Bet had hit the nail on the head regarding her true intentions. Frank was taken aback for a second before sighing in resignation. "Aside from the shares held by other stakeholders and the small portion I''ve given to Noah, the vast majority of the Thompson Group''s shares are in your name. I''m basically just working for you. Even if your grandmother covets it, it''s all for nothing."


    From birth, Bet had been thergest shareholder of the Thompson Group. Frank, as thepany''s chairman, was merely holding the shares in his stead.


    Few people knew this, however. If Mrs. Thompson Sr. found out, she would probably roll over in her grave.


    After finishing dinner with Frank, Bet took the jewelry box and left.


    He drove back to Cherry Apartment.


    As his car pulled up, he saw Yvonne ying with Bullet on thewn downstairs.


    Bullet''s ears perked up, and upon seeing his master, he immediately bounded over, wagging his tail and circling Bet excitedly.


    Bet patted Bullet''s head and then strode toward Yvonne.


    "You''re back," she said with a smile.


    "Yeah," Bet nodded. "I just stopped by my parents'' ce. This shooting star set is nice; it should fit the asion tonight."


    Yvonne took the box and opened it to find aplete set of diamond jewelry.


    Bet didn''t have a clue about women''s clothes or jewelry. This set was exquisitely designed and incredibly ornate, suitable only for a formal g.


    Wearing such morous jewelry while camping would lookpletely out of ce; she''d be aughingstock.


    Still, Bet was being so thoughtful, and Yvonne didn''t want to dampen his enthusiasm.


    "It''s beautiful, thank you," she said, standing on her tiptoes to give him a light peck on the cheek.


    "I''m d you like it." Bet lightly touched the spot she had kissed. His smile was faint, but his mood had clearly brightened.


    "If there''s anything else you like, just let me know and I''ll get it for you," he said, taking her hand.


    "From your mother''s collection?" Yvonne couldn''t help but tease.


    "She has so much jewelry, it''s a waste to just let it sit there," Bet said nonchntly.


    He took her hand, cradling it in his. "All my assets are in the bottom drawer of the nightstand in the master


    master


    through them when you have time Keep them safe for me for now."


    bedroom. You can go 1.1


    "What do you mean, ''for now''?" Yvonne asked, blinking.


    Bet gently tapped the tip of nose. "While I''m alive, you''ll look after them


    Me And if die er


    day, they''ll all be yours..." >


    Before he could finish, Yvonne covered his mouth with her hand. "Bet, don''t say things like that."


    They were pressed close together, and the faint, sweet scent from her palm and hair filled his senses.


    Bet felt his head spin,


    mesmerized by the movement,


    met


    her pretty pink lips unable to quite


    register what she was saying.


    "It''s cold out here. Let''s go back inside," he said, taking her hand and turning toward the building.


    Bullet trotted behind them, his tail wagging leisurely.


    As soon as they were inside, Bet pressed her against the wall by the entryway.


    Yvonne looked up at him, but before she could speak, his lips were on hers.


    Helen heard the door and instinctively came out to check, only to find Bet and Yvonne kissing by the entrance.


    "Oh my, I didn''t see a thing! I saw absolutely nothing!" Helen immediately turned and scurried back to her room.


    The interruption broke the mood, and they pulled apart.