Chapter 38: My Wife

"Norman, your presence truly brings great honor to our humble abode." Old Mr. Reeves smiled benevolently. He was a famous philanthropist in North City, his white hair shining brightly, giving him an almost ethereal presence.

Beside him stood a young woman, looking quite graceful, especially with those almond-shaped eyes carrying a gentle, spring-like warmth.

"You're too kind, Mr. Reeves," Norman Bennett replied with a tone somewhat distant; he didn't particularly like Mr. Reeves' ways.

Calling himself a philanthropist while indulging his son to become an unscrupulous businessman.

"Suwan, this is Norman Bennett, the son of your Uncle Bennett." Old Mr. Reeves said to the young woman beside him.

The introduction seemed intimate, yet the Bennett Family and the Reeves Manor had no real connections. Norman Bennett's attendance was merely to show respect to Old Mr. Reeves.

The young woman was named Suwan Reeves, the granddaughter of Old Mr. Reeves, and the most sought-after socialite in North City.

"Hello, Brother Norman." Suwan Reeves greeted gracefully, her voice even sweeter than a songbird's.

However, Elliana Lyle felt a twinge of danger. She instinctively looped her arm through Norman Bennett's and politely said, "Hello Mr. Reeves, I am Norman Bennett's fiancée, Elliana Lyle."

"Oh, hello." The smile on Old Mr. Reeves' face faltered upon hearing Elliana's self-introduction.

He hadn't expected Norman Bennett to bring Elliana along, knowing that today's event was meant for finding a husband for his granddaughter.

Norman Bennett was naturally the first choice.

Seeing Old Mr. Reeves' attitude, Elliana Lyle clearly sensed his displeasure toward her.

"Miss Lyle, nice to meet you." Suwan Reeves still spoke up to greet Elliana.

At this point, more guests arrived to greet Mr. Reeves.

Seeing Mr. Reeves needing to entertain other guests, Norman Bennett nodded slightly to Mr. Reeves and then left with Elliana.

Suwan Reeves stared at Norman Bennett's departing figure with her watery eyes, feeling a sense of indescribable discomfort.

Everyone knows Elliana is unhappy with the engagement, so why did it suddenly seem alright?

After entertaining the guests, Old Mr. Reeves looked at Suwan, smiled somewhat wisely, and said, "Jealous, are you? Sometimes you have to fight for what you want, otherwise how will you know if there's a chance?"

After hearing this, Suwan Reeves smiled, "Grandpa, I understand."

She's just a fiancée, not married, and Elliana doesn't truly love Norman Bennett. There is still a chance for her.

…

"Norman Bennett, why do I feel weird?" Elliana Lyle felt inexplicably angry, but didn't know why.

"What?"

The man's tone had a clear sense of knowingly asking.

Elliana pursed her lips, deciding not to engage, picked up a small cake beside her, took a bite, savoring the mango bits inside.

Just then.

Suwan Reeves approached with a glass of champagne, "Mr. Bennett, may I have the honor of sharing a drink with you?"

"Miss Reeves, you're too kind." Norman Bennett took the glass.

Although Norman Bennett always had an indifferent demeanor, Suwan Reeves liked such an aloof man.

Unlike others, who couldn't wait to grin like a Cheshire cat upon seeing her.

Seeing someone chatting up her man, Elliana Lyle felt a bit irritated, but said nothing, just grabbing a small mango cake and stuffing it into her mouth.

Out of sight, out of mind.

But the small cake was indeed delicious.

For quite a while, Suwan Reeves continued chatting with Norman Bennett, leaving Elliana with the feeling that Suwan was coveting her man. She glanced at Norman Bennett out of the corner of her eye.

The meaning was: Man, stop flirting around!

Norman Bennett noticed Elliana's demeanor but found it amusing. Today wasn't an especially important event, especially knowing what Mr. Reeves intended.

Norman Bennett pulled Elliana over and said, "My wife is feeling a bit uncomfortable, we'll take our leave."

"Ah?" Elliana chewed her little cake, looking strangely at him.

She wasn't uncomfortable at all.

"Then, well okay," Suwan Reeves was momentarily at a loss for words.

Upon leaving, Elliana didn't forget to grab another cake, realizing inside the car that it was apple-flavored, which she didn't quite like.

"Norman Bennett, you have this," Elliana handed the small cake directly to his mouth.

Looking at the small cake she had bitten into, Norman Bennett said expressionlessly, "I don't enjoy sweets."

"Oh~" Elliana then brought the cake back to her own mouth, taking a big bite.

Eating sweets really makes one happy, her little feet swinging happily.

"Norman Bennett, let me tell you something," Elliana shook her legs, then looked seriously at him.

"Yeah, tell me."

Elliana smiled gently, "Let's get married."

"What?"

Elliana's smile faded, and she said solemnly, "Let's get married."

The man gave no immediate reaction, simply watching her coldly, making Elliana feel slightly insecure.

She suddenly feared Norman Bennett would reject her, internally shouting: Say something!

"Okay."

This was the single word the man took quite some time to utter.

Elliana breathed a sigh of relief, her face bright with a smile, she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, saying, "Then someday you'll belong to me, Elliana Lyle."

As to why she thought of marriage today, it was because she felt Norman Bennett had been flirtatious.

Yet this decision was quite significant.

Elliana nestled in his arms, saying, "Then after I finish filming, we'll get married, okay?"

"Okay."

…

———North City, Central Hospital.

Shane Southwell had clearly recovered considerably, at least the bandages on his hand had been removed. He answered a call from his father Cameron Southwell.

"I've taken care of this matter for you, behave yourself for the time being!" Cameron Southwell's voice remained as furious as ever.

To Shane, this father had never been gentle, though he never hit him, he shared an annoying habit with his mom — shouting.

"Yes, I understand." Shane Southwell replied, already extremely impatient, even wanting to hang up directly.

"Alright. That's it, hang up now! You rascal..."

Beep!

Without waiting for Cameron Southwell to finish, Shane Southwell hung up directly, casually placing the phone on the small cabinet.

He had no interest in listening to such nonsense.

Cari pursed her lips beside, then said, "Vice President, Joy Lyle doesn't seem intent on renewing her contract with Roland."

"Heh, found a new patron? Let her go." Shane Southwell sneered, but did not lose his temper.

It seemed Shane Southwell's temperament improved quite a bit since he took a beating.

"Vice President, you're letting Joy Lyle go?" Cari appeared somewhat surprised. Shane Southwell accommodating others wasn't like his style.

Shane Southwell looked sternly at Cari, "I said let her go, not leave!"

"Understood, I'll make the arrangements now." Cari said as she left the ward; she had some ties with Joy Lyle, having reminded her many times.

However, since Joy Lyle had no intention of renewing, the fault was not on her for ignoring their connection.