However, Yvonne was stunned to hear Stephen's response."Okay." It was just a word—one that wasn't filled with malice.Casually, Stephen continued, "Right, I'm going to drop by Grandfather's manor for Thanksgiving. Do you want to come along?"His question snapped Yvonne out of her trance. She asked, "Is everyone from your family going too?""Yes.""Then how could I possibly refuse?" Yvonne was helpless because she knew that if she didn't show up, her image as a good wife would be ruined. Besides, she had to go for Phillip's sake.It became quiet, and Yvonne pretended to be asleep as she leaned her head against the window.She was grateful that Stephen didn't ask her any questions; otherwise, she wouldn't be able to escape from his scrutiny.Yvonne wasn't sure just how many more times she was going to be tested like this. Just the thought of it gave her a headache.She cracked an eye open to steal a glance at Stephen, thinking that he seemed to have changed recently. Before, he

No one dared to say anything.It was just their first meal together, but the tension was so thick that one could cut it with a knife. Neither Phillip nor Elizabeth agreed to see eye-to-eye with each other.Elizabeth set her fork and spoon down and left the dining room early with Ariel in tow.As for Phillip, he asked Yvonne to join him in his study later.It was Thanksgiving tomorrow, and the moon hung brightly in the night sky.Phillip was in great spirits, so he invited Yvonne for a drink under the moonlight on the balcony.He'd brewed his own alcohol—moonshine—and Yvonne could taste the perfect balance of sourness and sweetness in it.Before she knew it, she'd already downed several cups of moonshine. She was about to pour herself another cup when Phillip stopped her."If you leave my room drunk, Stephen's going to be very cross with me." Phillip looked at her with a smile and asked, "Were you upset about what happened today?"Yvonne could tell that he'd invited her over fo

Early the next morning, Stephen left the room while Yvonne was still sound asleep, hugging the blanket in her arms.He walked out of the room and instructed the maids not to disturb her slumber. Then he asked one of them to call Ariel to a guest room.A short while later, Ariel knocked on the door to the room. Her face was brightly lit up in joy, with the corners of her eyes crinkling as she smiled."Come in."She quickly opened the door and strolled over to Stephen, asking, "Stephen, why did you ask for me?""Yvonne told me that you spoke to her last night." Not wanting to waste time with her, Stephen got straight to the point. "I'd always thought you were a sensible person, Ms. Clarke, so I'd never wanted to do this. But it seems like I need to make some things clear."Just the way he called her "Ms. Clarke" was enough to wound Ariel's heart. She looked at Stephen in disbelief and asked, "Must we be so distant with each other? I mean, we used to—""The past is behind us." St

As evening came, the sky grew dark, and it began to rain.Stephen emerged from his study and looked for Yvonne, but she was nowhere to be found. He asked the maids if they had seen her around, but they told him they hadn't.So Stephen approached Elizabeth and the group of women, asking, "Isn't Yvonne with you?"Elizabeth scoffed, "Oh, please! She isn't a child anymore—must I put a leash on her to keep her close?"Stephen was a little upset with Elizabeth's attitude toward Yvonne, and his facial expression soured."Grandmother, I've never said anything to you or tried to stop you from being close to Ariel. But if you think, even for a moment, that you can bully Yvonne into leaving so that you can force Ariel onto me, I'm afraid that you're thoroughly mistaken."Elizabeth scowled and yelled, "You—! How could you talk to me like that?""I was just giving you a gentle reminder." Stephen waved a few bodyguards over and ordered, "Search the perimeter for Yvonne! Hurry up and find her!

Under the light, Yvonne's clear gaze was one of mere casual nonchalance, as if she didn't care about risking her life. Only someone who'd faced death many times would have a look like that, not a young woman in her 20s. It was as if she wouldn't miss anything, even if she died the next second.Stephen didn't know how to react. He only knew that even if he could turn back time, he would still choose to go up the mountain. As for the reason, he couldn't explain it. Perhaps it was a man's natural desire to protect his woman?Stephen kept thinking about it. He raised his hand and pressed it on Yvonne's head. "If you're really worried about me, don't do such weird things."Right then, the elevator stopped on the fifth floor, bringing an end to their conversation. When they entered the room, Stephen suddenly remembered to ask, "Why did you go up the mountain alone?"Yvonne finally remembered the herbs she had in her pocket. She slapped her forehead. "I was looking for herbs to cure Grand