Ch. 181..190
Chapter 181
“Well, I’ve gotten used to it.” Bonnie shrugged with a smile.
Welma felt sorry for her and ran her fingers through Bonnie’s hair, saying, “We wouldn’t have known how poorly they treated you if we hadn’t come to Pyralis.”
“Trina’s just after the Shepards‘ wealth and glory.” Benedict’s anger grew the more he thought about it. He then looked at his parents and said, “You didn’t stand up to them just now. You don’t really believe what Trina said, do you?”
Welma looked pained. “I watched you and Bonnie grow. I know you two better than anyone. Still, I didn’t know how Trina would react if I scolded her in front of her parents.”
Gerald added, “Your mom’s right. It’s best to play it safe since the Shepards treasure Trina so much. However His tone softened as he looked at Bonnie guiltily. “It’s just unfair to you, Bonnie. We’re sorry. We shouldn’t have…”
Benedict felt his parents were somewhat biased toward Trina, but he could also understand the difficulties they had faced when they decided to send Bonnie to the Shepards.
Bonnie said smilingly, “Trina’s your flesh and blood. Even if she’s unbearable, your blood flows through her veins. You did what true parents would have done.”
Not many could turn against their own family. Moreover, Bonnie was protective by nature and always prioritized her family.
“Gresham and Vera are peculiar,” Bonnie spoke without resentment. Instead, she was calm. However, the more sensible she was, the more Welma and Gerald’s
hearts ached.
“By the way, have you guys found a place to stay? What’s your next plan?”
“Your dad and I plan to return to the countryside in a couple of days. Benny got into Pyralis University and won’t be going back with us,” Welma said.
Benedict added, “I want to stay in here and find a part–time job to earn some extra cash. Then, I can help relieve the financial pressure at home.”
Bonnie took out her phone and said, “I’ll transfer some money to you guys.”
However, Gerald said solemnly, “Bonnie, I’ve told you to keep whatever you earned. Your mom and I don’t need our daughter to support us yet. I can still work. Even though I don’t earn much from farming and raising pigs, it’s enough for our daily expenses.”
Bonnie had offered to give her parents some money before, but they always refused.
“Yeah, we’re not parasites, sis. We know how hard it can be to earn money, and our parents aren’t that old. Also, I need to rely on myself to make a living.” Benedict also declined his sister’s handout.
Bonnie wanted to argue and say that earning money was easy for her. After all, she quickly made so much from scamming Xavier,
“Bonnie, put your phone away. Don’t bring it up again, okay? You can support us when we’re old and no longer able to move,” Gerald said sternly,
“Okay, Dad.” Bonnie could only obey and say coyly, “At least let me find you guys a place to stay. If you refuse, it means you don’t consider me your daughter.”
“That’s fine by us.”
Soon after, Bonnie found her parents and brother somewhere decent to stay. She did not book the best hotel in Pyralis and instead chose a mid–range one to avoid them complaining that she was wasting money. Even so, her parents still lectured her.
Bonnie asked Benedict, “What kind of part–time job are you looking for?”
Benedict shrugged, saying, “I don’t have much work experience. It’s unlikely I can work at a big company, so I chose a few small ones on a job–hunting website. I’m going for a few interviews tomorrow.”
“Which ones did you choose? Let me see.”
Benedict handed her his phone and said, “Here, these are the ones I picked.”
After looking through the list, Bonnie frowned and said, “These companies have no future for development. You’ll only be fetching water and printing documents or even cleaning.”
“I know, but I have no other options. Forget not having work experience. I’m also only looking to work part–time. Why would any well–established company hire someone like me?”
After some thought, Bonnie said, “Do you want to work at Tang Fusion Studios?”
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“Wait, you mean the one Hamish the designer owns?” Benedict’s eyes widened. “Yeah, that’s the one. If I remember correctly, you like designing clothes, right? You’d always draw different kinds of clothes on the characters in history books. whenever you had nothing to do.”
Her words made Benedict blush. “That’s all in the past, sis. Please don’t bring it up again.”
Bonnie covered her mouth and giggled. “So, do you want to work there or not?”
Benedict said self–doubtingly, “Of course I do. Still, we’re talking about Tang Fusion Studios here. It’s one of Pyralis’s top companies. Why would they want to hire a student with no work experience?”
“Just visit the company tomorrow. I’ve already talked to them. You’ll be fine,” Bonnie said confidently.
Benedict froze and stared at his sister for a while, unable to discern whether or not she was joking. “Are you for real?”
“When have I ever lied to you?” Bonnie raised a brow.
“B–But we’re talking about Tang Fusion Studios, right? How’d you—
“Stop asking so many questions and go there tomorrow, got it? You’ll know what
I mean when you’re there.” Bonnie did not want to explain herself yet. It was as
she said. He would understand everything once he was there.
At that moment, Bonnie received a text from Ivor, “I heard you went to the Shepards‘ house.”
Bonnie replied, “Yeah, I went to get my stuff.”
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“I was just going to collect my things. Why would I need to bring you and have a brawl?”
Ivor sighed helplessly and sent a reply, “Did they mistreat you in any way?”
“Not really.”
“Can we do a video call?”
Bonnie looked at Benedict and then called Ivor. Benedict saw the messages on Bonnie’s phone earlier. When he saw that she was starting a video call, he curiously approached and saw the man’s handsome face on the screen.
Benedict’s eyes lit up as he asked, “Is he your boyfriend, Bonnie?”
Ivor smirked. “Actually, I’m your future brother–in–law.”
Bonnie was speechless.
“You’re really my future brother–in–law? Bonnie, I didn’t know you were getting
married.” Benedict was shocked.
Bonnie asked, annoyed, “What do you think?”
Ivor did not dwell on the topic. He asked, “Bonnie, he’s your little brother, right? When did he get here?”
Benedict speculated that Ivor had a special relationship with Bonnie. Whenever someone pursued his sister in the past, she would always appear impatient and annoyed.
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Bonnie replied truthfully, “My parents brought him here. They just arrived today.”
When she mentioned her parents, Ivor knew she was referring to her foster parents from the countryside.
“Oh, your parents are here, too? Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I would’ve gone to pick them up myself.”
“They’re my parents,” Bonnie emphasized indifferently.
“Same thing,” Ivor said smilingly.
Once again, Bonnie was astounded. “Weren’t you supposed to meet that miracle doctor for your grandma today? Would you have had the time to puck my parents up if I told you?”
“She’s our grandma, Bonnie,” Ivor smirked.
Bonnie no longer knew how to deal with Ivor’s insinuations. “Can’t we have a decent conversation? If not, I’ll hang up.”
Ivor hurriedly said, “Fine! Sorry, I’ll behave, okay?”
Benedict observed how his sister and Ivor interacted and guessed his suspicions were correct. Indeed, the duo had a special relationship.
“The doctor texted me earlier and said there will be a delay. She should be here soon. I’ll come and find you once she’s here to look after Grandma.”
“No need. You can care for your grandma while the doctor’s there. I still have things to do. I’m hanging up now,” Bonnie said. After all, she had planned to visit Winnie later anyway.
“All right, I’ll see you later then.” Ivor’s voice was low and gentle, exuding a warm affection.
It made Bonnie’s heart flutter. She cleared her throat and quickly hung up the phone.
At the hospital, Winnie smiled at Ivor and said, “Bonnie’s perfect. You better cherish her, got it?”
“I will, Grandma,” Ivor said resolutely.
Winnie recalled something and added, “Speaking of which, she’s got jokes.”
Ivor was stunned. “What? When did you meet her?”
“She visited a while ago and said she was a medical expert. I knew she said that to amuse me.” Winnie’s words made Ivor fall into deep thought,
Last time, he would have thought Bonnie was joking if she said something like that. However, he found it increasingly difficult to figure her out after experiencing so much with her.
Meanwhile, Ivor occasionally glanced toward the ward entrance, waiting for someone to come. Then, someone knocked on the door.
“That should be the doctor. I’ll get the door.” Floyd quickly opened the door.
Ivor instinctively looked over, only to see a man in a hat standing there. The man’s face remained covered, making it hard to see his features.
Floyd asked with uncertainty, “Are you the doctor who cured the mother of the SR League’s owner?”
Although the doctor’s features remained hidden, Floyd and Ivor could tell he seemed young. The doctor was most probably in his early twenties, judging by his overall appearance.
“Yeah, that’s me,” Bonnie said in a lowered voice. She then shifted her gaze and met Ivor’s intense eyes.
‘Why’s he looking at me like that? There’s no way he managed to recognize me again.‘
Not only did Bonnie dress as a man, but she also changed her appearance. She thought Ivor could not see through her. Maybe she was overthinking while he curiously sized her up.
“Please come in.” Floyd gestured for her to enter.
Bonnie nodded and entered, ignoring Ivor’s curious stare. She went straight to Winnie and asked, “Are you the patient, Ma’am?”
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“Yeah, I’m the patient. I’ve had this issue with my legs for many years. Think you can fix it, Doc?” Winnie looked at Bonnie with hopeful eyes.
“Let me take a look first,” Bonnie said, though she already knew she could heal Winnie’s legs. After a quick examination, she added, “It’s pretty severe, but I can treat it. Still, it might take some time for you to recover fully.”
Winnie was overjoyed. She grabbed Bonnie’s hand and said, “Really? You can cure me?”
Ivor glanced at Bonnie’s hand and noticed its complexion matched her exposed neck. He began to wonder if he had been overthinking things.
‘Perhaps Bonnie really was just teasing Grandma.‘
Bonnie noticed Ivor gazing at her hand. She could not help but smirk beneath her mask. She knew he was always observant and suspicious. With what Bonnie told Winnie several days ago, it was highly likely that the older woman had told Ivor about it.
That was why Bonnie chose to disguise herself as a man. Initially, she did not mind revealing her identity to Winne. However, Bonnie saw Winnie’s disbelief and figured explaining it to Ivor would be another hassle. After careful reconsideration, she opted not to expose her true identity.
Nonetheless, she reassured Winnie, “Don’t worry. I can cure your legs.”
Winne was ecstatic. “You’re amazing! I don’t feel any soreness already. You’re a miracle worker, Doc.”
Bonnie smiled while packing her things. She then stood up and said, “I’ll come back at the same time next week.”
As she was about to leave, Ivor stood up and said, “I’ll walk you out.”
“No need to be so formal, Mr. Ivor. You should stay and care for your grandma instead. I have something to attend to anyway.” Bonnie felt uneasy under Ivor’s intense gaze.
“It’s okay. I’ll escort you out,” Ivor insisted, “I want to discuss my grandmother’s treatment with you.”
Bonnie was unable to decline his offer and could only agree reluctantly, “All right
then.”
While walking ahead, Bonnie said, “I’ve explained your grandma’s situation
properly just now, Mr. Ivor. Do you have further questions?”
Ivor scrutinized Bonnie from head to toe and asked, “You mentioned that she won’t show immediate results. How long till this whole thing blows over? I’d like to have an idea of when that is.”
“Well… At least three months. Your grandma’s leg issue has been around for a while, after all. We need to treat it slowly and can’t rush it. We’ll gradually remove the osteoarthritis and then strengthen her body. She should be as good as new within six months,” Bonnie explained.
“Six months, huh?” Ivor looked surprised. “Then she’ll be as good as new?”
Ivor sighed and added, “I’m curious. If you’re so skilled at medicine, why haven’t I heard much about you?”
Bonnie raised a brow. “If that were the case, do you think I’d have time for my personal affairs? Besides, medicine is just my hobby, not my primary profession.”
Ivor was even more surprised.
‘It’s just a hobby, yet he’s already achieved so much? Who is this guy?‘ “We’ve talked for so long, and I still don’t know your name, Doc.”
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Bonnie had expected Ivor to question her, so she came prepared. “My name’s Fanelli.”
She used Welma’s surname as her alias.
“Care to join me for dinner, Dr. Fanelli?” Ivor extended an invitation.
Bonnie lowered her gaze, knowing he still harbored doubts. In that case, decided to play along. “Since you were kind enough to invite me, I won’t decline.” Soon after, the duo had dinner in a luxurious private room at Jade Horizon Hotel. Ivor even ordered an extravagant feast. He then raised his glass, saying, “Cheers to you, Dr. Fanelli.”
While reaching for her mask, Bonnie noticed Ivor staring intently. With the mask off, “she” clinked her glass with Ivor. After seeing “his” face, Ivor calmly lowered his gaze. Indeed, he had overthought.
Later that evening, Ivor returned to the villa alone and saw Bonnie sitting on the couch, watching the news. He casually approached and sat beside Bonnie. “ You’re different from other girls. Most of them don’t enjoy watching the news.”
The two sat close to each other, almost touching shoulders. Bonnie felt uncomfortable and scooted over a little, asking, “So, how’s your grandma doing?”
“The doctor is highly skilled and dependable. Grandma should be as good as new in six months.”
“Wow, that’s impressive,” Bonnie replied nonchalantly.
Ivor had been observing Bonnie since he entered the house. Still, the latter’s gaze remained on the TV, showing no emotional fluctuations. Ivor frowned and asked, “When will the team finish building Lenfield Resort?”
“Hamish said they should finish it next month, around the time school starts,” Bonnie replied as she continued to watch TV.
Suddenly, Ivor reached for her shoulder and turned her to face him. His voice carried a hint of pleading, “Can’t you stay here just a little longer?”
Bonnie’s heart softened momentarily, but reason quickly overcame her
emotions. “I’ll feel like a sugar baby if I stay any longer. I’m uncomfortable with that.”
“I don’t see it that way at all.”
“I know, but I do,” Bonnie said firmly, determined to move out.
((
Seeing Bonnie’s resolve, Ivor did not insist further. He knew this would be the outcome, but it was still hard for him to accept. He reminded Bonnie, Remember, you owe me a favor.”
Of course, Bonnie remembered. She had promised Ivor during the final race that she would agree to his favor if it were not excessive, like getting married.
“Fine, lay it on me. What’s the favor?”
“I want to take you to the beach this Saturday. Just the two of us.”
Bonnie caught on. “Are you planning something?”
“You’re smart. You’re the only one I’ve set my eyes on, after all,” Ivor said proudly, “So, do you agree? It’s not an unreasonable request, right?”
After some thought, Bonnie asked skeptically, “You won’t make me wear a revealing bikini or anything, will you?”
“Do you think I’m that pervy?” Despite his composed tone, he had considered it before.
Bonnie’s eyes suddenly widened as she looked at him. “You won’t be naked, right?!”
Ivor chuckled, enjoying the banter. “I can do that if you’re interested in seeing my package.”
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Bonnie held her breath as she watched Ivor approach so suddenly. She moved
over again to increase the distance between them, saying, “You claim you’re not a perve, yet you said something pervy.”
“Hahaha!” Ivor could not help but burst into laughter when he saw Bonnie
blushing. “All right, then. I’ll be whatever you want me to be.”
He was in a good mood, no matter what his fiancee said.
The weekend passed in the blink of an eye. Benedict stood nervously at Tang Fusion Studios door. He muttered, “Did Bonnie prank me? Hmm, she’s not the type to joke around, especially not with something like this.”
At that moment, he received a call from Bonnie, “Are you there yet?”
“I, uh, just got here.”
“Then, hurry and get your ass in there. I’ve already informed the people inside that you’re coming. Everything will be okay.”
Benedict gulped nervously. “Bonnie, are you sure they won’t kick me out?”
“You’re my brother. Who would dare do that? I just reached work. Go inside!” Bonnie then hung up and entered the research institute.
“Hey, wasn’t that Bonnie?” Halle stared at the research institute’s gate.
“Bonnie? That’s not possible.” Rowina looked over but only saw a figure entering the building.
Halle scratched the back of her head and said with uncertainty, “That woman who entered the building looked like Bonnie at first glance.”
“That’s impossible. That’s Ms. Bonita’s research institute, after all. Bonnie can’t even get in, even if she tried. Do you think she’s a researcher or a professor or something?”
“Hehe.” Halle chuckled with contempt. “If she were, I’d cut off my head and use it as a soccer ball. Even if she could get in, she would be the janitor.”
“I don’t think she even deserves to do that. The institute always does a
background check on whoever wants to enter or work there. How could Bonnie possibly get in?” Rowina said disdainfully.
“Forget about her. She’s boring to talk about. Come on, let’s go shopping.” Halle pulled Rowina.
Benedict took a deep breath and then said through gritted teeth, “Screw it. I’m going in.”
After adjusting his suit, he confidently entered the building and went to the front desk. “Hello, I’m here to apply for a part–time job. My sister mentioned-
“Are you Mr. Benedict?” The receptionist was extremely respectful toward him.
“Y–Yes, I am.”
“Welcome, Mr. Benedict. Mr. Hamish told me to bring you to his office as soon as you arrived.”
Benedict was puzzled, stuttering, “M–Mr. Hamish? Wh–which Mr. Hamish are you referring to?”
“It seems you love jokes, don’t you, Mr. Benedict? We only have one Mr. Hamish here, the CEO.”
Benedict gulped again. Of course, he knew the name of the company’s owner since he was in Tang Fusion Studios. Still, he was shocked that Hamish would personally receive him. Benedict wondered how his sister had such connections. In a daze, he followed the receptionist to the CEO’s office. “Mr. Hamish, Mr. Benedict has arrived.”
Benedict could not stop looking at Hamish, who was sitting at the desk.
‘It really is the CEO of Tang Fusion Studios! A country boy like me is meeting the big shot on my first day at the company!‘
The more he thought about it, the more nervous he became. He even began to sweat a little.
Hamish stood up and approached him, extending a handshake. “Welcome, Mr. Benedict.”
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Benedict felt flattered as he shook Hamish’s hand with his sweaty palm.
“No need to be nervous, Mr. Benedict. Please, have a seat and make yourself at home.” Hamish gestured for Benedict to sit on the sofa while instructing his assistant, “Make some tea, will you? Use the fresh batch of the tea that just arrived.”
“Right away, Mr. Hamish.”
Benedict felt uneasy but gathered his courage to ask, “Mr. Hamish, do you know my sister?”
“Of course I do. We’ve known each other a long time,” Hamish replied truthfully.
“So, um, what’s your relationship with her? Why are you taking such good care of me, Mr. Hamish?”
“Didn’t she tell you?” Hamish countered.
“N–No, Mr. Hamish, she didn’t tell me anything.” Benedict shook his head.
“In that case.” Hamish shrugged. “I won’t say much either. You can ask your sister about my relationship with her.”
Benedict wondered if Bonnie was fooling around. However, deep down, he felt she would not do such a thing. With Hamish being so attentive, Benedict would not believe it if his sister told him they were just ordinary friends.
“Let’s not dwell on that, Mr. Benedict. Your sister told me you enjoy designing. Is that correct?”
Hamish asked.
“Yes, indeed, I do.” Benedict nodded.
↑
“Do you have any formal training in design?”
“No, Mr. Hamish. I just doodle around as a hobby at home whenever I get bored.”
“Do you have any samples I can look at?”
“Yes, I do.” Benedict handed over his prepared design drafts to Hamish.
After looking at them, Hamish’s eyes lit up. “You’re a talented young man. How about you follow me from now on? I’ll take you on as my apprentice and personally mentor you.”
Benedict was shocked beyond words. Although Hamish praised his talent, he had a realistic understanding of the world. Benedict knew there were many talented people in the world. Having Hamish as a personal mentor was a dream countless designers wished for.
Although Benedict had never received any formal training in design, Hamish was already offering to mentor him directly.
From that, Benedict deduced that his sister’s relationship with Hamish must be extraordinary. Benedict felt he needed to ask his sister about it.
That evening, Bonnie went to meet her foster parents for dinner. Even Ivor came along. Welma asked curiously, “Who’s that, Bonnie?”
Bonnie had a headache from when Ivor insisted on tagging along. Before she could say anything, Ivor took the initiative to introduce himself. “Mother, Father, here’s the gift I got you.”
Ivor had several shopping bags containing branded clothes, expensive wine, and more. These items cost millions collectively.
Welma and Gerald were shocked by Ivor’s form of address. The older couple turned to look at Bonnie,
who had a headache. She felt even more stressed now.
“B–Bonnie? He called us… He said…”
“Ignore him. Let him call you whatever he wants.” Bonnie glared at Ivor as she spoke.
Suddenly, Welma and Gerald guessed what was happening. They suspected Ivor was trying to pursue their foster daughter. However, they treated Ivor as their half–son–in–law since they thought Bonnie
did not dislike him.
“Okay, let’s not stand at the doorway. The dishes are on the table. Let’s eat before they get cold.” Welma said, thinking Ivor was pleasing to the eye. She added, “You’re quite the looker, young man. How old are you?”
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“I’m twenty–seven this year,” Ivor replied.
Gerald whispered to Welma, “He’s quite a bit older than Bonnie.”
Although Ivor could not hear them, he could read their lips. He had heard about Gerald’s love for alcohol before coming. He poured a glass and handed it to Gerald, saying, “Dad, this is the wine I brought you. Give it a try.”
“Sure, don’t mind if I do.” Gerald stared at the wine and sipped it. Immediately after, his eyes lit up as he exclaimed, “Wow, it tastes fantastic!”
Ivor said smilingly, “I have a collection of exquisite liquors at home. If you like any of them, feel free to take them all with you.”
“I can’t do that.”
“It’s okay. I’m not much of a drinker myself. They’ll just sit there and gather dust if you don’t take them off my hands. Don’t be shy, Father. You can call me son once I marry your daughter. Parents shouldn’t be so shy with their children and in–laws, right?”
Gerald did not know how to respond.
Meanwhile, Bonnie watched as Ivor won over her parents. She felt amused and speechless but said nothing.
Welma asked, “Where do you work, Ivor? How big is your family?”
“Mom, we haven’t even started eating yet. Here, have some.” Bonnie scooped some dishes onto Welma’s plate.
“This young man has chased you so far, yet I can’t even ask about him? It concerns your lifelong happiness, you know?”
Ivor replied, “Well, there are four main members of my family. Also, I work for the Knight Group.”
“The Knight Group?!” Benedict bolted to his feet. “Are you referring to the city’s top company?! The wealthiest family in the city owns that company.”
Ivor nodded. “That’s the one.”
Benedict stammered in shock, “Y–Your last name is Knight, too. Wait, are you from the Knight family?!”
Welma and Gerald stopped eating and stared at Ivor.
Ivor was about to answer when Bonnie interjected, “He’s just an ordinary employee at the Knight Group.”
She lied because she feared her foster parents would worry about her. After all, she was just a country
girl in their eyes. If Ivor, the city’s richest man, pursued her just to play with her heart and abandon her, the older couple would be furious.
Ivor glanced at Bonnie and understood her reason for lying. So, he cooperated and said, “I just happen to have the same surname as them.”
Welma and Gerald sighed, somewhat relieved. The meal went by joyfully, and after sending the older couple and Benedict back to their hotel, Ivor was alone. Bonnie stayed with her parents because they would leave the next day, and she wanted to spend more time with them.
Benedict had a lot on his mind, saying, “Bonnie, I have something to ask you.”
“Go ahead.” Bonnie followed her brother outside.
As they walked on the street, Benedict suddenly stopped and said, “The interview went well today.”
Bonnie smiled. “See, I told you not to worry.”
“Mr. Hamish said he wants to mentor me personally.”
“Well, you have a natural talent for design. I’d expect Hamish to say something like that.”
“He was exceptionally kind to me and offered a high salary with many privileges.”
“That just means he values you a lot.”
“Bonnie!” Benedict exclaimed, “Don’t you have anything else to say?! I know my worth. Even if I’m somewhat talented, Mr. Hamish is the CEO of Tang Fusion Studios and one of the world’s best designers. Why would he treat me so well?”
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Bonnie patted Benedict’s shoulder. “I’ll tell you the truth, but you have to promise not to tell anyone else.”
“Not even Mom and Dad?” Benedict asked.
After pondering for a moment, she replied, “That’s up to you.‘
“All right, spill it. I’m ready,” Benedict had already speculated various possibilities. One was that Hamish was Bonnie’s admirer.
Bonnie slowly said, “Actually, I am the CEO of Tang Fusion Studios.”
This news shocked Benedict.
He had considered ten thousand possibilities, but he never connected Bonnie with being the CEO of Tang Fusion Studios. After all, his sister was so young. He knew his sister was talented, but Tang Fusion Studios was a leading company in the city.
“Bonnie, are you… are you serious?”
!!
“Why else would Hamish personally mentor you?” Bonnie said with a smile.
Benedict’s mouth hung wide open for a while.
The next day, Bonnie accompanied Welma and Gerald to the train station.
“Mom, here are some snacks I prepared for you. Eat them if you get hungry on the way,” Bonnie said, handing a tote bag to Welma and Gerald.
Welma’s eyes were a bit teary. “My dear girl, you are so filial.”
“Benny, you’re a man now. Take good care of your sister and protect her, you hear?” Gerald
instructed Benedict.
“Don’t worry. That’s my duty,” Benedict said but complained internally. After all, his sister was the CEO of Tang Fusion Studios and had immeasurable wealth. So, if anyone were taking care of someone, it would be his sister taking care of him.
Benedict didn’t tell his parents that Bonnie was the CEO of Tang Fusion Studios. He was afraid they would be scared, just as he was. After seeing the two off, Bonnie and Benedict received messages simultaneously on their phones.
It was a notification from Twitter. “HamishEvans took in a disciple named Benedict yesterday.”
Bonnie raised an eyebrow and turned to Benedict. “It seems like he intends to pass on his mantle to you.”
Benedict was still in shock, completely bewildered by Hamish’s high–profile announcement.
Bonnie smiled. “Hamish’s intention is simple. He wants to cultivate you so you can share the
workload with him.”
Hamish was playing a good game. Since she wasn’t going to the company, he was going to let her brother take her place.
This news also reached the Shepard family’s ears.
“Trina, I remember your brother from the countryside. His name is Benedict, right?” Vera looked at
Trina and asked.
“Mom, you’re not thinking that the designer Hamish took as a disciple is my brother, are you?”
“I’m just asking. How could that be possible? That country bumpkin–oh, sorry, I mean, that’s your brother,” Vera stopped halfway, realizing her words were inappropriate.
Trina took Vera’s hand. “Mom, I don’t blame you. It’s okay. Besides, in Benedict’s heart, there’s only Bonnie. I have given up and no longer regard him as my brother. To me, you and Dad are the only two dearest family members I have.”
Vera patted Trina’s back affectionately. “You’ve been through a lot, my dear.”
By the way, I heard that Hamish is planning a disciple reception at a nearby entertainment club in a few days. You and Hadwin should go there together. Maybe, if you’re lucky, you might meet Hamish’s disciple. If you can make friends, it’ll be a huge opportunity,” Vera remembered and suggested.
“Okay, Mom, you can rest assured. I’ll make it happen,” Trina said, confident in her social skills. In the blink of an eye, Saturday arrived.
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Early in the morning, Bonnie was dragged to the beach by Ivor. Just as Bonnie expected, the usually crowded beach was empty.
“Clearing this place must’ve cost quite a bit,” Bonnie remarked,
“No worries, for me, it’s just a drop in the bucket,” Ivor said with a smile.
“You’re such a spendthrift,” Bonnie gouldn’t help but complain.
Ivor leaned in close to Bonnie’s face. “1 only know how to make money, not manage it. That’s why I urgently need a wife like you.”
Looking at Ivor intentionally opening his coat, Bonnie blushed slightly and took a step back.
This guy wasn’t wearing anything underneath.
“You’ve got the wrong person then. I only know how to make money, too,” Bonnie said.
Ivor noticed Bonnie’s slightly reddened face and quickly took off his coat.
However, it didn’t end there.
The sound of a metal zipper echoed.
Bonnie turned her head away immediately.
“Are you trying to be a pervert?”
“I can’t swim in long pants, can I? Don’t worry. I’m not that creepy. I’m wearing swim trunks underneath,” Ivor said, wanting to tease Bonnie a bit more but afraid of going too far and scaring her
off.
Bonnie looked back, seeing a man wearing only swim trunks, his well–built physique attracting attention. She knew that if the beach weren’t empty, every female present would be looking at Ivor.
“There’s a swimsuit I prepared for you in the trunk. Why don’t you change into it?” Ivor opened the
trunk and said.
Bonnie glanced at the luggage inside. She slightly raised her eyebrows. “You didn’t prepare something only weirdos would wear, did you?”
“You’re overthinking it. Everything is perfectly normal,” Ivor assured.
Although Ivor said so, Bonnie still didn’t believe him.
“I’ll just go like this.”
With that, Bonnie walked toward the seashore and went deep into the water, plunging in.
Ivor looked at the swimsuits in the trunk, which were a hundred sets in total, all carefully selected by him. If possible, he really wanted to see Bonnie in every set.
Just as he was thinking about it, Bonnie emerged from the sea.
She swept her wet hair to the front, revealing her smooth and fair forehead. The seawater dampened her white coat, exposing the hidden beauty within.
“It’s black.” Ivor’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice hoarse, his eyes staring fixedly at this dazzling
sight.
At this moment, he felt that the girl, in this way, might be more alluring than wearing a swimsuit.
Gradually, Ivor couldn’t control his legs. Step by step, he walked into the sea, swimming toward
Bonnie.
Bonnie didn’t notice anything strange at first. She only realized something was wrong when Ivor’s gaze became too intense. Curious, she looked down at herself and blushed the next second.
“You’re shameless!” Bonnie scolded Ivor.
Ivor continued to stare, saying, “Aren’t you intentionally dressing like this to show me?”
Bonnie squinted dangerously, then turned around and swam toward the deeper part of the sea.
“Don’t swim too far. The water gets too deep over there. You’re not prepared for such activities. What will you do if you swim over there and cramp up?” Ivor’s words had just finished when Bonnie suddenly moaned and disappeared into the water.