In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Clifford watched the news, his expression grave. He immediately contacted the Ybaulla delegation. Their dismissive reply was, "Robin's actions were personal. They're unrelated to the delegation, and we have no right to interfere in his private life."
Clifford frowned. Ybaulla clearly wanted to avoid responsibility. It was a personal act, but government intervention could be used against Clusia. He found himself in a difficult position.
He called Jeremiah, but learned the military officer was engaged in exercises and wouldn't be available for two hours. After hanging up, Clifford accessed the livestream, witnessing Robin's departure. The man, rendered speechless by his victim, grew even more arrogant. He tossed a check across the table to the terrified woman.
"Take the check. Don't bother me again," he said coldly.
The woman's eyes widened at the amount, but she hesitated. Accepting it would bring national disgrace. The livestream comments flooded with pleas: "Don't take it!"
Seeing her dilemma, Robin sneered. He'd had his amusement; the Clusians were speechless. He rose to leave.
"Stop!"
The sharp command silenced the café. All eyes turned to the source: Yvette. A gasp rippled through the room. Even Robin froze. She was breathtakingly beautiful.
Lucy, recognizing the gravity of the situation, watched as Yvette, hands in her pockets, walked calmly toward Robin. The streamer quickly focused the camera on her.
Yvette stood before Robin, her gaze icy. Raising an eyebrow, she said, "Who the hell do you think you are? You're ugly! Look in a mirror!"
Robin's face darkened. Where did this woman get the audacity?
The online comments exploded. Yvette's unexpected intervention captivated tens of thousands.
"A pretty girl can be willful, but she's annoying when she oversteps," Robin sneered hatefully.
Yvette sized him up, her eyes narrowed, radiating an aura of menace. In a swift move, she dislocated his arm. The café gasped.
Fear rippled through the onlookers; some worried about the consequences for Yvette from Ybaulla and the Jenkins family. The livestream comments momentarily ceased, then crashed under the influx of viewers. The streamer, his hands shaking, watched in excited disbelief. The incident was already creating a massive online stir.
Robin, in agony, stammered, "H-How dare you! You can't get away with this! I'm calling the police! You'll be punished under Clusian law!"
Yvette beckoned Lucy, who brought her a chair. Yvette sat, legs crossed, a subtle smile playing on her lips as she approached the groaning Robin. He tried to dodge, but she was too fast. A powerful kick sent him sprawling against the wall. He landed hard, his face bruised. He could only whimper in pain.
The café patrons exchanged bewildered glances. Yvette, composed, watched Robin struggle to his knees. Fear flickered in his eyes. Then, unexpectedly, Robin erupted into frantic laughter.