"She''s just a bargaining chip I''m bringing home as a decoration. Once I''m the heir to the Thompson Group and the future richest man, I can have as many women as I want," Eden snorted.


    Vanessa nodded in agreement.


    Only a love-struck fool like Bet would give up an asset like the Walker family for


    a little starlet. No matter how smart he is, he''s still ruled by his lust.


    After nearly an hour, the car pulled into a viplex.


    Eden owned a vi here.


    Now that Vanessa and her family were back, Eden let them stay there. Mrs. Thompson Sr., not wanting to return to the nursing home just yet, also stayed with them.


    The three-story vi was fully furnished but had been vacant for some time.


    Andy ran up and down the stairs.


    And meanwhile, the Thompson family dinner had just concluded.


    Bet was called into the study by Mr. Thompson Sr. to y a couple of games of chess.


    As they yed, the grandfather and grandson discussed military affairs. Mr. Thompson Sr. had high hopes for his capable grandson.


    At his age, it was unlikely Tobias would advance any further in his career, especially since he held an administrative post with little real power.


    Bet, on the other hand, was in the prime of his career, on a clear upward trajectory, and held tangible military authority.


    Over the past two years, Mr. Thompson Sr. had been gradually transferring hiswork and connections to Bet, paving the way for his future.


    Mr. Thompson Sr. had a habit of taking an afternoon nap, so after two games, Bet took his leave.


    He left the militarypound and drove straight back to the base.


    Soldiers in the army didn''t get the leave, and most couldn''t go home for the holidays.


    Bet first returned to his dorm to change into his uniform. Then, he and the regimental political


    When Bet returned to his dorm that night, he was noticeably drunk, but his mind was stillsharp. He appeared even more calm and self-possessed than usual


    Bet always maintained a clear head, never giving anyone an opportunity to take advantage of him.


    "Sir, you had a lot to drink today. You should get some rest. We''ll be leaving now," his aide said, having escorted Bet back to his dorm.


    Bet waved them off, saying politely, "Thank you for your hard work. You should all go get some rest."


    After the aide left, Bet walked to his desk and grabbed a bottle of water, gulping down more than half of it, but he still felt a burning heat inside.


    A man in his prime, full of vigor, and with too much alcohol in his system, Bet couldn''t help but feel a surge of arousal.


    Suppressing the feeling, he picked up the phone from his desk. Seeing a missed call from Yvonne, he dialed her back immediately.


    The phone rang a few times before it was answered. The background on her end was noisy.


    "Still up thiste?" Bet asked.


    "Yeah, Sandra and I are setting off some fireworks downstairs,"


    came through the ph


    Yvonne''s voiceced withughter "What


    about you? What are you doing?"


    "Just finished up. About to get some rest," Bet said, unconsciously loosening


    the olive-drab tie around his neck.


    "Have you been drinking?" Yvonne asked suddenly.


    "How could you tell?" Bet chuckled softly.


    "Your voice is deeper than usual, and your breathing is a little heavy," Yvonne said.


    Having grown up together, she knew him all too well.