Yvette strolled out, one hand in her pocket, leading Bonnie at a leisurely pace. Winona’s venomous gaze followed them. I didn’t expect to run into acquaintances so soon, Yvette mused.

The police had just received a report of a Skyline Plaza shooting. Zane, upon hearing the news, was immediately restless. Who would be so brazen as to brandish a firearm in broad daylight at Skyline Plaza? I must see this fool for myself, he thought.

He was surprised to see Yvette. I didn't expect her to be here, though perhaps she was merely shopping and caught in the crossfire, he reasoned.

Zane quickly drew his weapon and approached Yvette, his actions open to the onlookers but his demeanor courteous. "Ms. Zeller, you're here too. Was the criminal a threat? Do you require medical attention?"

His solicitousness further unnerved the sharp-faced saleswoman who had just fled, leaving her trembling with fear. Yulia's expression was unreadable. So that's why Yvette dares act this way—she has the Chief of the Seacrity Police Department’s backing, Yulia realized.

Bonnie’s lips twitched as she considered telling Zane the “criminal” stood before him.

Seeing Yvette’s silence, Zane assumed fear. Instead of pressing, he bellowed, "Where is the criminal? Surrender immediately and drop your weapon!"

Yvette half-lowered her eyes, then lifted her head. After a silent moment, her blue eyes expressionless, she stated flatly, "I'm here."

"I know you're here, Ms. Zeller," Zane replied. "But what's your involvement? Don't worry; I'll apprehend the criminal and bring them to justice."

Yvette rubbed her temples. "I'm telling you, I am the 'criminal.' Let's go."

Zane spun around in disbelief. His rapidly shifting expression was almost comical. Clearing his throat, he gave her a look that clearly communicated, You can't be serious. I'm not falling for this.

Yvette flexed her wrist, glancing at Zane. "Aren't you here to arrest me? Let's not waste time."

Zane paled. He turned to the saleswoman. "Did Ms. Zeller fire the gun?" The woman frantically shook her head, muttering, "I don't know anything!" He then questioned Yulia, who cautiously eyed Yvette, unsure whether to speak. The image of Yvette with a gun still unsettled her.

Neither offered useful information, leaving Zane with a mounting headache. Ms. Zeller wouldn't joke about this, would she? Should I arrest her or not? This is a predicament, he thought.

Winona hung up her phone and emerged. Seeing the police, she clutched her head and made a decision. Even if I can't frame Yvette with the child, I won't let her go easily, she thought, dramatically fainting in a way that wouldn't harm her stomach. Before losing consciousness, she pointed at Yvette, feigning terror, "Please, don't hurt my baby! Officer, she has a gun! Arrest her!"

Yulia, this time, remained silent, suspecting another of Winona’s manipulations. This must be another one of Winona’s acts, she thought. A new, inexplicable fear of Winona settled upon her. She now believed Yvette's earlier statement. If Winona truly planned to use her unborn child to frame Yvette… that's terrifying. A person who would use their own child as a pawn? Unthinkable, she shuddered.

Now Zane felt the pressure. He'd aimed to boost his record, but found himself in a bind. I'm truly caught between a rock and a hard place, he thought.

He sighed, looking at Yvette, who stood nonchalantly, one hand in her pocket. She fears nothing with Mr. Chavez's backing, does she? But it's broad daylight; we can't ignore this without explanation. Fortunately, I evacuated the area—a good move. But Yvette presents a major dilemma. The thirty SWAT officers stood confused. Where are the terrorists? Just one woman? This is absurd, they thought. The situation grew increasingly awkward, even eclipsing Winona's unconscious performance.

Winona, oblivious, wondered, Why haven't they arrested Yvette yet? What are they waiting for? She couldn't wake up; it would be too obvious. She lay there, shivering and silently cursing Yvette and the police.

A SWAT officer, noticing Winona, called 911, then approached Zane, saluting. "Mr. Chappell, should we arrest this 'criminal' immediately?"

The other officers exchanged knowing glances. Young and fearless, huh? Can't he see Mr. Chappell doesn't want to arrest her?

Zane smiled thinly at the officer, gritted his teeth, and turned to Yvette. "Ms. Zeller, would you accompany us? We won't wrong you; you won't suffer injustice."

Winona's fingers clenched.

Yvette nodded curtly. To Bonnie, she said, "You should go." Bonnie refused. "Yvette, I'm not leaving. This is because of me; I'll explain everything."

This girl's stubborn, but it's better to have her by my side, Yvette thought, raising an eyebrow. "Fine." To Zane, she said, "Let's go."

Zane nodded repeatedly, relieved by her cooperation. The young officer, following protocol, asked, "Mr. Chappell, should we handcuff the suspect?"

Yvette offered a half-smirk. Zane wanted to kick the officer. Who brought this moron? One of my political rivals, trying to sabotage me, he seethed.

Maintaining his composure, Zane said patiently, "No. The situation's unclear. Don't jump to conclusions. We can't believe one side only."

Yvette left, more escorted than arrested. Yulia and the saleswoman, along with Winona, remained. An ambulance arrived; Winona continued her charade, aiming to further enrage Robert and Victor. I called them while Yvette was gone, she thought. They'll arrive any minute.

At Seacrity Hospital, Lucas, the old butler, carried a tray of food to the fifth floor for Zachary. At the entrance, he saw a stretcher being unloaded. To his surprise, it was Winona, the fake Ms. Chambers he'd served for over twenty years.