Clifford had just ended the livestream. The police station immediately relayed the news to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also learned who had dealt with Robin. Yvette had pleasantly surprised him; no wonder she was a Chavez. Her fiery spirit was unmistakable. Today, Robin hadn't died. Even if he had, the Chavez family would protect Yvette, beyond reproach.
Clifford hung up with Ybaulla when Aurora called. He anticipated her reason. Aurora's excited voice filled his ear. "Wow, honey, Yvette was incredible today! No matter what she did, even if she caused great trouble, you have to protect her, okay?"
Clifford rubbed his temples. "Don't worry. I'll protect Yvette, even if it means risking my life. I'll be busy here. We'll talk later tonight."
Aurora, understanding, reminded him to prioritize his health before disconnecting. Clifford, a director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, needed to strategize his response, perhaps holding a press conference. He couldn't allow Ybaulla to exploit the situation.
In the café, Malcolm returned from his call, visibly smug and confident. They were already orchestrating a media storm. He'd see how Clusia handled it. Darnell observed Malcolm's demeanor with confusion. Malcolm is fierce just now. What's he plotting? he thought.
Malcolm, bursting with pride, declared, "Mr. Tucker, if you don't hand over this woman, we will hold a press conference condemning Clusia's harboring actions. Just wait and see."
Darnell's expression shifted. This was a vicious plan. He faltered, momentarily losing confidence. Malcolm, seeing this, grew even more arrogant, fixing his gaze on Yvette. His voice was vicious. "Miss, Clusia will be caught in a media storm because of you. Countries worldwide will condemn Clusia for what happened today. You're the criminal."
Yvette rose, her dark eyes icy. She subtly raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Oh? A criminal?"
She spun a small silver gun, silencing it, then, with a decisive motion, fired. The bullet struck Malcolm's left shoulder blade. Blood spurted.
Everyone was stunned. Even Darnell paled. Did she just shoot without warning? She's really something. Robin is easy to handle, but Malcolm is influential in Ybaulla's central government. This shot is a big deal.
Darnell reacted swiftly, drawing his gun as did the officers behind him. Malcolm's bodyguards also drew their weapons. Both sides were poised.
Malcolm clutched his shoulder, staring at Yvette in disbelief. His voice was filled with incredulity, his face paling with the flow of blood. "You actually dared to shoot me!"
Yvette held the gun firmly. "Are you an idiot? You're shot and still asking such a silly question?"
In the tense atmosphere, some officers chuckled. This big shot's words are cuttingly sharp. If Malcolm's not killed by the bullet, he might die from anger. Malcolm's pain intensified. He instructed his men to lower their weapons; they couldn't fire first, lest their country lose the advantage at the press conference.
He endured the pain, forgoing a bandage. Public opinion favored the underdog; he intended to play the victim, using his injury to his country's advantage. He'd informed Interpol's Clusian branch; their arrival would make this an international criminal case.
Darnell whispered, "Ms. Zeller, Mr. Jeremiah Chavez should arrive soon. However, I suspect Malcolm's scheme goes beyond public opinion. He seems to be stalling, waiting for something."
Yvette glanced at Malcolm, her gaze steady. "He's waiting for someone."
Malcolm's expression changed; she'd seen through his plan. Darnell was stunned. Waiting for who? Both sides are here, so who else?
"Ms. Zeller, who could they be waiting for?" Darnell asked.
Yvette's eyes were half-closed, a mischievous glint in them. Her carefree attitude angered Malcolm. He vowed to ensure she faced harsh international sanctions.
"Interpol," Yvette stated concisely.
Darnell tensed, understanding Malcolm aimed to invoke international sanctions. Interpol was the top joint agency; if Malcolm reported to the Betrico branch, Mysonna headquarters would exploit this, turning it into an international incident. Malcolm was cunning; no wonder he wasn't worried about the gunshot wound.
"Ms. Zeller, this isn't going to end well. Should we inform Mr. Jase Chavez?" Darnell urged. Only Jase could protect Yvette at this level.
Yvette, hands in her pockets, looked nonchalant. "No need. Just wait." Get Jase involved? Too bad.
Darnell was frantic, yet Yvette remained unconcerned. What makes her so confident? he wondered.
He was on the verge of despair, contacting his superior for guidance. Yvette casually glanced at him without comment. Malcolm, surrounded by men in black suits, stared intensely at Yvette, malice in his eyes.
Robin woke, witnessing the scene. His mind blanked. "Mr. Hart, how did you get shot? Who hurt you? Was it the Clusian police?"
Malcolm, clutching his wound, didn't respond. He gritted out, "That woman shot me."
Robin felt stunned. He looked at the woman protected by Clusian police, finally feeling fear. This woman is absolutely crazy. She actually dared to shoot Mr. Hart? He's the Prime Minister's secretary!
Robin cowered, silent. Yvette sat leisurely, chin resting on her hand, watching the vigilant officers. "Do you all want to sit down and take a break?"
The officers were speechless. They shook their heads; they were certainly not like her. She acted as if she were at home.