In the Chavez family’s old manor, Yusef, Jase Chavez’s personal guard, entered the room. He saw the elderly man sitting erect, energetic, and sharply dressed in a suit. Adjusting his own clothes, he bowed politely before speaking.

“Mr. Jase Chavez,” he began, “Mr. Jeremiah Chavez’s girlfriend arrived in Betrico. Our staff reports she’s at Skyland. Jeremiah returned to the military base; the deputy commander requires his immediate attention. Emmett accompanied him, leaving Ms. Zeller alone at Skyland.”

Though eighty and graying, Jase remained vigorous, showing no signs of weakness. He was one of the few who had emerged from the war-torn era with significant military achievements, and one of the few elderly veterans still living. His status in Clusia was unquestioned. Even now, those in power hoped he wouldn’t retire; with Jase, stability was assured.

Jase lifted his cup of Grandos coffee and took a sip. “Any update on Clifford?” he asked.

Yusef nodded, standing respectfully. “Mr. Jase Chavez, Mr. Clifford Chavez seems unaffected, but Aurora was quite animated this morning. I heard…” He hesitated.

Jase paused, his gaze sharp. “Hmm? What’s wrong?”

Yusef quickly continued, “Mrs. Chavez prepared a meal Mr. Jeremiah and his girlfriend would enjoy, and Mr. Clifford Chavez became jealous. Aurora reprimanded him, and he’s now attempting reconciliation. He’ll likely sleep in the study again tonight.”

Yusef, whose father had also served as Jase’s guard, had grown up with Clifford. They were childhood playmates. He understood Clifford and Aurora’s dynamic better than anyone. Even Jase detected the sarcasm in Yusef’s last comment.

Jase set down his cup. “They’ll likely be this way for life. Aurora worried over Jeremiah’s marriage; now, with a girlfriend, she’s likely excited. And Clifford, tough on the outside, soft within. If he didn’t care, why did he take the day off? He’s just pretending. Let them be.”

Yusef was genuinely happy for the Chavez family. He’d watched Jeremiah grow up, never expecting him to settle down. No one imagined Yvette could win him over. He was eager to meet her.

“Understood, sir. Should we reduce our presence? Skyland’s security in Betrico is excellent; remote surveillance should suffice.”

Jase lowered his eyes, thinking. “No. Stick to the plan. Get the car ready and that gear for me. I’m going myself. Everything must seem genuine. Ensure Tim keeps Jeremiah occupied so that brat doesn't interfere.”

Yusef’s expression was unreadable. He thought, Mr. Jase Chavez is like a playful child, staging this elaborate test of Jeremiah's girlfriend. It was difficult finding people brave enough to participate.

“Mr. Jase Chavez, are you certain you want to test Ms. Zeller this way?” Jusef asked.

Jase rose and waved his hand. “Set it up. We leave in half an hour.”

Yusef could only nod.

At Skyland, Yvette had just changed into loungewear Jeremiah had provided when the phone rang.

“Hello, is this Mr. Chavez’s home? We have a package requiring your signature. Shall we send a shuttle?”

Yvette raised an eyebrow. “No, I’ll come myself.”

“Alright, we’ll wait.” She hung up. Yusef, in a security uniform, shifted slightly, looking at the old man nearby, dressed in rags, his face covered in dirt and ash, his fingers trembling. “Mr. Jase Chavez, she’ll arrive soon. Are you really going to sit by the roadside?”

Jase stroked his beard. “Do I look convincing?”

Yusef confidently replied, “Mr. Jase Chavez, you look perfectly believable. Ms. Zeller won’t notice.”

Jase relaxed, opened the security booth door, and walked to the roadside. Vegetables were arranged, “customers” in place. They awaited Yvette.

Ten minutes later, just as they wondered if she'd appear, Yvette approached casually. Yusef signaled her arrival. Yvette was strikingly beautiful, possessing a unique, cool aura. He worried Mr. Jase Chavez's plan might fail.

Upon receiving the signal, Jase slumped to the ground, looking nothing like a Clusian marshal, but a weathered farmer. The hidden guards turned their heads. Yvette, in a simple white shirt and shorts, reached the security booth. The door opened before she knocked. She thought, Yusef looks like a strange uncle!

“Hello, are you Mr. Chavez’s girlfriend? Please sign for this package.”

Yvette nodded impassively. She reached for the package, about to leave. Yusef, realizing the act wasn't over, called out, “Oh dear, Ms. Zeller, a fight!”

Immediately, a commotion erupted. Yvette turned, a playful look in her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips. A vegetable stand had been knocked over, the old man on the ground, appearing pitiable.