Keira, whom Joel had brought, was riding a wave of recent fame. Her starring role in a reality show had skyrocketed her popularity. They’d quickly bonded, and Joel had soon declared her his girlfriend. Her newfound connections significantly improved her job prospects; everyone seemed eager to cater to her. She prided herself on her looks and figure, considering herself top-tier.

Moments before, all eyes had been on Keira, but Samantha's arrival instantly shifted the focus. Jealousy and anger surged within her. However, Keira wasn't entirely naive. She knew Samantha was a legendary, powerful woman in Betrico, someone not to be provoked. Samantha's jewelry company was seeking an endorser, and Keira had hoped Joel could facilitate an introduction, securing her a coveted position that would propel her to the top this year. The opportunity now lay before her.

Keira, a mere model, was unaware of Jeremiah's true identity, guessing only that he was likely a political scion, a deduction gleaned from earlier conversations hinting at Samantha and Jeremiah's relationship—a dynamic familiar from her time in the entertainment industry.

Keira repeatedly glanced at Samantha, who sat silently on the sofa, sipping vodka, her mind elsewhere. Her "toy," as Samantha thought of him, was acting up, a mildly amusing tantrum. After years, his disobedience remained a source of amusement, prompting her to contemplate how to remind him of her unshakeable influence.

Keira approached gracefully, saying, "Hello, Samantha. I'm Keira."

Samantha, startled by the voice, lifted her gaze to Keira, standing before her in hot pants and a halter top, her surgically altered features unmistakable. Political scions were never lacking female companionship; Samantha instantly recognized Keira's type.

"Call me Ms. Mitchell," Samantha said calmly. "Do you need something?"

Keira felt a blush rise. As the rumors say, Samantha is indeed sharp-tongued and difficult, she thought. But I've navigated this before; swallowing pride is sometimes necessary. If I worried about pride, I wouldn't be where I am today!

Flashing a smile, she said, "Ms. Mitchell, I'm Joel's girlfriend. You may have seen me on TV recently—I was the crossover star of—"

Samantha interrupted, "I haven't seen it. If you have something to say, say it. I don't like beating around the bush."

Even Keira's thick skin struggled to maintain her composure under this repeated dismissal. Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Ms. Mitchell, I know your company is looking for an endorser. Do you think I'd be a good fit? The fee is negotiable. Joel and you grew up together; surely you wouldn't mind this small favor?"

Her words implied that refusal would indicate a lack of friendship towards Joel. Before Samantha could respond, Keira added, "Ms. Mitchell, you missed Jeremiah and his girlfriend arriving soon. You might want to be careful." This was a bid for favor.

Samantha lit a cigarette, the smoke partially obscuring her face. Careful? she mused. Careful about what?

Smiling, she abruptly slammed her wineglass on the table. It shattered, a shard grazing Keira's leg. Keira shrieked and recoiled; her legs were her livelihood. The room fell instantly silent. All eyes turned to the grim-faced Samantha and the terrified Keira.

Joel, moments before enjoying himself, was frightened. He rushed over, asking nervously, "Is everything okay, Samantha? Did Keira upset you?"

Keira's heart sank; he'd publicly blamed her. A chill ran through her; she didn't dare look at him.

Samantha stubbed out her cigarette, glancing at Keira before returning her gaze to Joel. "Your taste in women has really gone downhill," she remarked. "What's the matter? Is your company bankrupt, or are you so broke your girlfriend has to beg for a job?"

Joel instantly understood. Keira had been pressuring him for this gathering, revealing her ulterior motives. His expression darkened as he coldly told Keira, "We're done. Get out now."

Keira's face paled. She'd worked so hard to secure Joel; she couldn't accept this. Despite the onlookers, she began to cry, sobbing, "Joel, I didn't mean to! I swear! Please, give me another chance! I'll forget the job, I promise!"

Joel hesitated, momentarily swayed by pity, but Samantha's unyielding stance confirmed Keira's departure. Samantha remained unmoved by the tearful display, lighting another cigarette and calmly asking, "Jeremiah's girlfriend is coming? I should be careful?"

The others instantly understood Samantha's fury. A mere model dared speak so casually about such matters in front of Samantha? they thought. What nerve! She even discussed Jeremiah, something we dare not do.

Joel's face darkened further. His momentary doubt vanished, replaced by firm resolve. Keira's attempt to ingratiate herself with Samantha had backfired spectacularly.

The door swung open. Jeremiah appeared, Yvette at his side. Seeing the scene, he frowned, his expression unreadable. Yvette's baseball cap shadowed half her face, only her sharp jawline and bright red lips visible.

Jeremiah's cold, commanding voice cut through the tension. "What's going on here?"

The room fell into stunned silence. Those seated stood, stiff and cautious, their eyes fixed on Jeremiah like mice before a cat. Even Samantha, sitting up straight, stubbed out her cigarette, her eyes gleaming with curiosity as she stared at Jeremiah and Yvette. She hadn't expected to encounter Yvette, the woman Andrew had described. Andrew's assessment of Yvette—exceptionally capable and even more stunning than his sister—had piqued Samantha's curiosity. She'd wondered how such beauty could capture Jeremiah's heart, given his coldness towards women.

Yvette casually shoved her hands in her pockets, removing her cap, her hair cascading down her…