Benson

Chapter 84 Shadow of Divorce

Early on Saturday morning, just as the sun rose, Yvonne’s car drove up the stone path to the Taylor family

estate.

The tall trees and exquisite English garden always gave one a sense of stepping back in time.

When the car door opened, the fresh morning breeze carrying the scent of flowers greeted her. Yvonne adjusted her clothes and walked towards the front door.

Victoria greeted her at the door, their meeting filled with warmth and kindness. Victoria’s face was lit with a joyful smile as she tightly grasped Yvonne’s hands, conveying her care and apology through the gesture. “Yvonne, it’s so good to see you,” Victoria said, leading her inside. She quietly mentioned the divorce, expressing her sympathy and support for Yvonne.

In front of everyone, Victoria, with a slight tremor in her voice, apologized to Yvonne, “I’m truly sorry that marrying into our family brought you so much suffering! Her eyes were slightly red, clearly moved by

emotion.

Yvonne gently shook her head and smiled, her voice mature and composed, “It wasn’t meant to be between him and me, but my relationship with you has always been precious.”

She then directed the house staff to carefully move the flowers from her car into the parlor. “Let’s start arranging the flowers. You’ve always been interested in this, haven’t you?”

Benson came down the stairs just in time to see the parlor table covered with flowers, looking a bit

messy.

Yvonne was sitting with his mother, sister–in–law, and little Emma, skillfully handling each stem and leaf. A complex vase stood at the center of the table, and Yvonne had already artistically arranged the flowers inside, creating a rare artistic beauty.

As Benson stood at the top of the stairs, watching this scene, his brother Arthur quietly approached from behind, carrying his five–month–old son. “What are you staring at so intently?”

Arthur asked gently, placing the playful little boy in Benson’s arms.

The baby looked at Benson, his chubby cheeks forming a pudgy little face, blowing playful bubbles.

“Nothing,” Benson replied absentmindedly, lightly poking the baby’s cheek. Despite this, his gaze instinctively returned to Yvonne.

Arthur seemed to understand Benson’s thoughts and didn’t press further. Instead, he suggested, “Shall we sit in the living room?” The two brothers then walked silently to the living room.

Benson chose a spot where he could vaguely see Yvonne. She was wearing loose blue jeans and a red, cozy sweater. The vibrant colors on her looked stunning, making her stand out even in casual attire. Arthur smiled lightly, asking, “What are you thinking?” as if he already understood Benson’s complex

emotions.

Benson didn’t answer directly, just gave a meaningful look, “You’ve seen it, so why ask?” His voice carried a hint of helplessness.

He then lowered his head and gently played with his nephew Lucas’s little hands, the baby’s laughter Tinging clearly in the tranquil air.

Arthur observed the interaction, knowing that this moment of warmth couldn’t mask the pressures of family and life.

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He slowly said, “Mom often mentioned that if it weren’t for Yvonne’s father, she could have lived a more relaxed life—arranging flowers, visiting art exhibitions, Iving a worry–free life.

John had enough capability to ensure a comfortable life for his daughter. If she found someone she truly loved, she could manage her marriage well. If not, she was willing to be alone.”

Benson listened silently, his gaze complicated as he looked at the silhouettes of the trees growing clearer against the darkening sky. “Did Mom and Dad send you to persuade me?” His voice was hoarse, tinged with confusion and defensiveness.

Arthur shook his head, his tone gentle but serious, “I worry about your future now, seeing Yvonne like this. John had expectations for Yvonne, just as I have expectations for my own daughter. If she met someone like you. I might fight to the death.”

The tension in his words made Benson silent for a moment, lost in his thoughts.

Arthur continued, gazing up at the sky, “I’ve always admired her. Yvonne could have chosen an easier career path after graduating from art school, but she joined one of the more challenging subsidiaries of the Taylor Group.

She understood that after losing her father and brother in the fire, the responsibility of supporting the family fell on her shoulders.

When she worked in procurement, she’d personally go up the mountains to find the best sources.

She knew every supplier, their families, their fields, and even each crop they grew.

Did you know? In two years, Yvonne’s new car logged over 100,000 kilometers. She spent almost all her time on the road, either heading to inspect goods or meeting suppliers.

The supply chain company she managed was entirely built on her effort.

Quality management, customer relations, even specific logistics arrangements were all handled by her.” Arthur’s eyes showed admiration.

Benson was silent, not knowing where to begin.

Everything around him seemed to be a vessel for memories. His thoughts drifted back to a distant, clear afternoon in Biscayne, where Yvonne was a wealthy heiress, beautiful and elegant, surrounded by an aura

of grace.

But her current image was equally moving, especially in the warm sunlight, her smile as vibrant as blooming spring flowers.

Her nimble fingers moved through the flowers, expertly arranging them in a delicate glass vase, creating a harmonious composition that Benson couldn’t help but admire.

But he couldn’t forget Yvonne’s calculated and strategic mind, cold and ruthless toward every goal, including himself.

The original affection was overshadowed by the complexity of reality, leaving only mixed emotions. Arthur’s words interrupted Benson’s thoughts. “Benson, Mom and Dad truly like her. They feel deeply

toward her.

They pushed you to marry her not just because of her father’s influence but because she was outstanding in her own right. They thought that the more time you spent with her, the more you’d be charmed by her,

like they were.”

Benson interjected, “I got the certificate and ran.”

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“Turns out, Mom’s judgment was spot on.” Arthur looked at him with a teasing expression, as if mocking his ignorance or perhaps some simple evasion.

It hadn’t been long, but Arthur had noticed Benson’s special attention to Yvonne, perhaps even more than Benson himself realized.

Arthur continued softly, “Mom’s accuracy… If it weren’t for Yvonne’s schemes, you might have divorced. long ago.”

Benson fell silent, leaning back slightly in the car’s back seat, his long legs stretched out in front, clearly showing his resistance to the topic.

“Yes, that time she drugged me.”