Bonnie stared at Andrew, hiccuping through her sobs. Her face flushed, and Andrew gently flicked her forehead. "Stop crying, or you'll end up looking like a little kitten with streaks on your face." Bonnie obediently nodded.

The two completely ignored Robert and Victor, who stood nearby. Robert, hearing Andrew's words, was taken aback. He mustered his courage and said, "Hey, why are you making such a big deal out of this? It's just a little argument between girls."

Andrew turned, shielding Bonnie behind him. He looked at Robert with a cold, sharp gaze. "You better tell Winona to stop causing trouble. Otherwise, I don't care if she's pregnant or not. I'm not a nice guy, and if anyone messes with my girl, they'll regret it. Got it?"

Robert, already intimidated by Jeremiah's presence, was even more frightened by Andrew's words. He edged closer to Victor. Victor watched the scene with a sarcastic look. He knew better than to provoke someone Wyatt called "Mr. Chavez," without fully understanding his background.

Jeremiah stood in the hall, his face a mask of coldness. His jet-black, straight hair, sharply angled eyebrows, piercing blue eyes, firm lips, and chiseled features made him a striking figure. The police officers present recognized him. They had seen him before in a formal military uniform and knew his identity was not to be casually mentioned. This man had arrived in full military dress; the officers on duty naturally recognized him, but also knew his identity was not to be divulged lightly.

The officer who had been speaking to Robert hesitated before approaching again. His attitude had completely changed; he bowed slightly, regarding Jeremiah with respect and admiration. "Good afternoon, sir. Are you here about the gun incident? Mr. Chappell is personally conducting the interrogation. Would you like me to call him out?"

The officer's sudden change in demeanor surprised the others in the lobby. Victor's face tightened, and as the words were spoken, the interrogation room door opened. Andrew emerged, leading Bonnie to Jeremiah's side. In the distance, Robert and Victor looked visibly uncomfortable.

Zane exited the interrogation room, carrying documents, hurrying to verify their authenticity. Seeing Jeremiah, Andrew, and Bonnie, he quickened his pace, bowing even more respectfully than the officer. "Mr. Chavez—"

Jeremiah glanced at the documents in Zane's hand, held backward, making the text unreadable. He frowned. "Where is she?"

Zane knew exactly whom Jeremiah meant. He answered respectfully, "Mr. Chavez, she's in the interrogation room." Before he finished, he felt a cold aura emanating from Jeremiah. A chill ran up his spine. Reading people was his forte; otherwise, he wouldn't have risen from a lowly officer to his current position.

"Did you say she's in the interrogation room?" Jeremiah asked, his voice cold and sharp.

Zane quickly explained, fearing he might freeze under Jeremiah's gaze. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Mr. Chavez, Ms. Zeller requested to be questioned. She wanted to avoid trouble. But don't worry, it's just a routine questioning."

The icy coldness emanating from Jeremiah lessened. Zane breathed deeply, the tension easing. No wonder he's the only major general in Clusia who has participated in overseas defense missions. When he gets angry, it's not something anyone can handle, Zane thought.

Jeremiah said succinctly, "I'm taking her with me. Someone will handle the follow-up."

Zane hesitated before looking at Jeremiah with a complex expression. "Mr. Chavez, perhaps… this matter doesn't need your involvement anymore." He handed the document to Jeremiah.

Jeremiah took it; upon seeing the words, his brows furrowed. Even he was slightly surprised, though the surprise quickly faded. "Go ahead," he said.

Jeremiah closed the document and handed it back to Zane. Zane left to contact superiors to verify its authenticity.

Robert saw Zane and hurried to intercept him. Since Zane's appointment, the Carter family had tried to win him over, offering money and incentives, but Zane remained unmoved. They had ultimately given up and sought other avenues.

Robert, lacking social acumen, only thought of securing Zane's support for Winona. Victor, however, remained still. Though he hadn't heard the conversation between Zane and Jeremiah, Zane's respectful and humble attitude made it clear this was not a situation to interfere in. My dad must have lost his mind to think about stepping in for Winona, Victor thought.

Robert plastered a smile on his face. "Mr. Chappell, I didn't expect you to be personally handling this gun case."

Zane stopped. Who is so clueless as to stop me when I'm in such a hurry? he thought. Recognizing Robert, his expression softened slightly. The Carter family, despite their rejected gifts, still held significant influence in Seacrity, and some respect was due.

Zane maintained a cold tone. "Hello, Mr. Carter."

Robert glanced at Jeremiah's group with a smug look. No one noticed his attempt to impress. Trying to show off in front of these people is just embarrassing, Zane thought.

Zane noticed Robert's continued staring, still pleased with himself. What is his problem? Why is he staring like that? If he has something to say, why doesn’t he just say it? Does he think I have all day to play along with him? Zane thought.

Zane's tone grew serious. "Mr. Carter, do you have something to discuss? If it's not urgent, please come back later."

Robert, oblivious to Zane's impatience, continued. Victor stepped forward, interrupting him. "Mr. Chappell, I'm Victor Carter. The person who fainted during the gun incident is my fiancée, Winona. I came to find out how this matter will be handled."

Zane paused, his expression less cordial. Why did Yvette shoot Winona specifically? There must be something more to this that I don’t know about.

Zane's voice turned icy. "Mr. Carter, this matter is still under investigation. Since you are a family member, you can wait here. If there are no further issues, we should have a resolution within an hour or so."