Yvette was certain a man had slept beside her. She glanced at her pajamas; new, unworn until tonight. “Who changed them?” she wondered. The answer was obvious.

She rose, slipped on her slippers, and left the bedroom. On the stairs, she encountered Jeremiah, ascending while on a phone call. He paused at her appearance, then finished the call with a brisk, “Got it, I’ll handle it.”

He looked at Yvette gently. “Awake? Hungry? I made you breakfast—your favorite pierogies, with shrimp this time.” He’d recently learned a new filling, hoping to vary her diet.

Yvette’s eyes, still heavy-lidded, flickered open. “Did you eat?” she asked slowly.

Jeremiah, his eyes bloodshot from a sleepless night, replied, “Not yet. I’m waiting for you.”

At the dining table, Yvette savored a warm, perfectly seasoned pierogi. Jeremiah’s cooking was improving remarkably. She wiped her mouth, her gaze settling on Jeremiah. His dark eyes were narrowed slightly. She cleared her throat. “I drank yesterday… did I hurt you?” Past experience taught her that her drunken escapades often left Jeremiah as the victim.

She looked around, searching for evidence of injury. “He’s uninjured? Has my stamina decreased? Did I fail to hurt him?” The thought seemed improbable.

Jeremiah, amused by her apparent amnesia, lowered his chopsticks. Yvette's post-drinking memory loss is impressively complete. She nearly beat someone to death last night and has no recollection? he mused.

He retrieved a newspaper and offered it to Yvette. She took it, a quick glance revealing the headline: “Famous Model Brutally Attacked, Suffers Multiple Injuries, Announces Retirement.” Sub-headlines questioned whether the attack was accidental or malicious, and demanded to know the attacker's identity.

Yvette studied the model's photo, her fingers tapping lightly on the table. After a moment, she looked up at Jeremiah, confusion evident. “This woman… she looks familiar. Why are you showing me this?”

Jeremiah met her gaze, his voice soft yet amused. “Last night, at Sky Nimbus, you beat her up.”

Yvette stared at the photo, puzzled. Did I harm an innocent person? This could be problematic. Usually, when drunk, I spar with skilled fighters—mostly the Eagle King. This is the first time I’ve attacked an ordinary person. She frowned. Should I offer compensation? How much? Would one hundred million dollars suffice?

Jeremiah, understanding her internal conflict, felt a surge of tenderness. How adorable is she? She probably doesn't even remember why she hit the model.

He cleared his throat, his expression serious. “Don’t worry, she was suicidal. After talking with you, she decided to live. You saved her life.”

“Really?” Yvette asked, still dubious.

“Really,” Jeremiah affirmed sincerely. “You saved her life.”

Only then did Yvette believe him. A night of drinking, and I saved a life? I need to tell the Eagle King. He won't think I just randomly assault people anymore—this time, I did something good.

Jeremiah, resuming his meal, mused, Is this what it's like to comfort a child? He felt a newfound ease.

He finished eating and departed for the military base. The Ybaullan delegation's visit to Clusia was only five days away. He was coordinating with Betrico University to select a competitor for Kaiden Harper and Robin Jenkins. The selection process was contentious, and his decision would significantly impact Clusia’s reputation. The stakes were high.

Alone at Skyland, Yvette curled up on the sofa with the final version of FastPulse Technologies’ beta game. Its timely launch depended on her.

Mid-game, a call came from Howard—their first contact since the Smith-Chambers family feud in Seacrity. Howard knew Yvette's habits: she rarely initiated contact unless it was important.

She paused her game and answered. “Howard.”

He dispensed with pleasantries. “Ms. Zeller, about your request regarding Director Rashad's biochemistry project… there's progress. Could we meet?”

Yvette glanced at the clock (11:30 AM). “One PM, 401, Building 3, Skyland.”

The location was discreetly distant from Jeremiah’s villa, a property provided by James. Howard was surprised at the mention of Skyland. “Ms. Zeller, you’re in Betrico? Staying at Zeller?”

Yvette’s eyes were half-closed. “Yes, arrived a few days ago. Leaving once everything is settled.”

Finally, Ms. Zeller is within reach! I'll even cry if I have to, just to get her to visit InnoCrest and offer advice. Howard thought, remembering his years-long efforts to bring her to Betrico and publicly reveal her identity, always thwarted by her desire for a quiet life—a desire he both admired and found baffling. Perhaps only Yvette in the world doesn't care for money or power. She simply wants peace.

“No problem, Ms. Zeller. I’ll be at Skyland. See you there!”

Yvette returned to her game, a slight frown furrowing her brow. Too easy.

Meanwhile, at InnoCrest Technologies, Howard rescheduled his appointments. Seeing Yvette is paramount. Even if the world ends, I need to be near her—for the sense of security.

Liam, Howard's secretary, observed his boss's excitement. This is just like when we worked with the Chambers family in Seacrity. He recalled Howard's earlier office call. Could he be meeting Ms. Chambers again? Last time before Liam met Ms. Zeller, he was just like this.

He cautiously inquired, “Mr. Yates, are you seeing Ms. Zeller?”

Liam's heart pounded. Last time, he gave away 45 billion dollars without a second thought! He practically gifted the Chambers family 45 billion, including game development and core departments. It seemed like he went crazy! After returning to Betrico, Howard had seemed normal. Less than two months later, and he wants to see her again? My gut tells me this will be even bigger.