"You must keep your marriage a secret."

Elizabeth added sternly, "The Anderson family cannot afford to bear the disgrace!"

Before Stephen could object, he heard Yvonne agree determinedly, "No problem."

Everyone was shocked by how quickly and decisively Yvonne agreed. She looked unbothered by Elizabeth's demand, even though it was an unfair request.

Yvonne grinned. "I know my place and that I'm not good enough for Stephen. I'm so fortunate to be married to him. Why would I embarrass him?"

Elizabeth snorted after listening to Yvonne's explanation. "Good. That's it. Anyway, Stephen's a grown man, and it's about time he got married and had a child. We can't stop him from exercising his freedom."

No one dared to object any more after Elizabeth said this. Charles stomped his feet viciously to express his disapproval and left the room.

After Charles left, Elizabeth turned to Yvonne. "Since you and Stephen are legally married, you should get pregnant soon. To be honest, unless you're going to bear Stephen a child, we have no reason to keep you in the family."

Although Elizabeth's words made her feel uneasy, Yvonne nodded obediently to make things easier. "I understand."

...

Once they returned to their room, Stephen suddenly confronted Yvonne. "Does it embarrass you that we're married?"

Outsiders might not know, but he knew that Elizabeth's proposal was just what Yvonne needed. Did she hate marrying him? Or did she have no regard for him?

Stephen's sudden mood swing had Yvonne reeling; she couldn't understand his behavior. "Your grandmother's the one who proposed that. How could I say no to her? I can't afford to since I'm just an outsider in this family."

Stephen didn't know what to say. What she said was reasonable, but he still felt strange for some reason. He realized that he couldn't figure out why he was disappointed.

Yvonne poured a cup of water for Stephen. "We'll both benefit from keeping our marriage a secret. You won't be embarrassed, and I can keep things simple." Being Mrs. Anderson was too ostentatious, and she didn't want to take advantage of the perks that came with this new status. A secret marriage was good for her.

Stephen drank the water and asked, "Where did you go after we got the marriage certificate?"

"I went to Miller Villa." Yvonne had no intention of hiding it from Stephen, so she told him everything honestly.

Stephen frowned after she finished talking. "You want to take control of Miller Jewels?"

"Yes. Is there a problem?"

"Do you know how serious their financial problem is?"

"I'm aware."

Stephen thought it was absurd that she wasn't taking the problem seriously. Did she think that she could solve the problems just with her abilities?

"The way Thomas operated the business ruined it. All of Miller Jewels' funds were transferred to Jones Jewels. Miller Jewels has nothing now. You were forced into this marriage because the Joneses couldn't pay the compensation after Miller Jewels was caught selling fake diamonds. Because of that, Thomas sold you, his very own daughter, to my family. Miller Jewels is ruined. You're risking your neck by taking over that business."

Suddenly, Yvonne stepped into Stephen's personal space, her scent engulfing him as her face was inches from his. Her sudden movements startled him. She looked into Stephen's eyes and chuckled. "Mr. Anderson, are you worried about me?"

Strangely, she thought he looked cute when he lectured her wearing an icy demeanor.