Yvette subtly turned her head, then withdrew a brightly wrapped candy from her pocket. It looked remarkably pretty. Pointing at it, she softly said to Andrew, who was hiding behind Samantha, "This is for you."

She'd deduced that the unfortunate fellow she'd inadvertently injured last night, after her drunken escapade, was probably Andrew, whose expression now seemed quite pitiful.

Andrew stared at the candy Yvette placed on the table, astonished. He mused, Isn't this like placating a child with sweets after scolding him? I'm a grown man, not a child. Besides, I wouldn't consider what she did last night a major issue!

Feeling touched, Andrew said, "Thank you, Yvette. You're kind."

Yvette kept her hands in her pockets, her shirt sleeves casually rolled up, revealing a sliver of pale wrist. The corner of her mouth lifted slightly, but her voice remained flat. "Don't flatter yourself. I just didn't know what else to do with it."

Andrew was speechless. Can I take that back? he thought.

A hint of amusement flickered in Jeremiah's eyes. He thought, Yvette's trying to be nice. She's just a bit awkward and doesn't want to admit it.

Samantha, too, sensed Yvette's good intentions. She smiled slightly, thinking, I wasn't wrong about Yvette. Using candy to win over a man in his twenties? Brilliant! Does Jeremiah buy it? Maybe I should try that sometime, treat Zion to some candy.

After speaking, Yvette waved and went upstairs.

Charles watched, feeling a mixture of emotions. He thought, Finally, Yvette isn't cold and detached. I'm happy for her.

Jeremiah watched Yvette until she reached her room, then turned his gaze to Charles. Curiosity filled his mind. He thought, Charles has acted strangely since we mentioned those Ybaulla people. However, he seems more concerned about Kaiden than Robin. He must know Kaiden well!

Since Samantha and Andrew were oblivious, Jeremiah didn't directly question Charles about Kaiden. Instead, with an impassive face, he asked, "What do you think of Kaiden?"

Charles was silent for a moment, his eyes unreadable, glancing at Jeremiah. He understood the implication.

Then, in a cold voice, Charles replied, "Kaiden's quite a schemer. He's Larry Harper's illegitimate son. His mother was a famous dancer in Ybaulla, and she gave birth to him shortly after becoming involved with Larry." Andrew listened in shock.

Samantha was stunned. How does Charles know all this? she thought.

But Jeremiah wasn't surprised. He narrowed his eyes slightly, saying concisely in an icy tone, "Continue."

Charles had no intention of holding back. He thought, I believe in the man Yvette chose. If she were to marry Jeremiah, she wouldn't stand idly by if anything happened to him. Now that she's siding with Clusia, why should I care about Ybaulla? Besides, I owe Yvette my life.

Charles continued, "After Kaiden's birth, Larry lost interest in the dancer. She slit her wrists in front of him when he was five. Later, Kaiden was sent to Mysonna and only returned a few years ago."

Samantha was taken aback. "How's his fencing? He must be quite good, since Ybaulla sent him, right?"

Charles nodded confidently. Of course he's good. He learned from the best. His skill is a gift. If he hadn't used those underhanded tactics back then, things might be different! he thought.

"His style is unique, and he's a formidable opponent. Be careful; defeating him won't be easy," Charles said. However, there's an easier way—let Yvette handle him. But judging by her earlier attitude, she clearly doesn't want to. What a pity, he mused.

Charles's advice was sincere.

Jeremiah stood, adjusted his uniform, gave a slight nod, and left, his boots echoing on the floor, leaving the other three in the dining room.

Samantha couldn't stop thinking about Zion's frantic calls; she hadn't answered a single one. The game of love has its limits. When one's had enough, it's time to stop. I need to end this, she thought, then departed.

The once lively room was now only Andrew and Charles, staring at each other. They both sighed, thinking bitterly, How do they know the joy of being single?

At one o'clock, Aurora arrived at Skyland, punctual and elegantly dressed in a long dress and high heels. Upon entering, she saw Andrew in the yard with a man, enjoying coffee. Unexpectedly, she found the scene rather pleasant, though she quickly dismissed the thought and continued inside.

Seeing Aurora, Andrew eagerly ran to her and embraced her warmly. "Mrs. Chavez, it's been a while! You look so youthful! You almost outshine my sister."

Aurora laughed. Andrew was a child she'd watched grow up; he always had a pleasant demeanor. "Oh, you cheeky boy! What nonsense? How can I compare to your sister? You're just trying to be nice."

Andrew, with exaggerated charm, said, "Come now, Mrs. Chavez. You're always lovely." He then introduced Aurora to Charles. "This is Mrs. Chavez, Mr. Chavez's mother."

Charles stood politely and nodded. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Chavez. I'm Charles."

Charles thought, So this is Yvette's future mother-in-law. No wonder Andrew is so effusive. With a face like hers, one might think she's thirty.

Aurora smiled at Charles, curious about his identity, as she'd never seen him before.

Andrew quickly explained, "Mrs. Chavez, this is Yvette's apprentice. He's been learning to paint from her and staying at Skyland since arriving in Betrico."

Aurora scrutinized Charles. An art student? He seems more like a member of the mafia, she thought.

She then asked Andrew, "Where's Yvette? Is she inside? Perhaps napping?"

Andrew shook his head. "I'm not sure. I'll call her on the house phone." He felt it odd that Yvette hadn't appeared since breakfast.

Aurora waved a hand. "Don't bother. I have her private number. I'll call her myself."

As Aurora reached for her phone, she looked up at Andrew with a knowing smile. "I assume you don't have her private number?"

Andrew remained silent. Charles thought, Wouldn't it be quicker to just knock on her door?