Chapter 390

Just as Yvonne put down her cutlery, about to speak, a sharp clatter broke the silence. Bennett had thrown his fork and knife onto the table.

Karina's hand, holding a soup spoon, trembled instinctively as she looked up at Bennett.

His expression was icy, his presence chilling and formidable.

"Before Noah married you, I'd never heard of a prominent White family in Istra

either. It seems you're not the only one who's out of touch, Karina."

"Thank you for your hard work today, Karina, but the food isn't to our taste. Yvonne and I will be leaving now."

With that, Bennett took Yvonne's hand. "Let's go. I'll take you home."

"Okay," Yvonne nodded, rising to leave with him.

Karina was stunned that Bennett would show her, his elder sister-in-law, such blatant disrespect. Her face flushed with shame, turning shades of red and white.

Seeing this, Noah immediately stood up to stop them.

"Bennett, that's not what Karina meant."

"Then what did she mean?" Bennett's voice was calm but carried an authority that commanded respect. For the first time, he revealed the aura of a superior before his cousin.

Noah was at a loss for words, able only to watch as Bennett led Yvonne away.

After they left, Yolanda tactfully took her leave as well.

Only Noah and Karina remained, along with a table full of untouched food.

Karina's eyes welled with tears as she complained, "Mr. Bennett Thompson certainly has a temper. I just said a few words, and he stormed out. He has no respect for me at all."

Noah listened, almost laughing in exasperation. "What, so now you're the victim?"

"Noah, you're his older brother. By disrespecting me, he's disrespecting you," Karina argued, seeing no fault in her own actions.

But Noah's gaze grew colder as he looked at her.

"Why on earth should the heir of the Thompson family give you face, Karina? You really know how to flatter yourself," Noah scoffed.

Although Noah was currently the CEO of the Thompson Group, the vast majority of the shares belonged to Bennett. His position was not much different from that of a professional manager.

He had not followed in his family's military footsteps, a fact that had greatly disappointed his grandfather and fathe It was Frank who had

personally taught him the ways of

business.

He lacked

they expand the empire, barely managing to maintain it. As a kindness, Frank had given him 5% of the Thompson Group's shares and management of a portion of its assets. For a

vision and daring to

ephew Frank had been more than generous.

In contrast, Bennett was young, accomplished, and had a boundless future. As the

sole heir to the Thompson Group, his position was unparalleled.

Though Noah was the elder cousin, he had always deferred to Bennett. And

Bennett, with his excellent upbringing, had always shown him respect.

Perhaps it was that very respect that had led this foolish woman, Karina, to believe

they could manipulate the heir of the Thompson family.

"From now on, stop contacting Yolanda, and keep your distance from the Walker family. If Bennett

doesn't want it, this marriage will not

happen. And stay out of his

business de respects you because

you're family, but don't mistake that

for actual influence."

"If you don't know how to behave, then go back to the White family and learn before

you come back," Noah said, glancing at the feast on the table.

What usually looked like a delicious spread now only filled him with irritation.

"Clean up this kitchen immediately, and try not to cause any more trouble in the future." With that final command, Noah turned and went upstairs.

Karina was left alone in the dining room, fuming silently with red-rimmed eyes.

By now, Bennett's car was long gone from Noah's neighborhood.

After driving through several city blocks, the car pulled up in front of an old mansion.