After the meal, in the living room, the television showed news about the country's new energy developments. Aurora and Yvette lounged lazily on the sofa, looking like mother and daughter—Aurora so youthful, they could have passed for sisters. Clifford presented Aurora with a bowl of milk from the servant, which Aurora immediately gave to Yvette with a concerned expression. "Yvette, eat up! We women need more milk; it's good for our health."

Yvette glanced from the television to the milk, nodding. "Thanks."

Aurora watched Yvette drink it, then turned to Clifford. "Honey, could you ask Cara to bring another bowl?"

Clifford hesitated. He mused, I'm a senior director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, now acting as a housekeeper. It seems acceptable. Jeremiah glanced at Clifford silently, thinking, Who's really better off, status-wise?

Clifford watched James on television, pausing. "Developing new energy has always been a priority for the national physics lab. For years there was no breakthrough, then suddenly, this year, they succeeded. Mr. Owens had difficulty finding a suitable successor; none met his standards. I heard he was nearly hospitalized from exhaustion recently. I wonder how he's doing now."

The conversation took on a serious tone. The older generation had dedicated their youth to the country, even in old age remaining at the lab, foregoing retirement. Their patriotic spirit, like Mr. Owens and his father, ran deep.

Jeremiah peeled a grape for Yvette and placed it on her dessert, then joined the conversation. "Mr. Owens is feeling better. Yvette met with him yesterday, so everything should be fine."

Clifford looked at Yvette in surprise; she showed no emotion. He was astonished she knew Mr. Owens. Mr. Owens rarely left Betrico; if he did, like his father, he required a national guard escort. Proximity to him was nearly impossible.

Clifford, considering Yvette as family, asked directly, "Yvette, how do you know Mr. Owens?"

Yvette half-closed her eyes, her gaze clear, and pinched her fingertips. Casually, she replied, "We met online. Yesterday was our first meeting." She omitted mentioning her adoption of him as a god-grandfather.

Clifford's lips twitched slightly. He was surprised James used the internet, though online communication with Yvette was certainly a coincidence. Aurora seemed less surprised, offering no comment. Excitedly, she turned to Yvette. "Yvette, should we exchange contacts? Next time I miss you, I won't have to go through Jeremiah."

Yvette calmly pulled out her phone. "Do you want to scan my code, or should I scan yours?"

Aurora liked Yvette's directness. "I'll scan yours."

They added each other, and Aurora immediately sent a meme—a funny cartoon character with "Hello!" Yvette reciprocated with a similar meme, "Hey there!" Interestingly, the memes resembled their personalities.

Jeremiah and Clifford exchanged a silent glance. The phone-based interaction seemed unnecessary and perplexing. Traditionally, mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law clashed, but their future dynamics remained uncertain.

James's voice then boomed from the television. "Welcome, media friends. The physics lab will hold a new energy press conference in two days. More details will be provided soon."

Clifford sipped his Grandos coffee, his eyes flickering slightly as he watched the television with relief. "James's press conference is timely, boosting our country's confidence at the international conference and saving significant costs. I heard the new energy development success is thanks to someone named Siren? Quite mysterious. I heard James tried to recruit this person but then stopped. Do you know anything about this?" He addressed Jeremiah, unable to directly question Yvette and Aurora.

Clifford was unaware of Jeremiah's secret mission to Seacrity to find Siren; they worked in different departments, and Jeremiah reported directly to the top leader.

Yvette's fingers paused around her spoon at the mention of Siren, her eyes remaining calm and deep, with a touch of coldness. She continued eating.

Jeremiah paused, his demeanor dignified, his voice indifferent. "Yes, the breakthrough is thanks to someone named Siren. This project owes much to him, but I don't know the details. Maybe James knows more." He never questioned James's decision to cancel the search for Siren; it was simply a task completed.

Days later, Jeremiah saw Siren at the International Physics Conference, regretting not pursuing the matter further.

Clifford nodded seriously. "I wonder if Mr. Owens found Siren. Clusia needs such talent."

Aurora, sensing Clifford's concern, placed her hand on his. "Our country is developing well now. If Siren is as talented as you say, Mr. Owens wouldn't pass them up. You know how stubborn he is."

Jeremiah held Yvette's hand. "Yes, we've grown old. The future depends on Yvette's generation. A strong youth means a strong nation. We need more talents like Siren."

Yvette lifted her gaze, ate her last dessert, and smiled faintly. Jeremiah immediately handed her a napkin.

This gesture made Clifford's eye twitch; he saw a change in Jeremiah, completely under Yvette's influence.

Yvette spoke softly, her voice cool and clear. "Mr. Owens has already recruited Siren."