Just then, there were a few light knocks on the study door, followed by Ynda''s eager voice. "Dad, I''ming in."


    With that, she pushed the door open and walked in.


    She was wearing the brightly colored tiered dress, and both her makeup and jewelry were perfectly chosen.


    "Dad, what have you two been talking about for so long?" Ynda sat down next to Bet, naturally and affectionately linking her arm with his.


    Bet''s expression remained calm and gentle. He didn''t pull away immediately but subtly freed himself as he reached for his teacup.


    Seeing his daughter, Mr. Walker stopped discussing business. He waved his hand with a smile while sipping his tea.


    "It''s all my fault for monopolizing your boyfriend. Now, you two lovebirds go have a private chat. I have a meeting this afternoon and need to leave soon."


    "Then I won''t keep you," Bet said, putting down his teacup. He stood up politely and walked out of the study.


    Ynda followed Bet, and just as they stepped out of the study, they ran into Mrs. Walker.


    Mrs. Walker was beaming, holding a fruit tter.


    "This is a special delivery of fruit that just arrived this morning. I had the maid slice some for you two."


    Ynda said, "Mom, Ben and I are going for a walk in the garden downstairs. We''ll eatter."


    Mrs. Walker nodded with a knowing smile. "I know, I know. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? You and Bet haven''t seen each other in a while, so you must want some time alone."


    "Mom, you''re always teasing us," Ynda said, her cheeks flushing as she pulled Bet quickly towards the door.


    The Walker family''s vi wasn''t excessivelyrge; as a public official, Mr. Walker had to be mindful of appearances.


    However, their yard was quite spacious. Mrs. Walker had a ir for design and had decorated it exquisitely, giving it a sophisticated, chic atmosphere.


    Bet strolled casually through the yard with Ynda walking beside him.


    "My orchestra has a performanceing up, so rehearsals have been really intense. I haven''t had time to visit you at the hospital. But I''ve been in constant contact with your


    and he told me you''re


    recovering well, which put my mind at ease."


    Ynda exined in a gentle tone.


    The excuse sounded a bit flimsy, but it was usible enough.


    In reality, they both knew the truth: the Walker family was ying hard to get, trying to give Bet the cold shoulder. But the fact that he came to visit right after being discharged still made Ynda happy.


    She was just wondering, if Bet apologized, should she forgive him right away or throw a little tantrum?


    If she threw a tantrum, Bet might think she was being unreasonable. But if she


    didn''t, what if he continued his shameless entanglement with other women?


    Pet


    After wrestling with her thoughts, Ynda finally spoke tentatively, "Bet, about what happened in the hospital room the other day........ was a bit emotional and didn''t even listen to your exnation 1 know you''re not the type to be unfaithful, so I''m sure it was all just a misunderstanding."


    Bet stopped walking and looked at her, his gaze calm and deep.


    "It wasn''t a misunderstanding. Ynda, let''s break up."


    "What?" Ynda''s mind had been busyposing the perfect speech—one that would convey her pride and hurt without making her seem unreasonable.


    His words were so unexpected that it took her a moment to realize that Bet hadn''te to make up; he hade to break up with her.