Benson
81

Chapter 81 Pleading In the Shadows

Yvonne’s tears hadn’t completely stopped. Sitting opposite Marcus, her red nose and tear–streaked cheeks revealed her current vulnerability.

Tears and mucus had unintentionally smeared Marcus’s shirt. She awkwardly wiped her eyes, her voice choked with emotion as she apologized, “Sorry, I couldn’t control my emotions.”

Marcus didn’t respond verbally, instead quietly lowering his head, his gaze soft as he looked at her. In his mind, Yvonne was always so composed and elegant, with a touch of aloofness. He had never seen her so upset, which made him feel both surprised and protective.

Yvonne’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes slightly swollen, resembling a frightened little rabbit, evoking a strong desire to protect her.

Despite this, Marcus felt a gentle happiness, perhaps because Yvonne only showed her true, vulnerable self in front of him.

“Hungry?” Marcus tried to break the heavy atmosphere, offering her his tie to wipe her tears.

Yvonne didn’t take the tie. Instead, she laughed through her tears at Marcus’s concern, quickly wiping her tears with the back of her hand. “A little,” she said softly, clearly still trying to regain her composure.

“How about I take you for something good to eat?” Marcus’s tone was playful and comforting as he took Yvonne’s hand and led her out.

When Marcus led her into a McDonald’s, Yvonne was surprised and slightly amused. ‘This is your idea of something good?” she teased, expecting Marcus to take her somewhere more special.

Marcus didn’t mind, his face showing childlike anticipation as he seated her and went to order.

He soon returned with burgers and various wings. Handing her a cup of Coke, he smiled, “You probably haven’t had this in a while, right? Try some of our ‘happy water‘.”

Yvonne laughed and took the Coke. “Marcus, this is a trick for little girls, isn’t it?” Her tone was light, filled with rare ease and joy.

“You are a little girl,” Marcus replied seriously, yet playfully

They smiled at each other, replaceing a sense of lost childhood simplicity and happiness in the fast–food setting.

Yvonne felt a warmth inside, touched. Since losing her father and brother, she hadn’t been pampered like this.

Marcus’s simple gesture made her feel a long–lost sense of being cared for.

Marcus’s gaze was filled with affection and concern, making Yvonne feel a bit shy.

A blush crept up her cheeks, as if the restaurant’s lights were focused on her face, warm and irresistible.” So embarrassing,” she muttered, lightly covering her face with her hands.

Her sudden shyness made Marcus smile with delight.

Leaning back in his chair, he watched her with amusement, thinking how unexpected and endearing it was to see her, usually so composed in the business world, displaying such girlish emotions.

Yvonne then focused on her burger, fries, and wings, along with her favorite drink–Coke.

Her small gestures and occasional satisfied smiles made the restaurant atmosphere feel softer and happier.

Chapter 21 Peading in the ‘phadows

“Yvonne, is there anything I can do for you? Marcus asked gently, his tone filled with subtle concern. He knew she had been through a lot recently, especially with her husband Benson.

Yvonne paused, taking a deep breath to make her voice steady, “Things are mostly resolved.”

Her brief answer hid much unspoken bitterness and acceptance. Her heart had long been frozen by Benson’s indifference and cruelty, left only with emptiness.

Her eyes flashed with a hint of sadness as she recalled those painful days but quickly masked it with at

smile.

“You have me,” Marcus said softly and firmly, his gentle gaze seeming to cross the table to comfort her. You’re not alone.”

Yvonne looked up, her face grateful. “I know,” she said, feeling some of her pent–up frustration ease.

They shifted the conversation to lighter topics about work. Marcus mentioned his struggles, his voice tinged with helplessness and fatigue.

His recent projects hadn’t gone well, causing him a lot of stress. Yvonne listened attentively, her eyes filled with empathy.

Marcus, recalling Yvonne’s success in the procurement field, couldn’t help but ask her secret.

“Yvonne, you came from procurement. When you were at the Taylor Group, the supply chain covered only fresh produce, but out of the monthly revenue of 80 million, you contributed 60 million alone. How did you do it?”

Yvonne was surprised by his question and laughed, shaking her head. “That’s just a rumor. I’m not that great. But as your senior and considering you treated me to a meal, I’ll give you some tips. Her tone was light, her eyes shining with wisdom.

“The market isn’t short of products, but of high–quality ones. If you can maintain quality while reducing costs, your competitiveness increases greatly.

Back then, we attracted so many partners mainly because the Xie Group offered the most competitive prices in the market…”

She then explained her supply chain strategy in detail, each step showcasing her meticulous thinking.

Meanwhile, Benson lounged on the worn brown sofa at Mary’s house, sitting exactly where Yvonne had left her warmth.

This corner felt particularly gloomy, as if the air itself was shrouded in an ominous shadow.

Mary stood in the middle of the living room, her body trembling slightly, eyes filled with deep fear and despair.

If possible, she would have knelt before Benson, begging for

mercy.

*Benson… please spare me,” her voice was trembling, almost pleading.

He lazily lifted his head, his gaze indifferent, as if examining an insignificant insect.

“If she hadn’t been cautious and lucky, would the man you sent that day have spared her?” His words were cold and emotionless, like his eyes.

Mary’s lips quivered as she struggled to speak, “But… but last time you already made me…” Her voice was Jike a sob from her throat, barely able to continue.

Mary had agreed to all the conditions George proposed feeling elated at the time.

3/3

She thought it was her liberation, a new beginning. However, Benson’s current cruelty and coldness made her realize that no matter how beautiful and charming Yvonne was, she couldn’t compare to the storm that person stirred in his heart.

She felt both happy and terrified.

Outside, the wind grew stronger, branches swaying outside the window, foreshadowing an impending

storm.

Under the indoor lights, Mary’s shadow stretched long, her expression full of helplessness and despair. Silence enveloped the room until Benson finally broke it.

His voice was deep and powerful, ‘She was almost assaulted, Mary. Do you think any wife can endure such cold treatment from her husband?”