After finishing their steak, Yvette and Jeremiah departed, while Andrew walked Bonnie back to school, the two of them bickering and teasing all the way.

Maple Villas, the neighborhood closest to Argrol University, housed luxury homes most couldn't afford. As Jeremiah's Jeep approached the gate, the security guard recognized it and opened it without checking their identities. He'd only seen Jeremiah once before, but remembered his height, handsomeness, and—most memorably—his impulsive purchase of five villas. Handsome and wealthy men were plentiful, but the combination was rare; hence, the guard's recognition.

Yvette lounged in the passenger seat, her pale hand resting delicately against her cheek. Jeremiah, his jacket removed, exuded an irresistibly alluring aura, his collarbone and Adam's apple subtly contributing to the effect. One hand on the wheel, he radiated elegance in the dim light.

Yvette glanced at his lips, a strange feeling prompting a quick, awkward look away. Seriously, she mused, how could a guy look so tempting?

Jeremiah noticed her shyness and smirked.

They entered the villa complex and stopped before one of the houses. Yvette didn't immediately exit, instead casually resting her arm on the door, tilting her head to look at Jeremiah. "When did you buy these houses?"

Jeremiah parked, switched off the engine, and replied in a deep voice, "Right after I returned from Mysonna."

Yvette's sharp eyes fixed on him, a smirk playing on her lips. After a pause, she asked, "Are you thinking about living with me?"

Jeremiah's fingers tightened on the wheel, a faint blush rising. She always caught him off guard. Affecting nonchalance, he answered, "Yeah, I've been thinking about it."

Yvette gently placed her fingers on his chest; through his shirt, she felt his rapid heartbeat.

Jeremiah's body tensed. Didn't she know she can't just touch a guy like that? It would turn me on, he thought, mentally berating his helplessness.

Yvette withdrew her hand, her expression unchanged. After a few seconds, she languidly sank back, saying, "Let's get out of the car." Without waiting for a response, she unbuckled her seatbelt and exited.

Jeremiah sat, confused. Was that a yes or a no?

Seeing her outside, he quickly unbuckled his seatbelt and followed.

The villa boasted a modern-industrial design—simple, clean. Facial recognition secured the entrance; the house featured a state-of-the-art smart home system customized in Mysonna.

As Yvette approached, the door opened automatically. She stood there, hand casually in her pocket, unhurried. Jeremiah caught up. From inside, a robotic voice announced, "Welcome home, my dear master. I'm your favorite assistant, Jerry! What would you like me to do for you?"

A faint smirk touched Yvette's lips. Tilting her head, she raised an eyebrow, lazily saying, "That's crazy, Jeremiah."

Jeremiah's mouth twitched. He knew Andrew wasn't reliable, but not this ridiculous. "I need to explain. Andrew designed this robot. It has nothing to do with me."

Yvette glanced up indifferently. "Oh, okay." She turned and entered, leaving him at the door.

Jeremiah rubbed his thumb, staring at her back, contemplating a hundred ways to get even with Andrew.

He remained outside for about two minutes before entering. Yvette sat on the couch, sipping juice. As he settled down, the robotic voice chimed again:

"Hello! What would you like to drink?" "Cleaning mode on. Jerry is at your service." "Lighting mode on. Jerry will adjust the lights for you."

Yvette lowered her gaze, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Jeremiah, stern-faced, accessed the app and disabled the system. Silence finally fell.

Trying to alleviate the awkwardness, Jeremiah said, "Do you want to see upstairs?"

Yvette nodded, and they ascended to the second floor.

The master bedroom occupied the center, flanked by a custom art studio and a fully soundproofed music room. A sleek black grand piano, specially imported from the West Auction House and one-of-a-kind, sat in the music room's center.

After the tour, they returned to the living room. Jeremiah retrieved some desserts he'd prepared. "Are you staying tonight?" he asked casually.

Curled on the couch, Yvette barely looked up from her game. "Sure."

Jeremiah's eyes darkened, his gaze lingering on her fingers and slender waist. Desire simmered.

He almost said, "My room is next door. Call if you need anything."

He refrained. For once, he was glad he wasn't impulsive.

After Yvette finished her dessert, they went upstairs. At the master bedroom door, Yvette turned, chin slightly raised, lips curving into a playful smile. In a low voice, she said, "Goodnight," then entered and closed the door.

Again, Jeremiah found himself at the doorway. He lowered his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. He stood a moment before heading to his own room next door. He knew Yvette wouldn't let him in easily.

What she didn't know was that a hidden door secretly connected their rooms. Without her permission, however, he wouldn't use it.

At the Carter residence, Winona abruptly awoke. She glanced at Victor, asleep beside her, carefully lifted the blanket, slipped on slippers, and quietly opened the door.

As soon as she left, Victor's eyes snapped open. His eyes narrowed in anger. Minutes later, he closed them again, though his fists clenched tightly, veins bulging.

Winona reached the second-floor corner where someone pulled her into a dark alcove. She showed no surprise or fear; it was Robert.

They'd been meeting secretly for a long time. Recently, however, her pregnancy symptoms had become more noticeable, hindering their clandestine meetings.

Robert was deeply in love, considering making their relationship public, regardless of the scorn. Winona was pregnant with his son, and Victor was unpopular with Claude; another son would increase Robert's standing.

Robert held Winona close, gently stroking her belly. "Has the baby been troubling you?"

Preoccupied and eager to make a call, Winona dismissed him casually. "No, he's been good. Why aren't you with Yulia? Didn't she return today?"

Yulia's stay at her mother's, assisting her brother's wedding preparations, had provided more opportunities for Robert and Winona's secret meetings while Victor was away.

Robert snorted. "Don't mention her. She makes me sick. Come here, babe. I want to kiss you."

Winona suppressed her disgust, maintaining her radiant demeanor and soft voice. "Stop it, Victor isn't fully asleep. What if he finds out?"