Jeremiah leaned forward, his gaze locking with hers, searching the clear depths of her eyes. His body tensed slightly, his eyebrows drawing together. His fingers rested on the back of her hand, gently stroking her palm. His blue eyes were deep, his jaw clenched, and his throat moved involuntarily. Suddenly, he felt parched.

His voice was warm. "Want a bite?"

Yvette paused, her hand lingering on his. She looked at his earnest face and pinched his chin. Her delicate collarbone, a cool, pale shade, possessed an irresistible, audacious charm.

"Want me to take a bite?" she asked.

A smile curved Jeremiah's lips, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. The girl always surprised him. Before Yvette could react, he stepped forward, cupping the back of her head and kissing her, gently biting her lower lip. Yvette's eyes narrowed, her brows lowered as she licked her lips—a gesture that sent a thrill through Jeremiah. She was speechless.

After a moment, Jeremiah lowered his voice, gently squeezing her waist, his eyes deep and unfathomable. Their breaths mingled. "Pretty sweet," she murmured. She lifted her eyes, brushing her lips together, her eyelashes trembling softly. "Mint-flavored," she added.

Jeremiah chuckled, drawing out the sound, nodding slowly as if embracing his own boldness. "How's the technique?" he asked.

Yvette pulled her hand from his grip, tugging him forward as he started to sit. She cupped his chin, her palm resting against his chest, and leaned in to kiss him. Jeremiah froze, his composure shattered. He thought, Is it okay for her to sit there? He was speechless.

A few minutes later, Yvette stood, a blank expression on her face. Leaning toward Jeremiah's car, she spoke in a low voice, her breath sending a tingle through him. "Jeremiah," she said, "don't act so bold. Your skills aren't great. You should practice more."

"Not great?" he asked.

Yvette raised an eyebrow, alluring and mischievous, letting out a soft hum. Jeremiah pointed to a spot, a slight smile playing on his lips. Yvette's gaze dropped, her expression momentarily uneasy, a deep look in her eyes as she licked the corner of her lips.

"What's that got to do with me?" she said casually.

Jeremiah wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close, resting his chin on her head. His fingers played with her hair, gently twirling it. "Do you like boys or girls?" he asked.

Yvette was silent for a few seconds, then looked up at him, her arm resting on his leg. "Don't like either," she answered.

Jeremiah's fingers paused. He looked down, holding her gaze for a few seconds before speaking softly. "If you don't like it, we don't have to."

Yvette's heart fluttered. She furrowed her eyebrows slightly, fixing her gaze on him. "No regrets?"

Jeremiah gently ruffled her hair. "No regrets at all. Whatever you say, we'll do as you decide."

Yvette shifted, her carefree expression fading as she spoke lightly and slowly. "Are you going down?"

Jeremiah was speechless.

The next morning, Jeremiah prepared breakfast—quiche, orange juice, and bread. Every day, he spoiled her with different treats. But he noticed that no matter how much Yvette ate, she never gained weight; her waist remained impossibly slim. It was concerning.

In the car, Jeremiah drove while Yvette lounged in the passenger seat, eyes downcast, fiddling with her phone. She yawned, looking listless, her indifferent profile hinting at casual nonchalance.

Jeremiah glanced sideways. "What's wrong? Didn't sleep well last night?" he asked in a deep voice.

Yvette lifted her gaze, meeting his, her blue eyes deepening. "Aren't you just asking knowingly?" she said.

Jeremiah coughed awkwardly. "How about some steak?"

Yvette clicked her tongue, slowly putting away her phone, and smiled. "You switch topics pretty fast."

Jeremiah insisted that driving required intense focus. "I didn't hear anything."

At 11:00 AM on Wednesday, Jeremiah and Yvette's flight landed in Betrico on time. As they left the airport, they saw Emmett standing at the entrance, a black, understated business car behind him. Luxury cars were common in Betrico, but Emmett's presence caused passersby to turn their heads, pausing to watch. The car's license plate, beginning with "Betrico" and followed by five zeros, was instantly recognizable—a symbol of immense prestige and status.

Emmett stood expressionless, his demeanor changing only slightly upon seeing the familiar figures. He stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Mr. Chavez, and Yvette."

Jeremiah wore a black casual outfit, impeccably pressed. He exuded an aura of "stay away," yet possessed an intriguing restraint. Yvette was relaxed in a simple white T-shirt and shorts, a baseball cap revealing only half her face. Her long, straight legs were strikingly tanned. Together, they commanded attention; even with half her face hidden, Yvette's presence was undeniable.

Yvette nodded. Jeremiah said, "Let's head back to Skyland first."

Skyland was a villa Jeremiah had purchased at eighteen, located in the heart of the city, where every inch of land was invaluable. Since his acquisition, its value had multiplied beyond measure.

After they got into the car, Emmett sat in the driver's seat. He pressed a button, and invisible car covers automatically rose on both sides. From the inside, one could see out, but those outside could see nothing.

Emmett glanced at them, finding Yvette somewhat unusual. Is her lip swollen? It's so red. Did a mosquito bite her? he wondered. He withdrew his gaze. "Mr. Chavez, the deputy commander mentioned an urgent matter requiring your personal attention. Should I drop Yvette at Skyland while you handle military affairs?"

Jeremiah wrapped his arm around Yvette, who was on her phone, his blue eyes lifting slightly. "No need, let's head to Skyland first."

Emmett's cheek twitched as he observed their posture, sighing. He finally understood the power of love. Mr. Chavez, a workaholic who hadn't taken a day off in ten years, had taken a month's leave to accompany Yvette to Seacrity.

Yvette stood at Skyland's entrance, eyes half-closed, her expression bland. She glanced at Jeremiah. Quite the brag, huh? It was supposed to be a regular place for us to stay. But this "tiny" villa was anything but small.

Jeremiah lowered his voice. "Let's go, we'll be staying here for the next few days."

Yvette nodded, tilting her head slightly. "Mm-hmm."

Emmett walked silently behind them, unaware that Jeremiah had already transferred ownership of the villa to Yvette. She was now the true owner.