Inside the car, Jeremiah stowed his phone, his demeanor unaffected by Samantha's potential presence. Yvette distinctly heard the name "Samantha," her eyes lifting, a subtle smirk playing on her lips. The name had surfaced frequently since her arrival in Betrico. Raising an eyebrow, she lightly inquired, "Childhood sweethearts? Longtime friends? Destined lovers?" With each question, Jeremiah's grip on the steering wheel tightened. He silently fretted, "Am I in trouble? She's being so unnerving!"

He slowed the car, shifted slightly, and took Yvette's hand. His voice, low and deep, explained, "What kind of descriptions are those? Samantha is Andrew's sister, and we grew up together. Our families attempted to arrange a match, but neither of us was interested." He paused, observing Yvette's impassive expression, deciding someone needed to address the situation. Gently tracing her palm with his fingertips, he coughed awkwardly and continued, "It was mostly my grandfather. He's always tried to pair Samantha and me." Jase's involvement was entirely coincidental.

Yvette withdrew her gaze, stretching and revealing her slender waist. Her bright eyes twinkled faintly with amusement as she calmly replied, "I see. Just focus on driving."

Meanwhile, in a private room at Sky Nimbus, a group reacted with unease to a concluded phone call. Jared Welch, a politically influential figure close to Andrew, had mentioned Samantha's impending arrival. He stared at the silent, phone-gazing group, nervously asking, "What's going on? Why are you all frozen? Samantha is coming—why do you look like that? Come on, let's get hyped!" The others wore sullen expressions. Joel Turner, one of the few with Jeremiah's number, held the phone.

Despite their shared privileged upbringing, significant differences separated them. Jeremiah had long surpassed them, rarely socializing or partying, usually only when Andrew was present. Joel's father worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a connection that afforded Joel Jeremiah's number and occasional contact.

Glaring at Jared, Joel gritted his teeth, thinking, "This idiot had to mention Samantha, of all times, while I was speaking with Jeremiah! There can't be two leaders in one territory. Everyone in Betrico knows how much Jeremiah adores his girlfriend. He's already caused a major incident for her sake, and those gossiping women are still jailed. Even Mr. Jase Chavez has made it clear there will be no leniency. He's clearly accepted this girl from Seacrity. Bringing up Samantha now is like signing our death warrant! One is Jeremiah's former rumored fiancée, and the other his official girlfriend. It's like lighting a match in a gasoline-filled room—this place is about to explode! We're done for!"

With a worried look, Joel stated, "Jared, you're getting us into serious trouble! Why would you do that?" The others joined in, "Yeah, Jared, you sure picked the right time to mention Samantha. You're on your own for this mess." "Yeah, you better kneel and beg Jeremiah for mercy later. We can't help you. Good luck!" "Jared, every year on this day, we will honor you with offerings. Next year, we will send off your favorite limited-edition luxury car. Rest easy, amen." "Don't forget the four beauties too—we'll make sure they get sent along. Rest in peace!"

Jared jumped up. "What's wrong with you guys? I'm perfectly fine; how could I possibly die? How dare you curse me like that? You're horrible!" Joel waved his phone. "It's not a curse. I was on the phone with Jeremiah just now."

Jared was stunned. "You called Jeremiah? And how does that have anything to do with me mentioning Samantha? It makes no sense. Is Jeremiah coming?"

Joel gave a troubled laugh. "When you brought up Samantha, Jeremiah's girlfriend was sitting right beside him."

In truth, it wasn't Yvette that frightened them. It was Jeremiah himself. The lingering specter of his childhood dominance haunted them all. Whenever they faltered, they'd hear their parents' admonishment echoing, "Why can't you learn from Jeremiah?" That sentence was a childhood nightmare, leaving them perpetually frustrated. They couldn't surpass him academically or physically. They gradually resigned themselves to their inferiority, eventually giving up entirely.

Learning of Jeremiah's girlfriend from Seacrity and her introduction to the Chavez family even improved their self-esteem. After years of defeat, their girlfriends—all possessing exceptional beauty, figure, and education—provided a sense of superiority. They were confident their girlfriends could outshine Yvette.

At this point, Jared's face twitched. He thought, "I'm finished—I just mentioned Jeremiah's rumored former flame in front of his girlfriend. There's truly no escape."

Without a word, Jared headed for the door. His attempt to flee astonished them with its cowardice, further underscoring Jeremiah's terrifying presence. But just as Jared reached for the handle, a strikingly beautiful woman pushed the door open. She possessed long, flaxen, wavy hair, a stunning beauty that was elegant rather than seductive, possessing impeccable features and flawless skin; her eyes were clear and bright. Her poised demeanor exuded natural elegance and refined grace, with a hint of captivating allure. Her bright red lips contrasted sharply against her long black Vibe dress, the latest summer collection.

Her breathtaking beauty silenced the room. They marveled at Samantha's enduring beauty; while others aged under the pressures of their lives, she remained stunning.

Jared scratched his head. "Samantha, you're here."

Samantha surveyed the room, her bright eyes and radiant smile illuminating the space. Every man she looked at grew nervous. If Jeremiah was the dream of every woman in Betrico's elite circles, then Samantha was the woman every man knew he could never attain. They were both, simply, unattainable.

Samantha, having finally secured some time off from her demanding work, sought relaxation. Knowing her longtime friends had organized a gathering, she decided to join them for drinks.

"Are you rushing off to?" she asked, her brow slightly furrowed. Jared, unable to admit his flight, laughed awkwardly. With Samantha's arrival, escape was impossible. "Nothing, just need the bathroom," he mumbled, slumping back, casting anxious glances at the door like a lover awaiting his doom. Samantha ignored him, walking toward the sofa. The others instinctively made space for her, pouring her a glass of vodka—her preferred drink.

From childhood, Samantha had been their queen, the center of their world. However, their dates—famous models—felt their shine dim in Samantha’s presence, visibly uncomfortable.