Humbled by Mr. James Sr.''s tirade, Teresa could only nod repeatedly. "I understand. I''ll go find Yvonne tomorrow."


    Her answer seemed to satisfy the old man. He nodded and continued, "You carried her for nine months. If you just talk to her, how could she truly disown her own mother? We already missed their engagement party, which was a huge misstep. At their wedding, the James family must be recognized as the Thompson family''s in-ws, seated at the head table."


    If the James family could officially be inws with the Thompsons, no one in the business world would dare to cross them again. He had truly underestimated his granddaughter, Yvonne. He never imagined she could actually win over the Thompson heir and secure her ce as the future matriarch of the family.


    "Don''t worry, Father. I know what to do," Teresa promised.


    On the drive back to Cherry Bay from the private estate, Yvonne fell asleep.


    With one hand on the steering wheel, Bet reached out with the other and turned on the climate control.


    Yvonne slept so soundly that she barely remembered getting back to the apartment.


    When she woke up, it was already the next morning. The room was quiet, and the space beside her in bed was empty.


    Yvonne threw back the covers, walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, and pulled open the curtains, letting the morning sunlight stream in. She stretchedzily, basking in its warmth.


    Just then, a knock sounded at the door, followed by Helen''s voice.


    "Yvonne, a Mrs. James is here to see you."


    "Mrs. James?" It took Yvonne a moment to realize it must be Teresa.


    She figured that after seeing her and Bet at the estate yesterday, Caroline and Letitia had run home and told everyone about their engagement.


    The James family had always wanted to hitch their wagon to the Thompsons, and now they saw her as their ticket. That must be why Teresa was here.


    "Okay, I''ll be out in a minute," Yvonne called back, a hint of annoyance in her voice.


    She wasn''t in any hurry to see


    Teresa She took her time in the


    bathroom, getting washeet


    and


    changed before finally heading out of the bedroom.


    Teresa was sitting on the living room sofa, her patience wearing thin.


    But since Cherry Bay was Bet''s territory, she didn''t dare cause a scene and could only wait.


    Yvonne emerged from the bedroom, tying up her hair and shuffling in her slippers.


    "Helen, I''m hungry. Is breakfast ready?"


    "Yes, all your favorites,” Helen replied with a smile.


    Yvonne acted as if she hadn''t even seen Teresa. "Where''s Bet?"


    “The young master left early this morning. I think he went back to the base,” Helen said, though she wasn''t entirely sure.


    "Oh," Yvonne said, finally walking into the living room and sitting on the sofa opposite Teresa.


    Since Yvonne had just woken up, Helen immediately brought her a bowl of nourishing soup.


    "Getting up thiste? How do you expect to be the young mistress of the Thompson family with suchzy habits? Teresa began to scold her out of habit.  ?wnovels


    Yvonne, who was sipping her soup, replied coolly, “If I''m not fit to be the.


    young mistress, perhaps should


    step aside and let you take


    ce."


    Teresa gasped, nearly choking on her anger.


    my


    "What nonsense are you talking about? I truly don''t know what Mr. Bet Thompson sees in you."


    Yvonne raised an eyebrow. "Should I call him back here so you can ask him yourself?"