Bennett's Residence
One was taken on a basketball court. In the photo, a girl was pulling Marcus's arm. Only the girl's slender back could be seen clearly, while Marcus's unrestrained young face was crystal clear.
The other was taken indoors with elegant decor. Likewise, only the woman's back in a silver-white formal dress could be seen in the photo. She was standing against the light while Marcus lowered his head before her, his eyes deep and hot.
The two photos were in sharp contrast, depicting a woman's transition from youthful inexperience to elegant maturity.
The caption read: 'Seven years later, Madam Collins has finally matured.'
It was posted a few minutes ago, and the comment section was filled with various reactions, including envy, blessings, and questions about their marriage status.
James's gaze lingered on the photos, his brow furrowing in contemplation. Two seconds later, he smiled lightly and said, "Madam Collins?"
John Baxter was busy gossiping and didn't notice anything wrong with his expression. "Chairman Marcus rarely posts on his feed. To think he would post a photo of his wife today, it seems the couple has made great progress in their relationship these past two days."
James shifted his gaze from John Baxter's phone.
John Baxter was also about to leave a comment. As he typed, he said, "Although only her back is shown, judging by her height and temperament, they make a good pair—a talent and a beauty. Seven years? Their love runs deep."
After posting the comment, John Baxter laughed and said, "Chairman Marcus is always busy working overtime and neglecting his wife. If he doesn't work overtime tonight, maybe the couple can finally start making babies."
"Stop the car..." James Sinclair's voice grew slightly deeper.
Arthur smoothly parked the car at the roadside.
James: "Mr. Baxter, I suddenly remembered I have something to do tonight, so I won't be having dinner with you after all."
John Baxter: "Ah... okay."
John got out of the car and stood by the roadside, completely confused.
Why did he suddenly have plans?
Wait...
They were on an overpass.
How was he going to get a taxi?
John hurriedly called his assistant, "Hello, hello, come pick me up... Where am I? Let me check..."
The two in the car didn't feel it was wrong at all to abandon John on the overpass. Arthur glanced at James through the rearview mirror and asked, "To your residence?"
James looked out the window. "Find out where Marcus went tonight."
As dusk fell, the streetlamps illuminated the bustling streets one by one, signaling the start of Miami's vibrant nightlife.
-
Miami had only just become a first-tier city in recent years. Its development was mainly concentrated in the south, with finance and the internet pushing the GDP of the South High-Tech Zone to the highest in the city, securing its leading status.
The villas in the south were mostly inhabited by tech entrepreneurs who made their fortunes in the booming South High-Tech Zone.
The traditional lifestyle, with its teahouses, was mostly found in the West. The deep-rooted old money families, like the Brown and Bennett families, also lived in the West.
Marcus drove from the tech-centric South High-Tech Zone to the traditional West, covering a distance that took nearly an hour to reach the Bennett residence.
Emma knew some divorced couples still treated their ex's parents well, but she didn't need Marcus to do that. "You're busy with work. Don't agree the next time my dad asks you for help."
"I know my limits," said Marcus. His fair and powerful hand grasped the black leather steering wheel. His gaze was cold and concentrated, exuding a restrained, ascetic vibe.
Emma fell silent for a moment. She suddenly thought of a more serious issue.
Although Marcus didn't tell David Brown about their divorce yesterday, he chose to keep it a secret to avoid potential repercussions.
If David found out they had divorced, she would look for loopholes. With her vicious means, she would likely imprison Emma, leaving her no chance to get pregnant, locking her up for a year until the contract expired.
So for now, their divorce had to remain a secret.
She was walking on a knife's edge, but the annual dividend was over $5 million! Money didn't flow freely but was earned through sweat and toil. People worked hard from dawn to dusk to earn those bits of silver. Now there was this chance, only a fool wouldn't take it!
After sorting out her thoughts, Emma unnaturally asked Marcus, "Do you have any plans to marry recently?"
Marcus glanced at Emma. They had just divorced three days ago, and she already wanted to remarry?
Arguing to the point of rage-divorcing once was enough. If they remarried rashly and she made a scene again next time...
"I don't have such plans," Marcus said coldly, rejecting her decisively.
"Then, when you see my dad, could you not mention our divorce for now?" Emma was relieved that he had no plans to remarry yet, so he didn't need to rush to reclaim his single status.
If he helped hide it for a while, it wouldn't impact him much.
"Mm," Marcus said with a light hum of agreement.
Of course, he wouldn't mention something as petty as marital spats to the elders.
Reassured by his affirmative response, Emma said, "Don't worry, I'll also try to make sure my dad bothers you less during this time. Thank you for this."
The two parked according to the navigation David Brown sent.
Henry Bennett had people keeping watch. As soon as Marcus parked, Henry Bennett was already beside the car. "Hey Marcus, bad traffic coming from the South Gate, right?"
Marcus and Emma got out of the car.
"Uncle Henry," Marcus nodded in greeting. "It was alright, not too congested today."
"This is Emma?" Henry's gaze fell on Emma.
It was no secret that David had an illegitimate daughter. She was just rarely seen, and few had met her.
When David mentioned his daughter the other day, Henry assumed it was Ava Brown.
Only after making careful inquiries did he find out Ava was engaged to the Hudson family, so it must be that seldom seen illegitimate daughter instead.
Although it had been many years, David Brown's affair with that woman had been the talk of the town back then.
Meeting Emma today, Henry Bennett understood why the usually stoic David had kicked up such a fuss.
Just like the Eldest Young Master of the Collins family, he was of esteemed status yet helpless against feminine charm.
Emma smiled. "Uncle Henry."
Henry Bennett spoke kindly: "Uncle Henry rarely went to the Brown family before, so we met even less. My daughter is around your age. Feel free to come play with her in the future."
"Alright, Uncle Henry." Emma politely nodded.
The Bennett family was in real estate in Florida. Most begged them for partnerships, so they had always acted aloof.
Seeing Henry Bennett personally welcome and treat two youngsters so warmly, the guests who had parked their cars looked over curiously.
What was even more surprising was the car these youngsters drove—just an entry-level Mercedes-Benz E-Class worth a few hundred thousand.
The other cars in this parking lot were at least millions.
Henry brought the two inside the villa. "Emma, your dad is talking with Andre. I'll take you guys over."
"Okay, Uncle Henry," said Emma, glancing around.
The center of the great hall showcased a grand temporary stage adorned with exquisite instruments. A pianist in formal attire captivated the audience with his melodious performance, filling the air with enchanting music.
Under the soothing, elegant music, everyone held wine glasses, chatting in groups of threes.
She had always disliked such occasions, finding the forced social interactions and formalities stifling and draining.
Forced by her grandfather to attend Brown family banquets before, she had always kept out of the way until it ended.
Today, with Henry Bennett treating her so warmly, it wouldn't look good to sneak off.
Marcus glanced at her lack of enthusiasm and said softly, "Didn't you say your stomach hurt and you wanted to rest in the corner?"
Emma: ...When did she say that?
Suddenly, she realized and said, "Oh right, I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable."
"Should I have the family doctor take a look?" Henry Bennett's expression was anxious.
"No need. Just an old problem; I'll be fine after a rest." Emma forced a serene smile, concealing her discomfort as she gingerly pressed her hand against her stomach, projecting a facade of strength despite her inner turmoil.
Seeing her commit to the act, Marcus couldn't help but amuse her. He looked away and went with Henry to David.
-
Emma sat in the corner, happily snacking, as she watched Marcus from afar.
He wore the same lustrous silver-white fabric as her. The fine, orderly stitches complemented his tall and upright bearing, exuding the proud and noble temperament unique to privileged young masters.
Standing among the crowd, his tall figure towered over the others. She could spot him at a glance.
Watching him converse smoothly with David and the others, a glamorous figure suddenly appeared behind Marcus.
It was Ava Brown!
Emma immediately perked up.
Some sisterly love! Her bestie was beaten up by Marcus, yet Ava Brown not only didn't keep her company, she could still cozy up to him shamelessly!
Emma had lied last time about slapping her for throwing herself at Marcus.
But it did remind her that she should try to catch Ava on video seducing Marcus for future leverage.
Emma took out her phone and turned on the camera, thinking about whether she could take some useful shots, but the lens was blocked by the person standing in front of her.
"Excuse me, please move." Emma stared at the camera and waved her hand.
But the person in front didn't budge at all.
Emma didn't expect to encounter such an ill-mannered person in this situation. Anger flared up in her.
"Are you..." Emma looked up, her tone suddenly shifting. "Your ears look clever and good-looking, Mr. James..."
"Good-looking?" James's nearly 1.9-meter tall figure looked down at the sitting Emma, the oppressive aura hitting her in the face. "You were just looking at someone else admiringly just now, even wanting to take a picture with your phone? You like him that much?"