Chapter 232

As Yvonne reached the doorway, she instinctively glanced back at Bennett. His right hand was wrapped in white gauze, and he was listening to Yolanda with his head slightly tilted, a gentle expression on his face.

Yvonne averted her gaze and followed Thomas out.

Yolanda sat beside Bennett, gently lifting his bandaged hand, her eyes filled with

concern.

"Bennett, does it hurt?"

"I'm fine," Bennett replied, pulling his hand back.

He'd sustained plenty of injuries, big and small, during his years in the military. He wasn't that delicate.

"I'm glad. Don't get hurt again. It breaks my heart," Yolanda added, her eyes welling up with tears.

Bennett offered a faint smile and gently ruffled her hair.

Yolanda blushed slightly and took his hand again, asking casually, "Is Thomas pursuing Ms. Jones?"

"I don't know," Bennett answered coolly without looking up.

"They look quite good together," Yolanda remarked, sneaking a glance at Bennett.

He simply used his uninjured hand to pick up a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from the coffee table, casually lighting one as if he hadn't heard her.

Yolanda kept her gentle smile, but the hand at her side had clenched into a fist.

She recalled the way Bennett had looked at Yvonne while she was playing the piano and felt a growing sense of unease.

"Ms. Jones is very beautiful. I think I've seen her in a popular movie," Yolanda continued.

"Is that so? I wouldn't know. She's just a nobody," Bennett said, flicking the ash from

his cigarette, his cold voice drifting out with the smoke.

Yolanda's heart settled instantly.

As the heir to the Thompson family, Istra's wealthiest clan, and a high-ranking military officer at such

a young age, Bennett had a brilliant

future and had seen all sorts

Women

of

How could a wet-behind-the-ears girl like Yvonne possibly catch his interest? Besides, they had been dating for so long, and Yolanda knew Bennett. He wasn't like those other playboys; he was disciplined and faithful in his relationships.

She'd heard he'd only had one girlfriend before her, making his romantic history even simpler than hers.

The fact that Bennett once had a childhood sweetheart he'd loved deeply was a thorn in Yolanda's side, but the woman had died years ago.

She was just a dead woman, and Yolanda wasn't foolish enough to compete with a memory.

She was certain she would be Bennett's last woman. They would have children and spend their lives together. With so many years ahead, she would eventually become the most important person in his life.

After Thomas's birthday party ended, Yvonne said her goodbyes.

Thomas offered to have a driver take her home, but she politely declined.

Yvonne wasn't an idiot; she could tell Thomas was treating her differently. It had just taken her a while to realize it.

In her past life, Thomas had been against her at every turn. Now that she was in a younger, more attractive body, he was suddenly all over her.

She knew Thomas was no good. It was best to stay away from him from now on.

Yvonne returned to her small rented

apartment, changed out of her

gown, removed her makeup, and

tonk a relaxing shower Just as she

was about to get into bed, her phone rang.

Yvonne answered while brushing her hair.

It was Jeffrey's voice on the other end.

"Yvonne, it's Grandpa's birthday banquet this weekend. Get ready and come with

Mom and me."

"I'm busy," Yvonne replied almost instantly.