Jeremiah, Clifford, and Aurora all looked at Yvette. Clifford's eyebrows furrowed slightly. He thought Yvette wasn't supposed to know about Mr. Owens's recruitment of Siren. He found it hard to believe Mr. Owens would be so careless. But Clifford couldn't fathom how Yvette learned this. He was filled with questions but remained silent. Everyone had secrets; some things were better left unsaid. Regardless of how Yvette learned of Mr. Owens's actions, Clifford felt he had no right to inquire.

Jeremiah turned to Yvette, his eyes flickering, sensing an oversight. Aurora, however, simply attributed it to Yvette's charm. In a single day, she'd become completely enamored with Yvette.

The topic was quickly dropped. At eleven o'clock, Yvette and Jeremiah returned to Skyland, Aurora having insisted Yvette stay longer, even suggesting they spend the night. Jeremiah merely accompanied her. By the time they left the Chavez residence, it was midnight.

At Skyland's entrance, Jeremiah pulled Yvette into his arms. His whispered words sent tingles down her spine. He accentuated his words, his voice thick and hoarse, a blend of teasing and coaxing. "What should I do with you, since I'm a little jealous today?"

Jeremiah felt Yvette possessed a captivating charm that attracted both men and women. Aurora's intense reaction surprised him. He alone understood the bittersweet feeling of having rivals of both genders. He found himself softening, knowing Yvette responded better to kindness than to toughness.

Yvette lifted her head, raising an eyebrow. A touch of coldness lingered at the corners of her eyes. "Well," she said calmly, "you should get used to this."

Jeremiah, surprised by her self-assurance, said in a low, raspy voice, "Want to get married?" He genuinely wanted to be her husband.

Yvette paused, then tugged his tie, pulling him against the wall. Her left hand cupped his chin, her right hand on the wall. She softly scratched his chin.

Jeremiah tensed. Where do you come up with these tricks? he thought. Each time you become more irresistible.

Yvette's dark eyes met his, filled with desire. Her voice was clear and crisp. "Jeremiah, I'm not even old enough to get married yet."

Jeremiah's impulsive proposal had overlooked Clusia's recent law raising the legal marriage age for women to twenty-five. Yvette was only twenty-two.

He lowered his eyes, hiding a smile. A wave of disappointment washed over him. Yvette lifted his chin, their eyes met. He struggled to control his emotions.

After a few seconds, she leaned in, kissing him with raw intensity. Jeremiah quickly took charge.

Five minutes later, Yvette pushed him away, a smirk playing on her lips. "Jeremiah, if you try the 'poor little me' act again, I swear you won't easily get out of bed."

Emmett, hearing the commotion, emerged from his room, bleary-eyed. He heard Yvette's words. The open door revealed them both.

Emmett stared, wide-eyed. The silence was intense. He felt a chill run down his spine. Should I leave? he thought, to ensure survival? He pretended not to hear anything. He feigned sleepwalking, muttering to himself as he retreated.

He felt Jeremiah's gaze on his back. The conversation had him wishing he could fly away.

Jeremiah asked, "What's the best way to silence someone for good?"

Yvette replied, "There are many ways: bleeding from the nose and ears, heart-wrenching pain, being drawn and quartered, torn apart, or completely crushed."

Emmett felt a wave of terror. He fled, gulped down water, and breathed deeply. He had narrowly escaped disaster.

He messaged Bruce, Chris, and Frankie: "Guess what I heard?"

It was daytime in Mysonna. Bruce, Chris, and Frankie were having breakfast with Sienna, who was recuperating at Frankie's villa.

Chris responded: [Eating. Do not disturb.]

Emmett: [Can't you be more shameless?]

Chris: [Day one of blocking you.]

Emmett knew he needed juicy news. He typed the overheard sentence. He assumed Frankie wouldn't be able to resist the gossip.

A minute passed, then two, with silence. Finally, his phone buzzed. He checked the message, then his phone slipped from his hand. He shouted inwardly, "What on earth?"