Benson

Chapter 57 A Sudden Invitation

“No, let’s wait a bit longer.” Yvonne’s voice was as calm as still water, her face showing no emotion, like a mirror reflecting nothing. Her deep gaze seemed both contemplative and quietly waiting.

Seeing that Yvonne had a plan, Bella didn’t say much, just nodded slightly. The thought of pizza brought her simple joy.

However, when her thoughts drifted back to the mess online, her mood darkened. The baseless accusations and slander were infuriating, even for Bella, let alone Yvonne.

“Are you okay?” Bella asked with concern, her voice filled with worry.

She knew Yvonne had been under a lot of pressure lately, with the online attacks and rumors being a tough ordeal for anyone.

“I don’t care about him anymore, so what could be wrong?” Yvonne raised an eyebrow, her tone light as if all her troubles had vanished.

Bella looked at Yvonne, knowing her friend was strong and could face any challenge with composure. She stepped forward and gently hugged Yvonne without saying anything more. On the way back, Yvonne gazed out of the car window at the gradually blurring scenery. Her calm and gentle voice broke the silence in the car, “Bella, do you want to act again?”

Bella, who had once shone like a star in the entertainment industry, had won an Emmy at sixteen for her outstanding performance. Her talent and charm were unparalleled, making her a hot commodity in both film and fashion.

Hearing Yvonne’s question, Bella was taken aback.

Four years ago, she chose to leave the industry, never expecting to return one day.

She had spent these years managing a few not–so–successful male actors on the fringes of the industry. Though she wasn’t struggling financially, she hadn’t made any significant achievements either.

Yvonne turned to Bella, her gentle gaze seeming to understand Bella’s inner struggles and hesitations. She sighed softly and spoke again, “Just think about whether you want to act again.”

Bella snapped back to reality, her eyes showing a flicker of confusion before becoming resolute. “Do I need to consider anything else?”

Yvonne’s eyes held a hint of curiosity as she lightly glanced at Bella, her tone teasing, “Like, that man?”

Her words carried a subtle hint of concern, “You’re not avoidia hiding in

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Bella’s lips curled Into a disdainful smile, and she chuckled lightly as if mocking her past self. She let out a soft laugh, seemingly deriding those past hesitations, “I’ll seriously consider your suggestion.”

Back at the home, Yvonne finally let down her guard. No longer needing to maintain a facade, she felt much more at ease.

She slept soundly until nearly noon, lounging in her pajamas and enjoying a rare moment of leisure on the sofa.

When Benson arrived at the Taylor house, he was met with the sight of Yvonne hanging upside down on the sofa reading a book, her legs draped over the back, looking both. casual and a bit comical.

Was this the same woman who always ate with such grace and decorum? Benson couldn’t help but feel a bit puzzled.

He remembered Yvonne always dressed elegantly, sitting straight at the dining table, her utensils meticulously placed, and eating slowly and deliberately as if performing a silent ritual.

Now, her casual demeanor was a stark contrast to his memory.

Hearing footsteps, Yvonne assumed it was Bella and, without looking up from her book, said playfully, “Peel an apple for this princess?”

Her tone was teasing, reminiscent of a carefree girl.

Susan, carrying a basket of groceries, lightly coughed to remind Yvonne to be more mindful, “Yvonne…”

“Hmm?” Yvonne looked up and saw Benson standing there, hands in his pockets, looking. at her with a half–smile. She immediately rolled off the sofa in surprise.

Sitting on the carpet, Yvonne looked up at Benson, who was still standing there, and her heartbeat quickened. She smoothed her hair and sat back on the sofa, trying to hide her fluster, “Why are you here?”

“I called you last night, but you didn’t answer. I went to your place, but you weren’t there,” Benson said, his gaze sweeping over Yvonne’s pajamas, a clean blue and white striped set with a big white goose on it, making her look childish.

He hadn’t expected her to be so lively.

Bella, carrying a plate of her dessert creations, saw Benson and her face fell instantly,” What are you doing here? You’re not welcome!” Her tone was full of hostility.

Benson didn’t respond, his gaze shifting to Hannah, who had just walked out of the kitchen.

Hannah, hands still dusted with flour, looked at the tall man in the living room, her eyes scrutinizing.

She looked between her daughter and the stranger, finally settling on Yvonne with a tone of mild reproach, “Sweetheart, why don’t you invite the guest to sit? It’s rude.”

“Okay, Mom, you go on with your work.” Yvonne’s voice was hurried as she quickly pushed Benson towards the side room, wanting to get this unexpected guest out of her mother’s sight.

Once in the side room, Yvonne lowered her voice, clearly annoyed, “Why are you here?”

Benson frowned slightly, displeased with Yvonne’s defensive attitude, “Afraid your mom will find out who I am?” His voice had a provocative edge.

Yvonne scoffed, “We’ve been married for three years, and my mom hasn’t met you once. Do you think it’s necessary for her to know who you are now?”

A wave of self–mockery washed over Yvonne as she recalled how she had once compromised herself and her family for what she thought was love.

Benson watched her in silence before suddenly suggesting, “Why don’t we officially introduce me to your mom today?”

Yvonne reacted as if facing a threat, stepping in front of him, her eyes flashing with panic,” What do you really want?”

Her tone was filled with irritation and displeasure. Without makeup, her face looked. especially clean, and the tiny mole on her nose made her look less threatening and more. endearing, like a kitten with its claws out but still cute.

Benson’s eyes lingered on her face before he slowly said, “Mr. Donald is leaving Las Vegas. Come with me to see him off.”

“Benson, why would I go?” Yvonne’s voice was full of skepticism. With the recent scandal involving Mary, she didn’t expect any explanations from Benson.