After they finished eating, James asked Yvette, “Do you need a ride home? Where are you staying?”
Yvette looked up and replied politely, “No need, Grandpa. Someone is picking me up.”
Leaning on his cane, James quickly asked, “Your boyfriend?”
Yvette nodded slightly. “Yes.”
James’s heart ached. He’d just met Yvette, and she already had a boyfriend. He wanted to see this boyfriend and, perhaps, dissuade him. He mused, What’s so good about marriage anyway? It’s all cooking, cleaning, and chores. Someone as talented as Yvette should be thriving in physics. No one is truly worthy of her.
James stood by the roadside, silently keeping Yvette company. Yvette tilted her head, her profile even more striking under the streetlight. “If you’re tired, go ahead,” she said.
James knew he wouldn’t sleep unless he saw Yvette’s boyfriend. He shook his head, eyelids drooping, yet stubbornly remained. “I’m not tired. But, Yvette, it’s dangerous for a girl to be out alone at night. And your boyfriend is already ten minutes late; he has no sense of time!”
He hadn’t even seen the boyfriend yet, but he’d already begun to criticize him.
Across the street, a black SUV stopped. Emmett, in a black suit, emerged. Handsome even in a crowd, he usually paled in comparison to Jeremiah. But alone, he commanded attention, especially once the license plate became visible. People speculated about his wealthy family.
James recognized Emmett—Jeremiah’s reserved personal assistant. He’d met him at parties; even Jase, with his keen eye for talent, had praised Emmett highly.
James wondered why Emmett was there. Emmett, noticing Yvette, thought, I’m ten minutes late. Is Yvette upset? He felt uneasy; Yvette’s anger frightened him. Seeing the person beside her, he was startled: Yvette came to meet James? How long has he been around? What other surprises does she hold? With Yvette, anything is possible. Should I ask if she knows the president of Mysonna? He tried to remain calm.
He walked nervously toward them, muttering inwardly, Mr. Chavez left me to take the fall. Is that fair?
James, glancing at Yvette’s impassive expression, thought, Could Emmett be her boyfriend? He’s presentable, but not good enough for her. What a shame! He’d already forgotten his earlier compliments.
Emmett was speechless. He bowed slightly and greeted James politely, “Hello, Mr. Owens.”
James nodded coldly. Emmett didn’t know what he’d done wrong, but James’s eyes were hostile.
Emmett awkwardly said to Yvette, “Sorry I’m late.”
Yvette, one hand in her pocket, narrowed her eyes. “Where is he?”
Emmett explained, “Mr. Chavez and I encountered a bus accident. The driver had a heart attack, causing a multi-car collision. Over a hundred people were injured. Mr. Chavez is handling it; he sent me to take you back to Skyland.”
James quickly asked, “Is it serious? The casualties?”
Emmett replied, “Don’t worry, Mr. Owens. Mr. Chavez has called in military doctors; it should be under control.”
Yvette, expressionless, turned to James. “Grandpa, you can go back.”
Emmett was shocked. How did she get a new grandpa? An old marshal and a national treasure? This is enviable.
James nodded. “Come over when you have time.” He left with Michael.
Yvette called someone. “Hello, do you need my help?”
There was a pause. “No need. The doctors arrived. You and Emmett head back to Skyland. I’ll return later.”
Yvette hung up. Emmett thought, What an unromantic woman! I thought she called to express concern, but she only asked if he needed help. The love lives of bigwigs are unusual.
In the car, James watched Michael counting his fingers. “Michael, did that man mention Mr. Chavez?”
Michael stopped, looked confused, then clapped. “Mr. Chavez, Mr. Chavez, Mr. Chavez!”
James breathed deeply. It wasn’t Emmett, but Jeremiah Chavez. He’s flawless. Though unwilling, he admitted Jeremiah’s eminence. In Betrico, he was the leading figure of his generation. Both James’s physics lab and Rashad’s biochemistry lab had tried to recruit him, but Jeremiah only wanted the military. Rashad was furious.
James thought, That unscrupulous old guy. Why hasn't this anger killed him? Jase is lucky to have such a grandson. Yvette is impressive. Jeremiah is famously distant with women, but I suspect Jase favors Samantha. If he tries to separate Yvette and Jeremiah, I’ll stop him.