Rebecca stared at Robert, her teeth clenched in frustration. He was more of a hindrance than a help, having damaged the company to defend Winona. She had been scheduled to be in Betrico but had rushed back on a private jet that afternoon.

Rebecca's eyes dimmed with disappointment. "Dad, did you and Victor argue with Yvette?"

Robert was taken aback. "How did Rebecca find out?" He stood bewildered.

Victor, sitting on the couch, glanced up. His fingers twitched slightly. "Yes, how did you and Grandpa find out? Today, Yvette encountered Winona at Skyline Plaza. They argued, and Yvette had a gun. Winona was hospitalized but is fine now. Dad defended Winona, and we ran into Yvette at the police station, but nothing serious happened."

Rebecca paused. "I told you all long ago not to antagonize Yvette. Why didn't you listen?" The thought of her hard work wasted fueled her anger.

Victor bowed his head. He'd almost forgotten until Rebecca mentioned it. Rebecca had warned them about Yvette after Victor's conflict with John, but they'd ignored her.

Robert remained unconvinced. "What's so frightening about Yvette? She relies on Mr. Chavez. The Carters aren't nobodies; Claude associates with Betrico's elite. Jeremiah's influence can't be that overwhelming." He muttered, "What's so scary about her?"

Rebecca's expression was frigid. She finally understood his obliviousness. "You know about my plan to expand the Carter family business to Betrico? I've been preparing for a year. Securing the renewable energy deal would allow us to break into Betrico's high society."

She paused, barely controlling her rage. Her voice, sharp and clear, conveyed her anger. "Thanks to Winona and your actions, the Carter family won't enter Betrico's business community in our lifetime."

Victor and Robert were equally shocked. The living room fell silent.

Victor's stern expression reflected the gravity of the situation. Rebecca's definitive statement meant their path was blocked. Not only had her year-long plan collapsed, but the family had offended someone powerful. He stammered, "Is this related to Yvette?"

Rebecca, her perfect makeup failing to hide her stubbornness and exhaustion, gritted her teeth. "Yes. In four hours, all our Betrico projects fell apart. Even the renewable energy project—they withdrew half an hour before signing. Two parties retaliated: Howard Yates, Zachary's benefactor, and... someone I never imagined we'd offend." Her voice was thick with frustration.

Robert, swallowing nervously, asked, "Who else?"

Rebecca sighed. "Samantha, the General Commander's daughter in the Betrico Military District. A legendary businesswoman, she holds absolute power. She shut down all my options, forcing my return to Seacrity."

Victor questioned, "Sis, what connection do Samantha and Yvette have?"

Rebecca, looking at him, said, "It's simple. It involves the girl who fought Winona. Samantha didn't even bother sending a message. We struck her future sister-in-law. She won't forget this, and the Carters can forget about Betrico."

Victor protested, "Impossible! How could a scholarship student be connected to Samantha? Were the rumors wrong?"

Rebecca laughed bitterly. She wished it were so, but she'd heard the information clearly. Winona's single slap had destroyed the Carter family's hopes.

Robert finally grasped the enormity of his mistakes, bowing his head. Claude, displeased, slammed his cane, startling Robert. He angrily scolded him, "Are you out of your mind? I told Rebecca not to anger Yvette! What foolishness for Winona, an orphan? Are you determined to ruin the Carters? Why don't you just die?"

Claude's harsh words were familiar to Robert. Despite her disappointment, Rebecca felt a pang of pity. Victor, remembering the John incident, had been upset with Rebecca.

"Sis, why did you insist I apologize? Was it because of Yvette? What happened?"

Rebecca, after Claude's nod, explained. "Yes, it was Yvette. She knew a hacker who breached our systems, costing us $160 million. Had you not apologized, the losses could have been far greater."

Victor felt guilty, realizing he'd wrongly blamed his sister. The thought of Yvette's connections chilled him. "I'm sorry, Rebecca."

Rebecca nodded, rubbing her temples. There was nothing more she could do.

Claude's sinister eyes glared at the two men. "Winona is trouble. Are you sure the child is Victor's? We don't know her background. A DNA test after the baby's birth. If it's ours, I'll raise it. I don't trust either of you."