Chapter 27: I Won't Bring Her

She was Yolanda.

Not long after her arrival, she had just stepped into the restroom when Brevard's assistant sauntered into Tyler's room to spill the beans. With the assistant gone, Yolanda promptly made herself comfortable on the bed.

Inquisitively, she asked, "Tyler, is this Sophia Harrison you guys were talking about Ethan's former flame?"

"Indeed, how did you learn about it?"

"Well, who doesn't know? Rumor has it that Ethan nearly ended up at loggerheads with his own brother over this woman. It was quite the talk of the city. Also, do you know why Ethan chose me as a marriage ally?"

"Well," Tyler chuckled with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "let me guess, because you're unparalleled in the... art of seduction?"

"What?!" Yolanda feigned shock, "Tyler! I assure you, nothing happened between Ethan and me, I have been waiting for your recovery."

"Oh? Then why do you think Ethan took a fancy to you?"

"Because my eyes remind him of his lost love."

"Really?" Tyler leaned in closer to take a good look, "You're right, they do resemble. It seems he indeed can't shake off the memory of that woman. So, last time, you tried to use these eyes to beguile him, ended up in his office, failed miserably, and got tossed out onto the streets, right?"

"Tyler! Can we not bring that up again? I thought my eyes would give me an edge."

"Hmph," Tyler snorted disdainfully, "You just have eyes similar to that woman, what good is that?"

"But I thought she was gone, dead. Even if I only resemble her in the eyes, it should be enough," Yolanda protested.

"Enough for what? Who told you she was dead? With the real deal around, you aren't even qualified to be a stand-in."

"What?" Yolanda was taken aback, "Sophia Harrison is alive? But the news circulating was that she had passed away!"

"That's pure hogwash, a smoke screen set up by Kaysen Benton. Ethan probably knows it too. He's aware that she's alive, just holding out hope she changes her mind."

"Then why did he agree to an alliance with me?"

"What do you think? You're nothing but a pawn. He might see you fit to bear a child or use you as a rival in love to provoke her. And here you thought you mattered!"

Tyler's words, laced with sarcasm, left Yolanda feeling humiliated and angry, though she dared not show it Marrying Ethan was clearly off the table, yet she had vowed to become the lady of the Benton Group. Her only option now was to cozy up to Tyler.

If Tyler could overthrow Ethan, she could still become the mistress of the Benton Group by marrying him. She envisioned Ethan begging for forgiveness at her feet.

Swallowing her pride for the sake of her future prospects, Yolanda asked, "What's your next move? Our fathers seem to be collaborating on the business front. Do you have any plans for Ethan?"

"Of course. Even heroes have their weaknesses, and Ethan is just a man. Didn't you hear the assistant? He's already showing interest in your simple-minded sister. A man who goes mad over a woman, even a dimwit, doesn't deserve to rule the Benton Group. This time, I'll hit him where it hurts. Hand me my phone."

"Oh," Yolanda immediately handed over the phone.

Tyler dialed a number from his contacts. After an agonizingly long wait, the call was answered.

As soon as the woman on the other end of the line began to speak, Tyler launched into a tirade. "What the hell, taking an eternity to answer my call. Pack your bags and get back here now! I have a job for you!"

The woman on the phone agreed meekly. Tyler cursed a few more times before hanging up. Yolanda didn't know who he was talking to, but she saw the contact saved as "Bi*ch" in his phone.

She didn't dare ask, but Tyler brought it up himself, with a triumphant tone in his voice, "Do you know who this bi*ch is? The woman Ethan's been pining for is a filthy wench he treasures. But he's no better. Such a match made in hell. Perfectly suited!"

As the month drew to a close, Ethan was expected to dine with Kaysen at the old mansion, as usual.

A call was made early in the morning to remind him, with special instructions to bring Vivian along to the old mansion.

Before Ethan returned to Lakeside mansion, Vivian needed to be ready. This meant that she had to end her meeting with Nathaniel online. They had already discussed most of the project-related matters for the day.

However, it seemed that Nathaniel was extremely interested in her, insisting on chatting further.

"My dear Crocodile," Nathaniel sighed, "I've been in Amorita for days now and the food here just doesn't agree with me. As my esteemed colleague, can't you spare some sympathy for my poor, suffering stomach and join me for a meal?"

"Again with this, Nathaniel? I've told you before, I have no plans to see you at the moment. If you keep this up, I will have no choice but to rudely sign off." replied Vivian.

"Alright, alright, I surrender! But I do have a favor to ask. You're aware of the charity gala in Amorita in two days, aren't you? I must attend, but I'm without a companion for the evening. My dear Crocodile, I sincerely invite you to be my date. Please?"

"No!" Vivian flatly refused. "I have no desire to make an appearance at such an event."

"Why not? Is it because you're not confident in your looks? But I don't mind, Crocodile, even if you come wearing a mask."

"Enough with the jokes, Nathaniel. Have you ever seen a woman attending a gala in a mask and an evening gown? Please find someone else. Goodbye."

Without further ado, Vivian shut her laptop, ignoring Nathaniel's pleas.

By the time she was ready and descended the stairs, Ethan's car had already pulled up outside.

Once in the car, Vivian noticed that Ethan was engrossed in some documents and showed no interest in speaking to her.

This continued even when they arrived at the Benton family's old mansion.

It was only when Kaysen said, "Ethan, Mr. Smith from the foundation called. He hopes that you can bring your wife to the charity gala. I think you should take Vivian this time," that the silence was broken.

Vivian raised an eyebrow. She had just turned Nathaniel down, and now they wanted her to attend the gala?

However, Ethan flatly refused, "Has Mr. Smith lost his mind? He knows full well what the situation is here, yet he still wants me to bring Vivian? She's not suitable, I won't bring her."

Vivian was left speechless.

After a night of silence, those were his first words?!