Robert, bruised and battered, muttered incessantly on the drive back to the Carter residence. Victor, however, wanted no part of it, excusing himself to leave the car. Ultimately, Robert decided against returning to the Carter residence as well. Facing Yulia, his nagging wife, seemed less appealing than visiting Winona at the hospital.

In Ward 305, the clock had already struck twelve, but Winona was still awake. Standing by the window in her hospital gown, her slim figure was only slightly thickened by her pregnancy. Her face was pale, her wide eyes fixed on the moon in pensive contemplation. She wondered if Yvette had been caught. Sleep evaded her until she knew the outcome.

Robert mumbled as he opened the door. Winona, hearing his voice, looked towards him eagerly. "You're here," she said. Startled by her sudden appearance, Robert initially didn't recognize her. "Who's that?" he exclaimed. Recovering himself, he patted his chest, his tone slightly strained. "Why aren't you asleep? What are you doing?"

Winona quickly adopted a sweet, innocent demeanor. "How can you yell at me? I was scared all day! Your phone was off! I couldn't sleep, worrying something had happened to you." Robert was deeply moved. His humiliation at Claude's hands had been assuaged by Winona's concern. He embraced her, and she leaned into his arms. A sinister smile played on her lips, hidden from his view.

"Winona, I'm sorry. I got scolded by Claude, and I took it out on you," he explained. Hearing Claude's involvement, Winona's heart sank. Pulling away cautiously, she asked, "What's wrong? Why did Claude call you back? Was Yvette arrested? Is she still at the police station? How could a girl like her have a gun? That's terrifying." A touch of hope and a tremor in her voice went unnoticed by Robert.

He knew this question was coming and, momentarily speechless, struggled to recount the day's events. Finally, he said, "Winona, Yvette's been released. Let's drop the mall incident. How about this: Didn't you want villas in Mysonna? I'll buy you two, in your name. Let's just forget this. Besides, the baby's fine."

Winona recoiled. Anger flooded her face, her body trembling. Tears welled in her eyes, yet she remained silent. Robert's heart ached, yet he felt powerless. Even Claude couldn't control Yvette, let alone he himself. Moreover, Winona's actions had undone years of the Carter family's hard work. If not for the child, Claude and Rebecca wouldn't have spared her.

"What are you saying? Yvette pulled a gun and tried to kill me! How could she get away? Is it because Jeremiah defended her, and the Carters just let it slide? I'm carrying your family's baby, and you're doing nothing? Aren't you going to stand up for me?" Winona demanded.

Robert tried to explain patiently, "Winona, it's complicated. Yvette isn't straightforward, and Jeremiah's background is even more mysterious. Honestly, the Carters can't afford to cross them. Do you even know the girl you hit's background?"

Winona was taken aback. "Bonnie? What background could she have? She's just a poor student."

Robert offered a bitter smile, his tone tinged with reproach. "Are you sure? Bonnie is the future daughter-in-law of the Mitchell family in Betrico. They're the most powerful family in Betrico high society, far surpassing the Carters. The head of the family is the deputy commander of Betrico's military district. You hit their future daughter-in-law, ruining Claude's plans in Betrico. If it weren't for the baby, he'd have killed you. I know my father well. If you want to deliver this baby, stay out of trouble."

Winona stood frozen, her body trembling, her face drained of color. She hadn't known Bonnie's true identity. How could she, without a boyfriend, become engaged to a Mitchell? she thought. Robert hadn't mentioned Claude's plan to dispose of her after the birth, intending to secretly relocate her to Mysonna.

Winona took a deep breath, regaining composure. She had only Robert and Victor. Lately, Victor had seemed distant; initially thrilled by the pregnancy, he was growing impatient. Robert was her most reliable support. As for Yvette, Winona was terrified. If firing a gun was so easily dismissed, what else could she do? she wondered. Yet, she wouldn't miss an opportunity. Every dog has its day. Once accepted by the Carters, I'll have leverage against Yvette! A new thought sparked: What if the entire Carter family were eliminated? My child would be the sole legal heir.

This idea took hold. She adopted a fragile, gentle demeanor. "I understand. Don't worry. Please plead with Claude for me. I'll have the baby and stay home," she said.

Seeing her "aggrieved" expression, Robert hastened to amend his words. "I'm sorry. I'll open a fifteen-million-dollar account for you. Buy whatever you like—handbags, anything."

Winona silently cried, offering a fleeting smile. Since I can't use this against Yvette, I'll leverage it for myself, she thought. She knew how to manipulate Robert. A little trickery, and he'll follow my lead. Her new plan: seize control of the Carter family, then target Yvette.