Zane had been directly promoted by Wyatt. Following Daniel's downfall, Jonathan, his co-conspirator, was also convicted of corruption and bribery, leading to his dismissal. Zane remained discreetly behind Wyatt, observing the unfolding events. He didn't recognize the man and woman before them, but Wyatt's respectful demeanor surprised him, revealing their considerable influence.
Wyatt glanced at Zane, prompting him to move closer. He then introduced Zane to Jeremiah, partly motivated by his own strategic goals. Zane was a member of Wyatt's faction, and Wyatt held high hopes for him, even considering taking him to Betrico in the future. This introduction to Jeremiah presented a rare opportunity.
"Mr. Chavez, this is Zane Chappell, chief of the Seacrity Police Department. He's leading the investigation into Mr. Chambers' car accident," Wyatt explained.
Zane quickly added, "Mr. Chavez, pleased to meet you. I'm Zane Chappell."
Even Andrew noticed Wyatt's subtle maneuvering, let alone Jeremiah and Yvette. Jeremiah nodded curtly, his expression impassive. "Hmm," he replied.
Zane was satisfied; even Wyatt only received a monosyllabic response from Jeremiah. Jeremiah then turned to Yvette, lowering his voice. "Did we leave the milkshake in the car?" he asked.
Yvette, initially looking down, lifted her head slightly, her profile striking. She raised an eyebrow. "Yes," she said calmly, her voice soothing in the oppressive heat.
Andrew immediately offered to retrieve it, but Jeremiah responded, "No need, I'll go myself," adding to Yvette, "Wait for me." Yvette casually nodded, slipping a hand into her pocket. "Alright," she replied.
Andrew, standing nearby, thought, The bitterness could knock my teeth out. Mr. Chavez clearly prioritizes romance over friendship.
Even Wyatt, despite witnessing Jeremiah's behavior toward Yvette before, was impressed by the power of love. Jeremiah quickly returned with the milkshake, and they entered the police station.
Zane, lagging behind, felt he needed to inquire about their identities, particularly Jeremiah's. He hurried to catch up with Wyatt, whispering, "Wyatt, is Mr. Chavez from Betrico?"
Wyatt, his face serious, nodded slightly. After Daniel's recent scandal, most at the station knew Jeremiah's identity; concealment was unnecessary. Wyatt gestured toward the trio ahead: handsome men and beautiful women, all immensely influential—possessing wealth, power, and status.
"Jeremiah is the leading figure of the Chavez family for three generations, the grandson Mr. Jase Chavez values most. He's also Clusia's youngest general. You've noticed the woman with him—she's Cyanbird," Wyatt revealed.
Zane's breath hitched. He could hardly believe he was meeting someone of Jeremiah's stature. How could I, a small-town police chief, be connected to such a prominent figure? he wondered.
"Cyanbird? The renowned international painter? My brother-in-law is an art enthusiast and constantly mentions her. Why bring her up?" Zane asked.
Wyatt's expression conveyed clear exasperation. Zane, stiffening, stammered, "Are you saying the Chambers family's found daughter is the world-famous Cyanbird?"
Wyatt nodded gravely. "Yes, Mr. Chavez's girlfriend, lost to the Chambers family for over twenty years, is the woman who just stood before you—Cyanbird herself," he confirmed.
Zane felt overwhelmed. Their identities are incredibly intimidating, he thought, a cold sweat breaking out despite the heat. He then pointed to Andrew. "Wyatt, who is he?"
Wyatt's tone softened. "That's Andrew, the beloved grandson of Betrico's Arnold family head, and son of Tim Arnold."
Zane wiped his brow, relieved. But then it hit him: Who is Tim Arnold? He swallowed hard, asking Wyatt, "The Tim Arnold who commands the Betrico Military District?"
Wyatt nodded. Zane finally understood Wyatt's personal involvement in interrogating a truck driver. The victim, Zachary, was to become a relative of a future senior leader. How could I justify inaction? Zane thought. He'd initially planned to handle the questioning perfunctorily, but thankfully, he'd kept silent.
As Jeremiah, Yvette, and Andrew entered the room, silence fell. Bystanders were captivated by their striking appearances. The officers were stunned, remembering Jeremiah's major general insignia from his previous visit. Daniel and Jonathan's arrests, just a day earlier, were widely known to be linked to the woman before them. Andrew, too, was recognized for his role in Daniel's downfall. The officers' surprise at Wyatt's presence paled in comparison to the shock of seeing Jeremiah, Yvette, and Andrew together.
Then, Lachlan, an experienced officer who had previously questioned Yvette, emerged. Yvette had previously given him a prescription that remarkably improved his health. He hadn't had a chance to thank her, and he was clearly excited to see her. "Ms. Zeller, what brings you here? The medicine you gave me worked wonders!" he exclaimed, initially oblivious to Jeremiah and Andrew. Upon seeing Jeremiah, he quickly bowed. "General," he murmured.
The presence of a general caused a stir amongst the bystanders and detainees. Yvette calmly replied, "Just handling some business. You're well now; you can stop taking the medicine." Lachlan beamed, overjoyed at the prospect.