Benjamin and Jasmine were stumped by Vania's sudden change in demeanor. They didn't understand why she was crying and talking about how scared she was when she so boldly faced off against them just three minutes ago.
Seething with rage, Jasmine snapped, "What the hell are you up to? You must know that you have to leave Hanson. He and Yvonne are a match made in heaven and you're just roadkill!"
She continued hurling abuse at Vania, and her remarks grew even more scathing down the line.
Little did she know that the more this went on, the more she was playing into Vania's hands. The fear and worry that had flickered in Vania's eyes earlier were gone without a trace. She was leaving Jasmine to run the show while she took every sharp insult thrown her way in stride.
To one side, Benjamin started wondering just what Vania was planning.
At that moment, Jasmine hissed, "If you don't give up now, then you'll have hell to pay. Don't think you can have your way just because you have Hanson to clean up after you."
Upon hearing this, Vania finally responded coolly, "I will have my way and do as I like with or without Hanson because I've only ever relied on myself to pick up my own mess."
Benjamin was shocked to hear this. He never imagined Vania to be so sure of herself as to make such a bold statement. He appraised her thoughtfully for a moment like she had thrown him a curveball.
"You can do whatever you want. I'll be ready to take you down anytime," Vania said defiantly. Then, she pretended as if she had just remembered something, and she tapped her slender fingers against her temple. "Do correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to recall that the Keplers have a secret base somewhere overseas."
A pleased look flashed across her features as she stared right into Benjamin's eyes, waiting for him to answer.
Sure enough, the words 'secret base' struck him like a lightning bolt, and his eyes widened by a fraction. Yvonne doesn't even know about the secret base, so how could Vania possibly find out about it? Did Hanson tell her? No, that doesn't make sense. We've been really careful about this, and Hanson doesn't have enough forces overseas to know about the secret base.
As his thoughts clamored, Benjamin asked Vania grimly, "Who are you?"
"Well, using your words, I'm just someone who runs a company," Vania answered nonchalantly, using the diminutive description he had given her earlier. She retracted her smile and went on to say in clipped tones, "I think it's about time we end this conversation. I've said what I needed to, so step aside and let me through, Mr. Kepler."
"You can't leave!" Jasmine snapped.
However, Benjamin stopped her and muttered darkly, "Let her go." After that, he glanced at the butler who was standing to one side and said quietly, "Go and look into what she does."
"Yes, sir," the butler replied.
"Yes, sir," the butler replied.
Just then, they heard Vania's sweet voice sounding from behind them, "Darling, I'm hungry. Let's grab something to eat."
Hanson's indulgent voice spoke up after that, "Alright, but there's something important we have to do before we grab a bite."
In the end, Benjamin had no choice but to lead Jasmine away.
"Did they give you a hard time?" Hanson asked worriedly when he and Vania were already in the car.
"Do I look like I've been given a hard time?" Vania countered cheekily, clutching her phone.
When he saw that she was staring at her phone, he asked curiously, "What are you looking at?"
She quickly cupped her free hand over the screen to keep him from finding out, then said, "It's a secret for now, but I'll tell you about it soon." Pausing after her sentence, she continued with a question, "Where are you taking me?"
Hanson did not answer this time and merely stepped on the gas pedal like he was in a rush to get to the destination.
"Hey, slow down. What are you speeding for?" Vania could feel the inertia pushing her back into her seat as they gained speed, and she went on to remind him to drive safely.
While he made no reply, he gradually slowed down nonetheless.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Hope It's Not Too Late to Love
Please update...