Yvette’s phone rang. Emmett ignored it; the call was from Caleb’s surveillance team. Something significant must have occurred; otherwise, they would have sent a message.
Stepping aside, Emmett took the call. His expression changed. After hanging up, he swiftly approached Jeremiah, this time making no effort to avoid Yvette, who had just awakened. He felt no need for discretion; Caleb was beyond her reach.
“Mr. Chavez,” Emmett reported, “our people watching Caleb say he received a call, became enraged, and abruptly left the auction. He’s now leading men back to his mansion in the northern district—one of his mistresses resides there. Nothing unusual.”
Jeremiah’s gaze sharpened. Caleb wouldn't abandon the auction without reason. They must have overlooked something.
“Tell our people to monitor the mansion. Since he’s revealed himself…” Jeremiah paused, noticing Yvette. Her soft, fluffy hair and demure appearance momentarily distracted him. He cleared his throat. “Let’s meet him tomorrow night,” he said, exchanging a knowing glance with Emmett. Emmett understood: Jeremiah planned to act then.
Yvette, casually scrolling through her phone, raised an eyebrow. Looking tired, she glanced at the men before returning to her phone. A message from Eagle King displayed: [Boss, Flying Fish has been rescued. We’re back at the hotel, awaiting your return.]
Meanwhile, the auction continued. A raw emerald reached a record $30 million bid, exciting the merchants. The first day concluded at 4 p.m.
Kevin and Martin, having secured an AAA-grade emerald, bid $3.3 million on another raw piece before leaving. They had more than enough to cover their expenses and family matters.
As they prepared to depart, Kevin wanted to thank Yvette, but Martin stopped him. “Kevin,” Martin said earnestly, “I hope you have no feelings for that girl. She and her companion aren’t ordinary people. We can't afford to offend them. She’s out of your league.” He gave Kevin a pointed look.
Kevin felt unjustly accused. “Uncle Martin, what are you talking about? I just wanted to thank her,” he protested. He muttered, “Besides, am I really that bad? I may not be as handsome or wealthy as him,” he admitted, realizing Martin was right. He was no match for Jeremiah.
Relieved Kevin harbored no romantic interest, Martin relaxed. He’d feared his nephew might recklessly attempt to pursue Yvette, with fatal consequences.
Meanwhile, chaos reigned at the northern district mansion. Bullet holes riddled the walls, blood stained the floors, and the basement door lay shattered. A man in his fifties, his face grim, berated a kneeling group of men. Several were injured; one lay motionless on a stretcher. A young woman in a nightgown, trembling, sat nearby, thankful she'd been elsewhere. The bodyguards remained impassive.
“Useless fools!” Caleb raged. “Thirty men guarding that woman, and she escapes? Twenty men dead! Why am I paying you?” He was furious. He had reasons for keeping her captive; she was exceptional, and he wouldn’t let her go. However, anyone near her fainted mysteriously. He’d planned to break her mentally, but someone had attacked while he was away.
“How many attackers?” Caleb demanded.
A kneeling man stammered, “One.”
Caleb’s face darkened. “Repeat that! How many?”
The man, trembling, said louder, “One, Boss. He came alone, armed with heavy weapons.”
Caleb was livid. “One man killed my men? Who dares provoke me in Kransbay? A $660,000 reward for any information!”
By nightfall, Kransbay’s underworld knew of the attack. Many secretly rejoiced; Caleb’s tyranny had made him many enemies.
After the auction, Emmett led Jeremiah and Yvette back to the hotel. He was shocked to see Yvette enter the presidential suite on their floor. He looked at Jeremiah, who showed no surprise. Emmett, pointing at Yvette’s retreating figure, asked awkwardly, “Mr. Chavez, does Ms. Zeller stay here?”
Jeremiah watched until Yvette disappeared. “Same hotel? Same floor? Destiny,” he mused. Emmett was unaware of his boss’s thoughts on destiny. “Yes. Come in. Let’s discuss business.”