Two powerful figures were deeply in love. However, even lavish gifts, given on a whim, could easily irritate someone.

Emmett remembered Aurora asking him yesterday about Yvette's preferences. He felt helpless; Aurora's extravagance was even more pronounced. Her gifts ranged from jewelry and companies under her control to a rose manor. Incredibly, she even considered gifting Yvette a private Pacific island. And these, in Aurora's opinion, were merely "small meeting gifts."

Skyland had been meticulously prepared. Except for some preserved traditional Clusian-style elements, every detail reflected Yvette's tastes. The effort was evident. Yvette's room featured a minimalist, neutral style, primarily in black, white, and gray. Since Jeremiah's missions kept him away from Betrico, and his visits were brief, Aurora had decorated the rest of Skyland in her preferred traditional Clusian style. Some time ago, she'd had Emmett begin renovations, transforming Skyland into a high-tech haven.

Yvette explored the villa, familiarizing herself with its layout. Jeremiah's room remained next to hers, as always. The most intriguing feature was a sliding door concealed within another door.

The Chavez family's old manor was a fortified compound with its own private entrance. Aurora, Jeremiah's mother, was fifty-three years old. Traces of her youthful beauty remained; she still appeared remarkably young. She'd had Jeremiah in her twenties, and after recovering, she assumed control of the family business, immersing herself in the corporate world. With the Chavez family's progressive views and Clifford's devoted love, Aurora enjoyed a life seemingly straight out of a fairy tale. Her understanding in-laws, loving husband, and talented son made her the envy of Betrico. One might wonder what good deeds she'd performed to deserve such a life.

It was only last year that Aurora gradually retired to focus on her family. She ceased attending public events unless absolutely necessary, even forgoing major parties.

Jeremiah's father, Clifford, was a director at a Ministry of Foreign Affairs department. He was due to retire the following year. During their vacations, they explored the world's diverse cuisines.

Aurora already knew Jeremiah and Yvette's flight schedule. Early that morning, she was restless, pacing the living room and constantly glancing at the door. Clifford sipped orange juice, put down his newspaper, and adjusted his glasses. He exuded sophistication; the sharpness he displayed on television was absent. His demeanor softened completely when he looked at his wife. He coughed softly, feeling a pang of jealousy when Aurora didn't meet his gaze. He mused, "I've lost my status before my daughter-in-law even arrived. Even breakfast isn't my favorite quiche and milk; the table is laden with Jeremiah's favorite foods."

He glanced at the prominent lobster and thought, "Who eats lobster this early? It's all because Jeremiah mentioned his girlfriend loves it. Is it really necessary? I'm allergic to seafood! They say a man forgets his mother after marriage, but my wife seems to forget me after getting a daughter-in-law. Where can I even complain?

Getting older... losing respect... I was once treasured, wooed, and courted. But once committed, the responsibility vanished. If I hadn't caught her at the airport back then, she might have left with Jeremiah still in her belly..."

Clifford coughed again. Even the nearby servants sensed his plea for attention. A few maids exchanged glances, stifling laughter. Long-time staff of the Chavez family, they were accustomed to Clifford and Aurora's dynamic. Their bickering had been a constant for decades. Invariably, Clifford found a way to reconcile with Aurora. He usually ended up sleeping in the study for a few days each month. If three days passed without reconciliation, he might be seen pitifully knocking on her door at midnight with a blanket.

Cara, Aurora's childhood companion, caught Clifford's pleading gaze and sighed. Aurora remained focused solely on her soon-to-be daughter-in-law, oblivious to Clifford's plight. But no one could truly blame her. Jeremiah, thirty years old and having spent years in the army, had finally found a girlfriend. Aurora had almost resigned herself to his perpetual bachelorhood. Upon hearing about his girlfriend, she'd flown back from overseas and remained, eagerly awaiting the young woman's arrival for a casual meal.

Cara approached Aurora respectfully. "Madam, Mr. Chavez hasn't eaten much today."

Aurora turned, her figure belying her age. She fixed Clifford with a stare as he pretended indifference. She cleared her throat. "Are you going to eat or not? If not, go upstairs and change. What if Jeremiah brings his girlfriend, and you look disheveled?"

Clifford hesitated, unsure whether to continue eating his churro. Annoyed, he set it down. He looked at Aurora, impeccably dressed in a lavender dress and emerald necklace. She looked stunning. With a frown, he said, in a serious, slightly jealous tone, "Isn't that a bit excessive? You're just meeting Jeremiah's girlfriend; there's no need for such extravagance for someone younger."

Aurora, crossing her arms, retorted, "Younger? That girl saved your son from a life of loneliness. Without her, he'd be single forever. You know how difficult he is. Remember all those Betrico women who tried to impress him? None succeeded! So, Clifford, when your daughter-in-law comes for dinner, don't scare her off with that serious face, or you're not getting back into my bed for the rest of your life, understand?"

Seeing her genuine upset, Clifford quickly reassured her, "Honey, I didn't mean it that way. I just think he probably won't bring anyone today, so there's no need for a large dinner. I'd be thrilled if he did. I'll change my clothes, okay? And stop talking like that; we're not young anymore, let's keep it respectable."

Clifford was frustrated but dared not show it. Further argument would backfire. He'd already spent the month sleeping in the study, and his old back couldn't handle much more. They weren't young, yet she still liked to punish him. She never seemed to tire of it.

Aurora let out a haughty "humph," appearing magnanimous, as if unwilling to argue. The servants twitched their mouths. Clifford, it seemed, had been completely under his wife's thumb his entire life.

It wasn't true that high society lacked love; only that interests often dominated. Clifford and his wife, however, had married for genuine love. They’d been in love for many years. Whenever Clifford wasn't working, he rushed home to his wife. If Aurora asked him to go east, he wouldn't dare go west. Because Aurora suffered from chronic headaches, he personally studied with a traditional doctor for six months, massaging her daily without complaint. That was love.