Jase's eyes, sharp and assessing, met Yvette's as he stroked his beard. His voice held the cold authority of a man accustomed to command.

"Yvette, you're clever. Had you intervened earlier, I would have been disappointed. The Chavez family doesn't need a hostess who is overly kind and naive, easily trusting others without forming her own opinions. I'm glad you're so calm and rational."

Yvette's fingers tapped a steady rhythm on the tabletop. Her usual composure was evident in her raised eyebrows and the slight lift at the corners of her eyes. "It won't happen again," she said.

Jase understood her personality. Her reputation differed sharply from her demeanor; meeting his granddaughter-in-law felt like encountering a thorny rose. Yet, he couldn't deny her impressive qualities. Only those with genuine talent could afford such a temperament. She was perfectly suited to be the Chavez family's hostess.

Unfazed by her words, Jase changed the subject. "Jeremiah really has excellent taste, doesn't he? How did he manage to win you over? My grandson isn't known for his charm or ability to make girls laugh. Besides inheriting my good looks, how did he catch your eye?"

Yvette's expression remained impassive, her usual languidness betrayed only by a mischievous curl of her lips. Glancing past him, she asked in a slow, light voice, "Is it strange that I have a crush on him?"

Jase cleared his throat, but before he could speak, a familiar, cold voice interrupted. "Grandpa, what is strange?"

Jase froze, his back stiffening as an icy chill washed over him. He'd been outsmarted. Emmett was with Jeremiah. The grandfather had been caught speaking poorly of his grandson – an awkward situation, to say the least. Neither man was ordinary; one a marshal in Clusia, the other a Major General. Mismanaged, this family conflict could easily escalate into a political scandal. This girl was formidable; a situation to be avoided at all costs.

Jase turned, offering Jeremiah a warm, yet nervous, smile. "Oh hey, grandson, how did you get back so fast?"

Jeremiah narrowed his eyes, his gaze intense, a smirk playing on his lips – a smile Jase always found intimidating; it never boded well. And he was right.

"Grandpa, is it true that Grandma said she wasn't that interested in you and only gave in because you kept bugging her?" Jeremiah asked.

Emmett reacted instantly, covering his ears with a look of earnest loyalty directed at Jase. His eyes clearly conveyed, "Mr. Jase Chavez, I heard nothing."

Jase's mouth twitched. Anger spiked his blood pressure. The brat had stabbed him in the heart without a second thought. It was his wife who had been infatuated, who had pursued him; yet, he was the one portrayed as clingy. His reputation lay in ruins, thanks to this cheeky kid. He felt indigestion threatening, even the thought of steak wouldn't help. He needed to escape. He'd go find Walter for a game of chess.

Standing, his eighty-year-old body surprisingly agile, he waved a hand. "Alright, alright, I've been busy. My old bones can't take it. You guys enjoy your meal without me."

Turning to Yvette, he added, "Girl, if you have time, come back to the old manor. I wasn't serious about our chess game today. Just wait; I'll surely beat you next time. Come by in a couple of days. My daughter-in-law is eager to meet you."

Emmett had been by Jeremiah's side for years, only seeing Jase Chavez at formal events. The elder Chavez was known for his seriousness; a frown from him would send shivers down spines. Yet, his attitude towards Yvette was remarkably kind and friendly. He had clearly accepted her. No wonder she could kill a giant python in the rainforest without flinching; she'd handled such a significant figure with ease. It was remarkable.

Yvette stood, calm and composed, her brow furrowed slightly. "Okay," she said.

Jase, feeling the need to regain lost face, paused at the living room entrance, glancing at Yvette, then at Jeremiah. "I have photos of little Jeremiah dressed as a girl when he was three. Want to take a look when you visit?"

Yvette's eyes met his. "Sure, I'll take a look," she replied concisely.

Jeremiah was speechless. Emmett thought, This grandparent-grandchild duo is going all out to mess with each other. He wanted to see Mr. Chavez in women's clothing too! It was undoubtedly Aurora's doing. She famously favored girls over boys. High society valued sons, but the Chavez family knew that before Jase's birth, Aurora had prepared only baby girl items and a princess bedroom. His birth had nearly sent her into depression; her dream of a sweet little girl was shattered. Aurora was obsessed with appearances; Jase, as a child, had won back her affection with his looks.

Jase and Yusef walked toward the door. Jase's personal car awaited, followed by two military vehicles. His safety was a national priority, allowing no room for error; round-the-clock protection was necessary. Assassination in Clusia was practically impossible.

The three soldiers who had been present earlier had changed back into uniform; they looked completely different. Jeremiah followed quietly. Yusef, sensing their need for privacy, stepped aside, giving them space. Jase's expression was stern. He turned, glaring at Jeremiah.

"Instead of keeping Yvette company, you're seeing me off. Say what you need to say."

Jeremiah stood in the sunlight, lips pursed, his deep blue eyes intense and cold. "Grandpa, it won't happen again."

Jase heard it twice in an hour. They were playing a telepathy game; they were perfectly in sync. He'd planned to reveal Yvette's true identity, but now? No way. He'd let his grandson figure it out. If the boy was going to outmaneuver him, he'd let him.

"Listen, you brat," Jase said, "I haven't done anything about Yvette yet. I'm not that idle. That girl is remarkable. Since you acknowledge her worth, treat her well. I'm too old to interfere in your love life. Anyway, I'm off."

After they left, Jeremiah's phone rang. It was Bruce. "Mr. Chavez, Frankie is in Afria. The gold mine should be fully tapped in a week."

Jeremiah's face was expressionless. Bruce continued, "I've informed Braydon. He's dispatched his personal hitman, 'The Phantom,' to kill you. We're watching him closely."