Victor stood quietly for a moment, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Robert. After an internal struggle, he silently swallowed the words he wanted to speak. Robert felt a cold sweat trickle down his back, stunned into silence. The truth—that Winona’s child was his, not Victor’s—seemed destined to remain a secret forever. Otherwise, with Claude's animosity toward Winona, even Robert might face severe consequences.

Victor said, "Grandpa, once Winona has the baby, I'll personally see her off. Don't worry, I won't marry her. She's utterly unsuitable to be the future hostess of the Carter family."

Robert, flustered, instinctively defended Winona. "Victor, let's discuss this later. She's carrying your child! Isn't this heartless?"

Robert's words drew the attention of the others on the couch. Even Rebecca was surprised by her father's unexpected compassion. Victor clenched his fists, his face hardening. In a fit of rage, Claude hurled his coffee mug at Robert's head.

Robert cried out in pain, his composure shattered. Clutching his injured head, he protested, "Dad, what did I do wrong? Winona's baby is a Carter. She's kind. And Yvette—she's no angel, wielding a gun in broad daylight—but what does that have to do with Winona? It's natural for a pregnant woman to faint from fright!"

Robert stubbornly blamed Yvette, convinced she was at fault. Claude's gaze darkened, a chilling gloom settling in his eyes. He struck Robert's leg fiercely with his cane, sending him sprawling to the floor.

"You useless creature! Once Winona has the baby, she's to be sent away. Whether she lives or dies is none of our concern. That girl Yvette is connected to someone powerful; the Smith family's downfall is proof. Do you think the Chambers family alone could achieve that? Yvette and her boyfriend are involved. I've checked; my contacts in Betrico refuse to even speak his name. That tells you everything. He's untouchable."

Robert and Victor were speechless, terrified. Robert, picking himself up, slumped back onto the couch, his face swollen, his leg throbbing.

Claude, taking a sip of coffee, spoke icily. "Rebecca, withdraw our company from Betrico immediately, reclaim all investments. We cut ties and focus on Mysonna for the next five years."

Rebecca nodded, her tense expression easing slightly. "Grandpa, give me a week. I'll handle it and personally apologize to the Mitchell family."

Claude nodded, satisfied. His investment in Rebecca's training was paying off. He mused, If not for Winona, Rebecca's work would have placed us among Betrico's elite. His tone softened. "Bring a generous gift, regardless of their reaction."

Victor's expression was unreadable. "Grandpa, I'll apologize to Bonnie tomorrow."

Claude looked at Victor with affection. My grandson has finally learned humility. "Good. Don't be like your father."

Robert's face reddened under his father's criticism, his dignity crushed. Resentment welled up inside him.

Meanwhile, in the villa kitchen, Jeremiah prepared beef pasta for Yvette, his tall silhouette captivating under the warm light. Yvette, fresh from a shower, relaxed on the couch.

Jeremiah brought her lemonade, then gently dried her hair. Their eyes met. Jeremiah, his voice low, said, "Don't look at me like that."

Yvette smiled mischievously. "You're quite skilled," she murmured.

Jeremiah's eyes deepened, reflecting only her image. "Are you a pro driver?"

Yvette leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. "Not bad."

Jeremiah casually pinched her fingers. "Interpol?"

Yvette's voice was lazy. "Just casually got a badge."

A smile touched Jeremiah's lips. "Yeah, pretty good."

They didn't dwell on it. Yvette finished her pasta, yawned, and said, "Want to sleep together?"

Jeremiah chuckled softly. "No, go to bed."

Yvette smiled, noticing his hesitation. "How about upstairs?" she asked, walking away.

Jeremiah watched her go, a thoughtful expression on his face. She shouldn't get away with that.