Yvette watched the Chavez manor staff trim the bushes, the vibrant blooms vying for attention. She casually slipped a hand into her pocket, her gaze calm and deep. Her voice, low and icy, cut through the air. “Since when must I explain my actions?”
On the other end, Terry felt a chill. He’d asked a question he shouldn't have. "I'm sorry, my dear Yvette," he stammered, "I overstepped."
Yvette’s eyes lowered. "Let it not happen again," she said casually.
Terry promised vehemently, "Unless I have a death wish, I won't cross that line again." Relieved, he knew better than to anger her. Yvette’s ruthless nature had always terrified him; even international prison leaders feared her name. He'd been testing her intentions regarding Clusia and Mysonna, forgetting Yvette wasn’t someone to be tested.
Back at Interpol headquarters, Terry remained shaken. After regaining his composure, he called the President. Yvette's appearance was significant; the President had long sought this influential figure.
Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Clifford and his team had received precise information: Ybaulla's release of Robin and Malcolm hinged on a public apology to Clusia. Interpol’s firm stance surprised Clifford; he suspected Yvette's involvement.
A middle-aged man asked, "Mr. Chavez, with Interpol pressuring Ybaulla, will Kyle apologize publicly?"
A man in a black suit replied, "I believe so. Public refusal would severely damage their country. The Jenkins family demands Robin's safe return."
An elegant woman agreed, "Their government is unstable, and the Jenkins family is powerful. Kyle must act."
Clifford calmly sipped water. "We'll know this afternoon. Let's wait." He felt certain Kyle would comply.
That afternoon, Ybaulla held an emergency press conference, detailing the café incident and apologizing publicly to Clusia. They acknowledged their actions' negative impact and promised cooperation with Interpol. Clusia held a simultaneous press conference, clarifying the events and revealing Yvette's identity as an Interpol officer.
The news exploded. "Goddess of Clusia is an Interpol officer!" trended globally, crashing websites for over ten minutes. Online, reactions ranged from awe to fervent admiration. Many celebrated Ybaulla's unprecedented apology.
However, only blurry images of Yvette's back were published; clear photos had been deleted. Experienced journalists understood the implication: offending powerful figures was unwise.
Clifford, returning from the press conference, felt satisfaction. The contract between the two countries neared finalization; Ybaulla gained nothing. Only the competition remained.
In Seacrity, Winona's life at the Carter residence was far from idyllic. Victor, perpetually partying, rarely returned home, showering her with taunts from his various conquests. Even her previous outbursts failed to elicit any response; she’d even seen hatred, a murderous intent in his eyes. Robert, usually indulgent, now rarely came home. Only Yulia, pregnant with Winona's child, remained supportive. Victor had even confiscated Winona's phone, leaving her isolated and ignored. Yulia, burdened with worry, placed fresh milk before the lost and troubled Winona.