Eleanore and her group looked as if they had seen ghosts. Expecting a protector, they were met with further disappointment, and the scene devolved into a chorus of wails and pleas for release from the Chavez family. Each woman, her face painted, cried and begged. Jeremiah glanced at Darnell, who immediately directed his men to escort everyone to the police station.

It took ten minutes to load the crying and shouting women into patrol cars. During this time, Jeremiah, Yvette, Aurora, and Clifford remained impassively indifferent—a surprisingly unified front. Observing from a short distance, Darnell was struck by their expressions; their composure was remarkable, surpassing even that of celebrities.

After seeing everyone off, Darnell returned to the dessert shop. As he reached the entrance, he heard Clifford’s voice: “I told you not to handle things yourself. Look, your hand is swollen. Does it hurt? Do you want me to blow on it?”

Darnell felt mortified, his appetite instantly vanishing. He couldn't believe Clifford, usually so serious and stern, would act this way in front of Aurora. He thought, You can never judge a book by its cover.

Summoning his courage, Darnell re-entered the shop, affecting an air of respectful detachment. “Mr. Clifford Chavez, Mr. Jeremiah Chavez, everyone has been taken to the station. Do you have any further instructions?”

Clifford replied politely, “Thank you, Darnell. The Chavez family will send someone to the station to assist with the follow-up work.”

Darnell was flattered by Clifford’s gentle demeanor, a rare display of kindness. “Alright, Mr. Clifford Chavez. If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back to the station.”

With Darnell gone, only Yvette, Jeremiah, Aurora, and Clifford remained. Clifford, with a hint of curiosity, asked Aurora, “Is this your friend?” He knew he needn't ask Jeremiah.

Aurora nodded. “This is Yvette. I just met her. She helped me in a fight, and I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much without her.”

Charlie, offering Yvette a friendly smile, said, “Hello, Yvette. I’m Charlie, Aurora’s husband. Thanks for today.” The Chavez family’s unspoken rule: Charlie liked whomever Aurora liked; he didn’t look down on Yvette’s simple clothes.

Yvette responded calmly and politely, her appearance striking. “Hi, I’m Yvette.” Their conversation was formal and courteous.

Jeremiah, standing nearby, lowered his gaze, his lips barely moving. “Can I say something?” It was obvious no one wanted him to. He remained silent.

Aurora, taking Yvette’s hand, found her skin soft and smooth. She liked Yvette and considered taking her home. Pulling Clifford aside, they whispered.

Seizing the opportunity, Jeremiah approached Yvette and gently took her hand, wearing a look of grievance. “Since I came in, you’ve only looked at me five times.”

Yvette smirked slightly, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah.”

Jeremiah continued, gazing into her eyes, “My mother held your hand for three minutes; she even rubbed your palm.”

Yvette, relaxed, tugged at her lips. “Jeremiah, don’t be so jealous.”

Before Jeremiah could respond, Aurora returned with Clifford, observing their proximity thoughtfully. Did I knock myself out? Why do they seem so close? she wondered. It must be a delusion.

Jeremiah coughed to gain Aurora’s attention. “Go ahead.”

Aurora snapped back to reality, excitedly turning to Yvette. “After discussing it, Yvette, it seems like fate! I feel we are destined to be sisters. How about we become sworn sisters? You’ll be my little sister. What do you say?” She cheekily added, pointing at Jeremiah, “If you agree, you’ll get a handsome nephew for free!”

Jeremiah remained silent; Aurora’s happiness was paramount. Over the years, her status had limited her friendships. Clifford, judging from Yvette’s demeanor, seemed to approve. He addressed Yvette formally: “Don’t worry. Our family will treat you like family.”

Yvette, glancing at Aurora and then Jeremiah, smiled faintly. “Okay.”

Aurora joyfully hugged Yvette, spinning around in excitement. The Chavez brothers watched with affection. The three appeared harmonious and warm, Jeremiah's stiffness unnoticed.

But Jeremiah, narrowing his eyes and gritting his teeth, knew Yvette was playing dumb. “I disagree,” he stated.

All three turned to him. Clifford, anticipating Jeremiah's objections to Yvette becoming his aunt, said, “Don’t upset your mother. You have a girlfriend; you can’t prevent her from making friends.”

Aurora, pouting, tried to comfort him. “Jeremiah, whether you like little Yvette or not, just accept it. Objecting is pointless. At best, we won’t make you call her ‘Auntie.’” She then apologized to Yvette: “Don’t mind him. He’s quirky and not very likable, but he has a girlfriend and isn’t home much. When you come over, I’ll have him move out.”

Jeremiah, focusing on Yvette, slowly said, “I’m here to find my girlfriend. Her name is Yvette.”

Aurora replied reflexively, “I know you’re here to find your girlfriend. You don’t like sweets. Your girlfriend’s name is Yvette. What a coincidence!” She then looked at Yvette. “Yvette, what a coincidence! Jeremiah’s girlfriend has the same name as you. It’s fate!”

The realization hit Aurora hard. Her eyes widened in shock. She pinched Clifford’s arm. “Honey, Jeremiah said his girlfriend’s name is Yvette.”

Clifford, already understanding the misunderstanding, thought, Aurora’s girlfriend is Jeremiah’s girlfriend. What a coincidence! Enduring the pain, he said, “Silly, they’re the same person.”

Aurora screamed, stepping back and hiding behind Clifford.