Dennis gazed at his favorite daughter, Nellie, filled with disappointment. She had desperately wanted to marry Zachary, only to experience heartbreak and loss. His cold gaze lingered as he asked, "Has Zachary discovered what happened to Lilian?"

A chill raced up Nellie's spine, her body stiffening. The memories of years past flooded her mind, choking her with emotion. After regaining her composure, she replied, "Don't worry, Dad. Zachary doesn't know you sent Lilian for those experiments. I swear."

Dennis withdrew his cold gaze only after hearing Nellie's confident assurance. She quickly changed the subject, her voice trembling, "Dad, Robert publicly called off the engagement last night. I'm afraid the Carter family won't easily accept Winona."

Dennis let out a cold laugh, his expression unreadable. "The Carters aren't in a position to let a good-for-nothing like Robert make decisions. Claude is still alive and well. Trust me, Winona will become a Carter."

Nellie felt relieved. Her father's assurance implied he possessed leverage. "Dad, Zachary has deceived me for years. I can't bear this insult."

Dennis's eyes hardened. Zachary's divorce agreement, sent yesterday with evidence of Nellie's actions, was a blatant provocation. Now that their families were estranged, he eagerly anticipated the Chambers family's resistance. He comforted Nellie, "Starting tomorrow, the Smiths will launch a full-scale attack on the Chambers family. Does Zachary think his family is as powerful as before? He's overconfident. Within a month, I'll leave him with nothing."

Nellie remained concerned about Yvette. "Dad, Yvette is Cyanbird? You…"

Dennis dismissed Yvette. Her international fame as a painter posed no threat to his business dealings. He scoffed, "What can a brat stir up? What does a painter know about business? Don't worry. You haven't grown up since marrying Zachary."

Nellie fell silent, unable to respond.

In her Argrol University dormitory, Yvette ended a call with Eagle King and received a text from Jeremiah, inviting her to dinner. A faint smile touched her beautiful face as she replied, "Sure."

Jeremiah's instant reply: "[I'll wait for you.]"

Yvette chuckled softly, stroking her phone. She preferred efficiency.

Jeremiah stood at the steakhouse entrance, casually dressed, holding milkshakes. A girl with a flushed face chatted animatedly beside him. As Yvette approached, she heard Jeremiah's indifferent, "I have a girlfriend."

Yvette paused briefly before casually saying, "I'm hungry."

Jeremiah looked up, his lips curving into a warm smile, his usually aloof eyes captivating. The girl blushed and fled.

"Let's go," Jeremiah said.

They entered the steakhouse, heading towards their usual private room. Yvette pinned Jeremiah against the wall, unbuttoning his shirt. Jeremiah lowered his head as Yvette's gaze shimmered. Her fingers gently caressed his Adam's apple. He swallowed, captivated, asking, "What's up?"

Yvette stared, motionless. Then, withdrawing her hand, she sat, checking her pulse. "Just to confirm one thing," she said, her eyes bright and cold.

Jeremiah swallowed. "Sure of… what?"

Yvette casually dropped meat into the pot. "Do you want us to be together?"

Jeremiah's gaze intensified. "Yes," he said, adding, "Forever."

Yvette turned away. "Let's eat."

After driving Yvette back, Jeremiah returned to his new mansion. Andrew, losing miserably at a video game, heard a sports car arrive. He frantically cleaned up, then gave up.

Jeremiah entered and went upstairs, ignoring Andrew. Andrew was shocked. Jeremiah turned, amusement in his eyes.

"What's up?" Jeremiah asked.

"Jeremiah, I made a mess," Andrew confessed.

Jeremiah nodded. "Ask Emmett to clean it tomorrow. It's late. Why aren't you sleeping?"

Andrew, stunned by the caring tone, replied, "I'm going to sleep now."