In the following days, the Smith family launched a full-scale business assault on the Chambers family. Dennis relentlessly sabotaged every Chambers project, incurring hefty penalty fees and bringing nearly all their endeavors to a standstill within two weeks. He further issued a public declaration in Seacrity, vowing eternal enmity and promising the survival of only one family. Half a month later, the Carter family joined forces with the Smiths against the Chambers.
The Chambers family's hotel chain suffered severe damage. With the Carters' involvement, the battle's end seemed inevitable; the Chambers' downfall appeared certain. The family faced pressure from all sides, leaving employees uneasy and seeking escape. Unless the conflict ceased, bankruptcy loomed within ten days.
Business leaders, adept at adapting, quickly shifted allegiances. Seeing the Chambers' imminent collapse, companies began courting the Smiths and distancing themselves from the Chambers. A few companies maintaining positive relations with the Chambers Group remained steadfast, but their efforts proved insufficient to avert the crisis.
The machinations of these powerful families were beyond the scope of smaller businesses. Aware of potential repercussions, even annihilation, Seacrity's small and medium-sized companies avoided the conflict. Only the Lewis family, among the four major families, remained neutral.
The Smith, Carter, and Chambers families fought fiercely, dramatically reshaping Seacrity's business landscape daily. Anxiety and unease permeated the atmosphere.
The day after the party, Dennis visited the Carter residence with Nellie and Winona. A three-hour private conversation ensued between Dennis and Claude in the study. Emerging afterward, Claude agreed to Winona's marriage into the Carter family, scheduled six months hence.
Winona, in an effort to appear pitiful, slept with Victor, who subsequently forgave her lies and promised marriage. Following the party, Seacrity's upper class learned of Winona's deception—her claim that a black market painting was a genuine Cyanbird—ruining her reputation. Robert's disapproval was evident, and the announcement of Victor and Winona's engagement shocked those aware of the truth. Many deemed Claude foolish for allowing such a woman into his family.
After Zeke's earlier outburst, he embarked on a drunken spree, culminating in a destructive rampage at a bar. His attempts to pay were thwarted by the suspension of his bank cards—a swift action by Zachary that ignited further fury. Ultimately, Zeke reluctantly sought help from a man he typically scorned, escaping the bar only through this desperate measure.
He initially planned a tantrum, anticipating Nellie's pleas for forgiveness. However, a week passed with complete silence from the Smith family, including Nellie. The Chambers' plight meant no one answered Zeke's calls. Finally, destitute and broken, Zeke swallowed his pride, returning to the Smith residence to grovel and submit to Dennis's will. Dennis, upholding a family custom, beat Zeke, rendering him bedridden for three days, during which Nellie never visited.
These events brought clarity to Zeke. He realized his dependence on Zachary, his affection from Nellie being entirely conditional. He was merely an illegitimate member of the family, clinging to their support for his lavish lifestyle.
Regardless of the turmoil at Argrol University, Yvette and Bonnie maintained their routine: classes followed by Tobias's relentless assignments. Meanwhile, the man sporadically reminding everyone of his presence, dating Yvette, continued his pattern.
Andrew and Bonnie, having endured a difficult two weeks, sat across from each other in the cafeteria. A shared glance conveyed their mutual thought: "He's here again."
Yvette lounged casually, her face illuminated by sunlight, her beauty accentuated by long lashes and bright eyes. Her relaxed demeanor imbued even the simplest food with an air of deliciousness, unexpectedly piquing the appetites of both Andrew, not particularly hungry, and Bonnie, suffering from enterogastritis. They each consumed half a bowl more than usual. Bonnie rubbed her stomach, glancing at Andrew who had similarly overeaten, sighing at their newfound status as a near-perfect (three) meal partnership.
Jeremiah, after a few bites, dedicated the remainder of the time to peeling shrimp for Yvette and refilling her glass—the epitome of a devoted boyfriend. Bonnie sighed, lamenting the misery of singledom compared to the couple's blatant public affection.
This scene was familiar; they'd witnessed it countless times in the past two weeks. Bonnie silently criticized their seemingly endless cafeteria dates. Jeremiah, calmly peeling shrimp with his usually gun-wielding hand, displayed an almost artistic grace. Each movement was precise and elegant, transforming a mundane task into a visually captivating experience.
Placing the peeled shrimp on Yvette's plate, she devoured it with relish. Bonnie decided to intervene; their dating habits were unconventional.
Bonnie cleared her throat, halting Jeremiah's shrimp-peeling. All three turned to her. Hesitantly, she suggested alternative date locations, prompting enthusiastic agreement from Andrew.
Andrew found their date unusual, suspecting Jeremiah's unfamiliarity with typical romantic gestures.
After a thoughtful pause, Jeremiah's captivating eyes and charming voice posed a question regarding movie theaters. Yvette, with a playful tilt of her head, declined the suggestion. Instead, Jeremiah suggested dinner at a highly-rated restaurant, which Yvette eagerly accepted.
Yvette then extended an invitation to Andrew and Bonnie, who unanimously declined. Yvette remained silent and continued eating.
Bonnie and Andrew exchanged a relieved glance, mentally celebrating their freedom from the couple's continuous presence.