Benson
Benson 134

Chapter 134 The Silent Phone Call

Benson had just arrived at the hot pot restaurant where they had eaten together last time when he received Yvonne’s message cancelling their date.

This was supposed to be their first date, and Benson felt quite annoyed. After a moment of hesitation, he decided to call her.

Yvonne looked at the name flashing on her screen and silently hung up the call. She looked up to see Jeremy smiling at her.

“Miss Yvonne, I truly apologize for this unexpected visit. It might seem a bit presumptuous,” Jeremy’s voice was warm and sincere, carrying a reassuring charm.

Yvonne nodded slightly, her voice cold, “It’s fine, but may I know the reason for this visit?”

Although her tone was calm, there was a hidden displeasure.

Jeremy paused, seemingly searching for the right words to avoid touching a sensitive nerve.

1 know our previous proposal was not accepted-” He spread his hands slightly, appearing sincere.

Yvonne interrupted him, “Is it because of Andrew?”

Her brows furrowed, clearly unhappy about the possible political and business entanglements.

Seeing Yvonne’s confrontational attitude, Jeremy smiled faintly.

It wasn’t a mocking smile but one of relief.

“Even if Andrew introduced us, it doesn’t matter. He only provided an opportunity. But please believe me. what truly convinced BR was you, Miss Yvonne.”

Yvonne’s tone softened a bit, “If that’s true, it’s good to hear.”

She paused before continuing. “Although Caesar indeed needs BR, if BR doesn’t have confidence in Caesar’s prospects and trust in our team’s capabilities, even if we partner up, there will be doubts, and we won’t achieve mutual success. That’s what I told Steven; it’s the real reason we couldn’t collaborate.”

Jeremy nodded in understanding.

His gaze lingered on Yvonne’s face for a few seconds before extending his hand.

“Miss Yvonne, I trust my judgment, and I trust Caesar. His voice was full of firmness and sincerity.

Yvonne hesitated for a moment but eventually shook his offered hand.

His grip was firm and warm, conveying trust and support.

“Jeremy, I look forward to our cooperation!” she smiled slightly, feeling a sense of relief.

Jeremy’s proposal seemed trustworthy, and his choice of a shop in Las Vegas was timely.

After signing the agreement in the office, Megan suggested celebrating at a restaurant in a prime location.

She always had a way of making weekend evenings special.

Entering the restaurant, the top–notch décor and the brightly lit cityscape outside were stunning.

Huge floor–to–ceiling windows bathed in starlike lights, almost dazzling.

Megan chose a table by the window, providing a perfect view of the city’s glamorous night.

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The restaurant’s atmosphere was relaxed and elegant with background music that was low and refined, perfectly complementing the conversation to come.

A waiter, with a professional smile, approached them quietly to inquire about their dinner choices.

Jeremy ordered a few creative dishes, and the conversation began to flow.

As the talk deepened, they touched on their alma maters.

Jeremy shared stories from his school days, making Megan nod frequently, feeling a sense of connection.

Suddenly, Jeremy mentioned a professor who, during a class, had a mishap and fell, causing the entire class to burst into laughter.

This topic lightened the mood, making Yvonne laugh out loud, causing the glasses on the table to jingle slightly.

Yvonne found her impression of Jeremy greatly improved. What started as a work–related acquaintance now felt like the beginning of an unexpected friendship.

She even felt a sense of regret, thinking that if she had known Jeremy earlier, they might have been better friends.

“Jeremy, it looks like it’s snowing,” Steven said to him.

Jeremy stood up and walked to the window.

“It really is, how beautiful.” He turned back to Yvonne, smiling, “Miss Yvonne, sorry, I can’t help but get excited when I see snow.”

“Jeremy, where are you from?” Yvonne asked curiously

“Born in Las Vegas, but I went abroad when I was very young,” Jeremy replied.

It was nine o’clock at night, and no matter how well they were getting along, it was time to part.

Megan handed them the room keys, and Yvonne suggested, “If your schedule allows, Jeremy, you should stay in Las Vegas for a couple more days. There’s a nice ski resort nearby.”

“I’ve never skied, but with this weather, it’d be a shame not to go,” Jeremy said.

They left the restaurant together. Snowflakes fell from the sky, giving the city a unique beauty.

As Yvonne stepped off the curb, she slipped, her heart almost leaping out of her chest.

A strong hand grabbed her arm, steadying her.

Due to the momentum, her back leaned against Jeremy’s chest.

Yvonne sighed with relief, glanced back at him, and met his deep, dark eyes. He then released her politely, “Be careful.”

“Thank you,” Yvonne said after a moment, finally expressing her gratitude.

Megan arranged for a car to take Jeremy and Steven back to their hotel.

Yvonne watched the taillights disappear for a long time before coming back to her senses.

She asked Megan, “Did you find Jeremy somewhat familiar?”

Megan shook her head, “Familiar, in what way?”

Yvonne smiled, “Maybe it’s just me.”

As she prepared to walk to the car, she felt a burning gaze on her.

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She turned to look and saw a black Bentley parked across the street.

The rear window was open, snowflakes falling into the car, but the person inside didn’t seem to mind. Only the glow of a cigarette illuminated his fingers intermittently.

Yvonne took out her phone, the silent mode settings causing her to miss six calls from Benson.

She wrapped her large coat around herself tighter, the streetlight casting a yellow halo on the hem of her dress, the silk fabric swaying lightly with her steps.

Across the street, a black car was parked quietly, its window slightly lowered, exuding a sense of mystery and isolation.

Inside, Benson’s face, half–shadowed by the car’s interior lights and the external light, appeared distant and unfamiliar.

He leaned back in the soft leather seat, his face partially hidden by shadows, only his chin and sharp eyes visible in the interplay of light and shadow.

Yvonne felt a wave of inexplicable agitation, took a deep breath, and walked toward the car, her heart pounding.

When she stopped, she saw Benson exhaling a puff of smoke from the side window, flicking the ash away. Though their eyes met, it felt as if there was an invisible wall between them.

This tense standoff lasted for about two minutes until the back door opened, and George, dressed in a neat suit, emerged

“Madam, please get in the car.” George’s voice was respectful yet anxious, “You didn’t answer your phone, and Mr. Benson was worried. When he heard you were in this area, he came right over.”

Benson frowned at George’s words, his voice low and slightly displeased, “George, you talk too much.” He then turned to Yvonne.

His voice was cold, tinged with incredulity and sarcasm, “Miss Yvonne, you must be very busy, too busy to answer a call.”