, had now become her bargaining chip for divorce.

A few days later, Benson finally appeared at the door of their marital home in the evening.

His steps were heavy, as if each one carried an invisible burden.

Yvonne had kept the house in perfect order, every corner reflecting her care and emotions.

The plants in the corners were thriving, and even the bedside lamp cast a warm and romantic light.

But to Benson, everything seemed so unfamiliar.

His eyes wandered around the room, unable to find any sense of familiarity.

He felt a deep divide, as if an insurmountable chasm lay between him and this home.

The housekeeper, seeing Benson return, greeted him softly: "Madam stayed in the living room all night yesterday and just returned to the bedroom."

Benson's response was cold and brief. "Got it." He then instructed the driver to put his luggage in the living room and walked upstairs with a barely noticeable heaviness.

The bedroom door was ajar, revealing a neatly arranged room.

Yvonne stood by the window, looking lonely but resolute, carefully tending to a potted plant.

The green leaves thrived under her care, silently telling the story of life's resilience.

Yvonne heard Benson's heavy footsteps, echoing in the spacious stairwell like cold raindrops on her heart.

She slowly turned around, her gaze meeting Benson's. In that moment, time seemed to freeze.

Yvonne's eyes no longer held the expectation and warmth of the past. Instead, they were covered with a layer of icy frost. She had built a wall around her heart, locking all her emotions inside.

The two of them stared at each other in the bedroom, an unspeakable awkwardness and silence filling the air.

Benson irritably removed his suit jacket, his movements revealing his impatience.

He turned and went back to his room, a silent declaration of his cold attitude toward their marriage.

Since they got married, they had always lived separately, a fact that deeply stung Yvonne.

Yvonne gave a bitter smile, mocking her own naivety and foolishness. The brooch Benson bought at a high price, originally a romantic symbol of a proposal, had now become evidence of betrayal, disgracing Yvonne's family.

Benson had never given any explanation. His silence was like a sharp knife, repeatedly wounding Yvonne's heart.

Yvonne had helped Benson's family, earning their gratitude.

She longed to marry Benson to repay this debt. Benson's family had to sacrifice his true love, tearing him apart from his beloved.

Yvonne knew that her marriage was built on sacrifice.

She thought, maybe it was her appearance that ruined the bond between Benson and his true love.

This realization weighed heavily on her heart, making it hard to breathe.

Yvonne sat by the window, looking at the night outside, filled with guilt.

She thought that if not for her, Benson and his beloved might have lived happily together.

Her presence had disrupted Benson's life and ruined his relationship.

Yvonne knew that Benson had never truly loved her. Another woman's shadow always loomed in his heart.

Yvonne felt a deep sense of helplessness, as if she was always the loser in this marital struggle.

She felt the pain of being forgotten, as if she had become insignificant in this marriage.

Yvonne gave a bitter smile, mocking her own naivety and foolishness.

She thought, maybe this was fate, that she was destined to endure this loneliness and pain.

She felt a deep sense of helplessness, as if she was always the loser in this marital struggle.

On that sunny afternoon, Benson stood in front of Yvonne, confessing that he was in love with someone else.

He was willing to repay Yvonne's family's kindness in any way, as long as she would let go and let him pursue his true love.

If time could turn back, Yvonne would agree and not stubbornly say those binding words: "Benson, I just want to marry you."

If time could turn back, Yvonne would choose differently.

She would understand Benson's dilemma and accept his proposal, finding another way to repay the family's kindness.

But time doesn't turn back. Yvonne's words had already set things in stone. Her choice tightly bound their destinies together, sealing the tragedy of their marriage.

Yvonne stood in a corner of the living room, methodically packing the last of her personal items into a box.

Servants busily moved these boxes to the car outside.

A heavy atmosphere of impending farewell filled the air, intensified by Benson's presence.

Benson slowly descended the stairs, bypassing Yvonne without a glance, and sat down on the living room sofa. "Where are you going?"

She turned to look at Benson. He was indeed very handsome, his charm indescribable by any words.

But beneath that perfect exterior, Yvonne smelled a perfume that didn't belong to her—a scent of another woman.

This perfume was like a cold bucket of water, waking Yvonne from her infatuation with Benson.

She realized that no matter how perfect Benson was, his heart no longer belonged to her.

This realization brought Yvonne a sense of relief and strengthened her resolve.

Yvonne took a deep breath, her voice calm and firm: "I will have the divorce agreement prepared by a lawyer. The lawyer will contact you."

Benson sat on the sofa, a lit cigarette in his hand, smoke swirling around him. His eyes were cold and distant. He looked at Yvonne's busy figure with a growing sense of impatience. "Haven't you had enough?"

"Enough? Do you think I'm just messing around?" Yvonne's voice was calm, but each word revealed her determination.

She realized that Benson had never taken her request for a divorce seriously. He thought it was just a tactic to achieve some goal.

Yvonne took a deep breath, her eyes steady as she met Benson's gaze. She slowly spoke: "I understand how you felt back then. I'm really sorry, Mr. Benson." Her voice carried a hint of apology, but more so a sense of relief.

Benson turned his head, meeting Yvonne's eyes.

In that moment, time seemed to freeze. Tears welled up in Yvonne's eyes, revealing a helplessness that wasn't hers. This helplessness and despair stunned Benson.

He had never seen Yvonne so vulnerable. This sudden emotional impact caught him off guard.

Before Benson could probe further, Yvonne had already turned around, as if fleeing an unbearable burden, and walked out the door...

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..."

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, finding 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?"

Chapter 5 Mary

The atmosphere inside the factory was tense and oppressive. The roaring of machines and the busy figures of workers formed a scene of intense pressure and activity.

Yvonne's phone hadn't stopped ringing since she stepped into the factory. Each ring seemed to remind her of the urgent tasks and important messages awaiting her.

Her brows were furrowed, her eyes focused and determined.

Methodically, she handled one urgent matter after another. Her voice was clear and strong, each instruction delivered accurately to her subordinates.

Her fingers flew over the phone keypad, recording every important detail to ensure nothing was missed.

Meanwhile, Yvonne was engaged in tense negotiations with suppliers. Her tone was firm yet polite, clearly expressing the factory's needs and expectations while patiently listening to the suppliers' suggestions.

Thanks to her efforts, the suppliers' attitudes gradually softened, and both sides began working towards a common goal, finding the best solution to the problems.

Although Yvonne's face showed signs of fatigue, her eyes revealed an unyielding determination.

She knew that as the person in charge of the factory, she had to remain calm and focused during this critical time, leading the team to overcome difficulties and ensure the production line ran smoothly.

When Benson appeared at the factory gate, Yvonne's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.

Benson, dressed in a neat suit, looked particularly robust with his peaked lapel shirt, but his eyes remained cold and sharp. Yvonne felt a rush of complex emotions, losing any appreciation for Benson’s appearance.

Thomas walked up to Yvonne with a slightly boastful tone, saying, "Sis-in-law, my brother is here to help you."

A barely noticeable bitter smile appeared on Yvonne's lips as she coldly replied, "Help me? Then why didn’t he get out of the car earlier? Was it Victoria's order? I don’t need such help. I can handle the factory issues myself."

Benson’s face turned grim at Yvonne’s rejection. His voice carried an undeniable authority: "This is a company matter. You can’t just do as you please."

To Yvonne, Benson's words were filled with doubt and distrust about her abilities.

She felt a surge of anger from being misunderstood and belittled. She was not a woman who only knew how to act out or use tactics.

Unwilling to explain further, Yvonne turned to leave, but Benson grabbed her wrist, demanding coldly, "Yvonne, what’s this attitude?"

Her wrist throbbed with pain under Benson's tight grip. She tried to break free, but his hold was unyielding.

His gaze was icy, as if trying to freeze Yvonne.

Yvonne’s mouth curled into a mocking smile. She coldly said, "Attitude? This is the attitude you’ve shown me all these years. Can’t you handle it even once, Mr. Benson?"

Benson was stunned. He had never seen Yvonne so stern, leaving him shocked and puzzled.

Seizing the moment, Yvonne forcefully pulled her hand free from Benson's grip. Glancing at her reddened wrist, she turned and went back to her office.

Benson's face was extremely displeased, a blocked feeling swelling in his chest.

He had never expected that the wife who always approached him eagerly would show such a stern side.

Thomas, having witnessed everything, felt confused and shocked.

Adjusting his collar, he muttered to himself, "Is this still my sister-in-law?" In his memory, Yvonne was always the gentle and caring woman who prepared everything for Benson.

She would personally ensure the chef prepared Benson’s favorite meals and would have Thomas pick him up from the airport on days he returned home.

But the scene just now completely overturned his impression of Yvonne.

Thomas turned to Benson, puzzled, asking, "Brother, what do we do now? This is a Taylor Group factory with nearly 800 million in foreign trade orders."

Benson took a deep breath, "Well, then let’s help handle it."

Yvonne focused on examining reports as Thomas walked in, trying to break the heavy atmosphere with a light smile.

"Sis-in-law, this is an opportunity, a chance to get along and bond with my brother," Thomas's voice held a note of expectation.

Yvonne didn’t look up, her eyes still on the reports, and responded indifferently, "Yes, it’s a good opportunity, but you can save it for someone else."

Seeing Yvonne unmoved, Thomas approached her, trying to persuade her more directly, "You two have never really slept together. Such a handsome face, isn’t it a pity to separate?"

Yvonne’s heart stirred. She had to admit that Benson was indeed handsome, his appearance and demeanor impeccable.

"Thomas, would you use a golden fork that someone else had already used to eat with?" Yvonne used a metaphor to express her stance.

Thomas was momentarily at a loss for words, unable to respond to Yvonne’s analogy.

Standing in the office, Thomas furrowed his brows, about to say more when Yvonne's assistant suddenly knocked and entered, "Manager, all available staff are working overtime to meet production."

"Alright, I’ll go down immediately." Yvonne was about to head to the workshop to handle urgent matters.

Her assistant’s message doused her urgency like a cold bucket of water.

Standing at the door, the assistant looked embarrassed and worried, her words stopping Yvonne in her tracks.

"There's a woman at the door asking for Mr. Benson," the assistant said, her words like a stone thrown into Yvonne’s calm heart, creating ripples.

Yvonne paused, her emotions stirring.

She knew this woman was likely Mary, the one in Benson’s heart.

Taking a deep breath, Yvonne turned to Thomas with a forced smile.

"If Benson stays this time, I’ll make sure to seize the opportunity you mentioned."

Her words carried a hint of bitterness.

Thomas could only respond awkwardly to Yvonne’s bitter smile, sighing inwardly.

Mary's appearance was undoubtedly a bomb thrown into Yvonne and Benson's already fragile relationship.

At the workshop entrance, Yvonne unexpectedly encountered Benson, who was about to leave.

Benson hastily bid farewell, claiming he had matters to attend to, leaving Thomas behind to help.

Yvonne's smile held a touch of irony. She knew Benson’s so-called "matters" were likely related to Mary.

She said nothing more, simply responding with "Alright" before turning away. She already had her answer.

Yvonne knew that Mary would always hold the most important place in Benson’s heart.

Even as his wife, she could never compare or be genuinely cared for.

She was grateful she hadn’t wavered earlier due to Thomas's suggestion, as it would have made her current pain even worse.

Chapter 6 Resolving the Crisis

When Benson returned to the manor, the night was deep, and sparse stars adorned the sky like countless eyes silently watching his return. The tranquility of the manor starkly contrasted with his tumultuous emotions.

He thought of Yvonne, the woman he had neglected for many years.

Yvonne, his wife, had always been busy outside, unwilling to come home.

Whenever he occasionally visited his parents, Yvonne always greeted him with a warm smile filled with warmth and anticipation.

Every time he came home, Yvonne would prepare all his favorite things in advance, from his favorite dishes to his accustomed bed.

Every detail revealed her care and love for him. Every time he saw Yvonne, her eyes were full of love for him, a deep and sincere emotion.

Benson's gaze closely followed Yvonne's figure.

He noticed that today, Yvonne was vastly different from before.

Her steps were firm and powerful, each step exuding decisiveness, as if declaring her determination and strength to the world.

Her eyes no longer held the usual tenderness; instead, they were calm and distant, as if she had wrapped herself in an invisible armor to fend off all external disturbances and emotional fluctuations.

Benson felt an unprecedented sense of unfamiliarity.

The Yvonne he once knew, the one who always wore a warm smile and looked at him with gentle eyes, seemed to have vanished.

The current Yvonne was more like a warrior, a strong woman fearlessly advancing on the battlefield of business.

Every action and every word from her exuded an undeniable authority and confidence.

Benson felt a surge of complex emotions.

He was proud of Yvonne's growth and strength, yet a bit saddened by her change.

He knew that Yvonne's transformation was not just due to work pressure but also because of her inner growth and self-awareness.

She was no longer the woman who needed to rely on him but a strong individual capable of facing all challenges independently.

The light from the phone screen cast a cold glow in the room.

His gaze fell on the numerous missed call notifications, mostly from Thomas, but Yvonne's name was absent.

This fact hit him like a heavy blow, making his chest tighten with pain.

Benson stood in the manor's living room, lightly tapping the phone screen with his fingers. After a moment of hesitation, he finally called Thomas.

Thomas's slightly tired voice came from the other end, "Hello, bro, I'm still at the factory. Where are you?"

A surge of unease rose in Benson's heart. He asked, "Is Yvonne at the factory too?" His tone carried a hint of doubt, despite the factory indeed having issues, he thought it shouldn't be too hard to handle.

Thomas's response made Benson frown, "Yes, she's still at the factory."

Benson's tone revealed impatience, "Can't handle this little issue? What is Yvonne even doing?"

Thomas sensed Benson's dissatisfaction and couldn't help but feel sorry for Yvonne. He explained, "It's not about her ability. The original seven rubber suppliers have been providing us with materials, but due to the large quantity of this batch, some inferior raw materials were mixed in. This caused one production line to shut down, and the repair expert is not in the country. Now we only have two production lines left. Yvonne has already arranged additional manpower to remove the inferior materials, working overtime to ensure production."

Benson fell silent, realizing his previous words were too harsh.

He began to reflect, understanding that Yvonne had always been diligent and responsible, and she shouldn't be questioned because of temporary difficulties.

Guilt welled up in Benson's heart.

He took a deep breath and told Thomas, "I understand. I'll head to the factory as soon as possible to see what I can help with." After hanging up, Benson drove straight to the factory.

By the time he arrived, it was already late at night. The factory was brightly lit, with workers bustling about in the workshop.

Benson immediately saw Yvonne standing by the production line, directing workers on how to quickly and effectively remove the inferior materials. Her face was etched with exhaustion.

Yvonne's features were delicate like a sculpture, her skin glowing with a natural radiance, and her fair complexion resembling uncarved jade, pure and flawless.

Even dressed in a monotonous sterile suit, she couldn't hide her inner charm. Her presence was like an unmissable sight in the workshop; even the simplest attire couldn't conceal her stunning beauty.

Benson walked to Yvonne's side and softly said, "I'm sorry, I didn't know the problem was this serious."

Yvonne looked up at Benson in surprise. She didn't expect an apology from him.

Standing at the factory door, the night breeze gently blew through her long hair, her emotions complex and heavy.

Benson's words echoed in her ears; it was the first time in years she heard his genuine acknowledgment. Her nose tingled, and a wave of indescribable emotions surged in her heart.

All these years of effort and dedication were finally recognized by him, yet it happened on the day she decided to divorce.

Not wanting Benson to see her vulnerability, she turned away, trying to control her emotions and said, "It's my duty, especially since I also have shares in the company."

Her voice trembled slightly, but she tried her best to sound calm.

Then, both fell into silence.

Her profile looked particularly gentle in the night, her fair neck glistening softly under the light.

Benson looked at Yvonne and slowly spoke, "I don't know you well, but my parents highly regard and like you, which shows you're an excellent person. However, I already have someone in my heart. I promised to marry her and can't break my word. But if you ever need any help, I'll support you unconditionally."

His words were filled with helplessness and determination, his stance clear and firm.

Standing at the door, the night wind gently blew, taking away the day's warmth and bringing a hint of chill.

However, what made him more uneasy was another scent in the air—another woman's perfume.

This familiar yet strange scent drifted in the air like an invisible needle, piercing Yvonne's heart.

Standing inside, Yvonne's gaze fell on Benson's back through the half-open door.

A wave of indescribable pain surged in her heart.

That scent seemed to silently tell of Benson's betrayal, making her feel an unprecedented sense of loss and loneliness.

Tears welled up in Yvonne's eyes. She choked and said, "I hope you will be happy."