Chapter 696

Eden's first reaction was that his eyes were playing tricks on him. He rubbed them hard, only to see Bennett standing right in front of him.

"You, you, you..." Eden's voice trembled uncontrollably.

"What's wrong? The groom doesn't seem very happy to see me," Bennett said with a slight, humorless raise of his eyebrow.

He then took a wine glass from a passing waiter's tray, swirled it elegantly, and said to Eden, "Mr. Monroe, congratulations on your wedding."

Eden looked completely stunned, dazed and lost. The glass in his hand slipped, shattering on the floor with a crash.

As the glass broke, a sudden silence seemed to fall over the massive banquet hall.

"Bennett, weren't you on your deathbed! Are you a man or a ghost!" Mrs. Thompson Sr.'s shriek broke the silence.

Bennett just smiled faintly. "It seems the old woman was hoping I would die. I'm sorry to disappoint you."

"You!" Mrs. Thompson Sr. started to speak but was silenced by a cold glare from Frank.

To prevent her from making a scene, Frank immediately instructed his assistant, "The madam is not feeling well. Please escort her back to rest."

"I, I'm not unwell..." Mrs. Thompson Sr. began to protest but was quickly escorted away by the assistant and bodyguards.

Yolanda's face was ashen, her expression one of someone who had seen a ghost. If Bennett wasn't dead, what chance did an illegitimate son like Eden have of

inheriting the Thompson family's company and assets?

Yolanda looked helplessly toward her father.

Vincent and Mrs. Walker were also seated at the head table.

Vincent's face showed shock and disbelief, even a flicker of panic. But as a man who had been in politics for years and weathered many storms, he quickly composed himself.

"Bennett, what a rare pleasure to have you here," Vincent said, greeting Bennett with a smile.

Bennett smiled back, returning the polite gesture.

The head table was filled with distinguished guests, and Bennett greeted each of them with impeccable courtesy. Finally, his eyes landed on Frank, and he said coolly, "Dad."

"Yes," Frank nodded, his gaze toward Bennett warm and fatherly. "Since you're here, have a seat."

Frank then instructed the hotel manager to add two seats to the head table.

The hotel staff moved quickly, placing two chairs at the VIP table.

Bennett took Yvonne's hand and sat down beside Frank.

Bennett swirled the wine in his glass. Frank noticed and couldn't help but advise, "You've just recovered. Go easy on the alcohol."

"Mm, I know," Bennett agreed, for once being obedient.

@t

"Mr. Bennett Thompson, I heard you were seriously injured some time ago. It's good to see you've made full recovery," said a high-ranking provincial official who had been myited to the wedding. He smiled at Bennett inquiringly.

"Oh, him? He's a lucky one. After cheating death, he's destined for great things," Frank said with a chuckle.

"Indeed. Bennett clearly has the look

of a man destined for wealth and honor," Mr. Staley continued, his gaze shifting to Yvonne beside Bennett. And this must be your lovely girlfriend. She's so charming."

Hearing an elder praise his girlfriend, Bennett's lips curved into a slight smile. He glanced at Yvonne before replying to Mr. Staley, "Mr Staley you have a discerning eye.

"You rascal, still as immodest as ever," Mr. Staley laughed. "Bennett, when are you

going to treat us old-timers to a drink?"