At the dining table, Zachary and Howard chatted happily. Lucas and Liam were also present, occasionally joining Yvette and Howard in conversation. Yvette, comfortably nestled in her chair with legs crossed and eyes half-closed, focused solely on her meal, remaining largely detached from their discussions. Liam stole several casual glances at her, bewildered by her influence: she had somehow persuaded his boss to lend the Chambers family five billion dollars and assign his core team to their project. The development department was collaborating with FastPulse Technologies that year, so Liam found his boss's decision to relinquish such a valuable project baffling.

Zachary shared his disbelief. After some hesitation, he asked Howard, "Mr. Yates, is the chairman aware of this? If so, won't it be difficult to explain?"

Howard lowered his utensils, glancing at Yvette across the table. A mysterious chuckle escaped him. "There's no need to worry, Mr. Chambers. The chairman is fully informed and supports my decision. Relax, and await tomorrow's contract signing."

Zachary offered an unconvincing smile, gaining a newfound understanding of the super-wealthy. Turning to Yvette and then to Howard, he inquired, "Yvette, how did you know Mr. Yates?"

Yvette's lips tightened slightly as she raised her eyes, her expression lazy and indifferent. "We met by chance," she replied slowly. Zachary, sensing her reluctance, refrained from further questioning.

During the meal, Zachary noticed Yvette hesitating over the fish on her plate. Before he could offer a compliment, Howard intervened, "Hang on." Lucas and Liam looked at him questioningly. With practiced ease, Howard removed a piece of fish, carefully deboning it before placing it on Yvette's plate. This action again astonished the others. Liam pinched himself, muttering, "It's real."

Zachary's eyes darkened, though he remained silent.

After the meal, they left the restaurant. Jeremiah, standing nearby in a black shirt—top two buttons undone, sleeves rolled up, revealing pale wrists—caught their attention. The streetlight illuminated him as he casually stood, one hand in his pocket. Upon seeing Yvette, he approached.

Yvette stopped, her eyes clear and bright, a touch of wildness in their gleam. Smiling, she addressed Howard and the others, "See you," before walking towards Jeremiah. He took her hand; she paused, slightly surprised, but said nothing. They walked away, a picture of effortless harmony.

The remaining four exchanged glances. Zachary and Lucas recognized Jeremiah; his former Major General rank commanded respect. Howard, however, was unaware of his boss's attraction to another man, his solemn expression suggesting he sensed Jeremiah's significance.

In the car, Jeremiah's intense gaze was difficult for Yvette to ignore. She raised her head, her lips pressing together. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked.

"Because you're beautiful," Jeremiah murmured lazily.

Yvette's hand, which had been holding her phone, paused. She raised an eyebrow calmly. "I know," she said.

Jeremiah chuckled. "Need any help with the Chambers family's crisis?"

Yvette put away her phone, propping her chin on her hand. "No need. It's almost over," she replied carelessly.

Jeremiah, lost in thought, seemed suddenly subdued. "I'm going to Mysonna on a mission tomorrow. It'll probably take two weeks."

Yvette's dark eyes, cold and proud, glinted as she glanced at him. "Oh," she replied.

Downstairs at the women's dormitory, Jeremiah felt a pang of sadness watching Yvette leave without hesitation. With a stern face, he pulled her back, pressing his chin against her head. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" he asked, gritting his teeth.

Yvette shook her head, her eyes shimmering. "Safe travels," she said coldly.

Jeremiah smiled helplessly. "Alright, go back now," he said, reluctantly releasing her, watching until she disappeared into the building before departing himself.

The next day, Zachary and Howard's lawyers had drafted a contract. By 10:30 a.m., it was signed. Zachary stared at the contract in disbelief. Lucas, having slept poorly, was on edge, fearing a change of heart. The signed contract and transferred funds, however, changed everything. He exclaimed, "Mr. Chambers, the company is saved! Ms. Chambers is amazing. She even knows someone like Howard! I've prepared the office you requested. We'll be expecting InnoCrest Technologies' core tech team."

Zachary's face softened. With InnoCrest's support, the Smith and Carter families would think twice before attacking again.

"Inform all reporters in Seacrity that the Chambers Group will hold a press conference this afternoon," Zachary instructed. "Keep it secret. I want to catch the Smith family, especially Dennis, completely off guard. He'll likely expect a bankruptcy announcement."

Lucas agreed. The Chambers Group had endured enough humiliation. It was time to fight back. "Got it. I'll notify the media for a three o'clock press conference."

At a hotel, Howard paced restlessly, checking the time. Finally, the doorbell rang. Yvette, in a black baseball cap, tracksuit, and mask, stood outside. Only her cold, deep eyes were visible. She entered calmly, removing her disguise to reveal her stunning face.

Howard bowed respectfully. "Boss."