Jeremiah noticed Aurora’s actions and lightly coughed, pressing a hand to his lips. “Is Mom jealous that I’m looking at Yvette?” he wondered. His expression turned serious. “Mom, she’s my girlfriend,” he said sternly.
Aurora stood protectively in front of Yvette. “Yvette and I are closer,” she declared, her voice bold. “Let’s fight; whoever wins gets her!”
Clifford felt a headache coming on. As head of the household, he buried his head in the newspaper. He couldn't afford to provoke either Jeremiah or his wife, so he let them sort it out. Years of experience had perfected his art of avoiding domestic conflict.
Yvette tilted her head, glancing at the arrogant Aurora. Her deep gaze shifted slightly, her fingers curling. “You can’t beat him,” she said, her voice cold and detached. “If you really want to fight him, I can help.”
Jeremiah and Aurora stared blankly. Aurora thought, My goodness! How can there be such an adorable girl?
Jeremiah, stunned by both women’s eagerness for a fight—especially his mother’s—thought, No mother would be this excited about beating up her own son, right? I guess I’m destined to lose to these two in this lifetime.
He bit his lip. “Fine, I give up, Mom. You win.”
Clifford glanced at him sideways, thinking, He should have given in sooner. I’ve been losing to Aurora for years, and he thinks he could win? It’s just like a few days ago.
By midnight, Yvette and Jeremiah returned to Skyland. Yvette showered, then came downstairs to find Jeremiah had prepared beef pasta, lobster, and a milkshake—her recent midnight craving. She curled up on the sofa, enjoying her meal.
Jeremiah, who didn’t usually eat late-night snacks, sat beside her, skillfully peeling lobster and placing it on her plate. After a moment of silence, he said, “I went to Argrol University in Seacrity as a librarian at Mr. Owens’ request, to find Siren.”
Yvette paused, lowering her milkshake. Her gaze lifted, unreadable. A soft laugh escaped her; her pure eyes lazily fixed on Jeremiah. “Oh, so did you find her?”
Jeremiah calmly placed the last piece of lobster on her plate. “I think I did, and I fell in love with her. What should I do?”
His tone was light. Yvette glanced at his strong profile, illuminated by the soft lighting, her heart stirring slightly. Maintaining her composure, she half-closed her eyes. “That means you have good taste. Keep loving her.” Who wouldn’t know how to say sweet things? I can too, she thought.
Jeremiah chuckled. Is Yvette acknowledging that she’s Siren? he wondered. He felt a surge of relief—that out of billions, he’d met Yvette at precisely the right time.
His phone rang. The voice on the other end was grave. “Mr. Chavez, Kaiden and Robin have secretly arrived at an apartment in Betrico. Our men are monitoring them. They didn’t come with the Ybaulla delegation and might be plotting something. Should we take precautions?”
Jeremiah’s expression remained unyielding, his eyes cold. “Understood. Proceed as planned,” he replied in a deep voice.
“Understood, Mr. Chavez,” the man responded.
Jeremiah hung up and glanced at Yvette, still enjoying her pasta. “Take your time eating. Get to bed early. I have some matters to attend to in the study,” he said gently.
Yvette nodded. “Okay, you go ahead and handle your business.” She paused, studying his face. It seems some people really need to meet in person, she thought, having overheard his call.
“When is the Ybaulla delegation arriving?” she asked.
Jeremiah, surprised by her inquiry, replied, “The day after tomorrow at eleven.”
Yvette nodded and continued eating. As night deepened, the sky was overcast, the wind howling outside, leaving only one silhouette visible by the window. In the master bedroom, Yvette stood by the window, the lights off, her phone’s faint glow illuminating her face as she conversed with Charles.
The next day at ten o’clock, Andrew stepped out of the Betrico airport, impeccably dressed. He felt confident, the coolest guy in the world. Back in Betrico, he was once again the self-assured second son of the Mitchell family. His time in Seacrity, working a regular 9-to-5 job, had been transformative. He knew he’d only be in Betrico for a few days before returning to his librarianship in Seacrity—a six-month commitment he wouldn't break. The true reason for this commitment remained his secret.
Samantha’s car waited. The Mitchell family driver approached, noticing Andrew’s weight loss. Mr. Mitchell must have gone through quite a bit to look this thin. How unfortunate, he thought.
“Mr. Mitchell, you’re finally back! Tim specifically rescheduled military affairs today, and he and Samantha are at home waiting for dinner,” the driver said.
Andrew was puzzled. “Dad is here? He didn’t leave today?”
“No, Mr. Mitchell. They’re both at the Mitchell residence waiting for you,” the driver confirmed.
Andrew was taken aback. Dad has never waited for me to eat before. He is usually too busy. What’s going on today? he wondered.
He then spotted Yvette exiting the airport. What a coincidence! he thought. But as a handsome man approached her, excitement evident on his face, Andrew froze. He watched Yvette chat happily with the man, who even helped her with her bag.
Andrew bit his lip, conflicted. He continued watching. I can’t pretend I didn’t see this! Oh God, can I just disappear right now? No, that’s not an option… I can’t just ignore this. This guy dares to mess with Jeremiah’s girlfriend? He’s got a death wish! I have to teach him a lesson, or I’d be letting Jeremiah down.
Determined, he rolled up his sleeves, starting forward, then abruptly turned back toward the car. The driver stared in confusion. Has Mr. Mitchell been under too much stress in Seacrity for too long? Is he losing it?
Andrew quickly pulled out his phone and urgently dialed Jeremiah, anxious they might leave before he could act. But once connected, he was speechless. What if Jeremiah can’t handle the shock? A pure, cold man crushed by his first crush’s betrayal, spiraling into depression… What if it gets even worse… What if he can’t take it and ends up… His mind raced, imagining tragic scenarios of Jeremiah’s heartbreak.