Winona touched her belly. She wanted to speak to Yulia as usual, but seeing Yulia in a trance, she felt confused. "What's this old woman thinking about now?" she wondered.
The next second, Winona's sharp voice cut through the air. "Yulia, what are you thinking about? Why isn't today's milk fresh?"
It was clearly a manufactured confrontation. Such scenes played out daily, and the Carter family's servants were accustomed to them. They couldn't decide if Victor had married a wife or a drama queen. Every day was chaos.
Yulia returned to her senses, meeting Winona's unpleasant, critical gaze. She felt only pity. Winona has no idea the woman she curses, even in her dreams, is the Goddess of Clusia and an Interpol officer, she thought. Even I know the importance of an Interpol officer. This is beyond our comprehension. Yvette stood up to a neighboring nation for Clusia, while Winona has only a baby and her petty orders. There is nothing good about Winona; she cannot compare to Yvette.
Yvette was a renowned international artist and an Interpol officer.
Yulia deeply regretted the broken engagement. If the Carters hadn't ended things, Yvette would be their daughter-in-law. Everything would be different; the glory would be theirs.
But it was too late. Since Winona's arrival, everything felt like a dream. The Carters no longer held any appeal for Yvette. Worse, Seacrity seemed destined to become entirely the Chambers family's domain. With Yvette's new identity, the Chambers' doorstep would be overrun with visitors.
Yulia thought of Lilian. How could someone so remarkable have an ordinary child? She should have known. It was too late; time wouldn't turn back.
Wearily, Yulia rubbed her temples, feeling drained. She no longer cared about Winona's child. What kind of child could such a mother raise? she thought, unable to bear the consideration.
Yulia let out a cold snort. "If you don't want it, throw it away," she said to Winona. "Do you still think you're a rich lady? Winona, if you don't want this baby, just abort it."
Yulia turned and left, ignoring Winona's shouts. Winona screamed Yulia's name, feigning a bellyache, but Yulia didn't stop. Panic seized Winona; without Yulia's concern for the child, she had nothing.
Something must have happened. Yulia would never have treated her like this otherwise.
Winona borrowed a servant's phone and checked the news. A notification popped up: "Who is the Goddess of Clusia?" Intrigued by the background image, she tapped the video.
A minute later, Winona clutched her belly, recoiling in disbelief. She shook her head, shocked and disoriented. "Impossible. No way. I don't believe it. How could she be an Interpol officer?"
She turned on the TV; the same news report played. This time, she accepted it. She collapsed onto the couch, her phone shattering on the floor.
Winona glared at the TV, fixated on the hated figure. She snorted. "An Interpol officer? How does she deserve it? What makes her so special?"
She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails drew blood. Her hatred for Yvette intensified. So what if she's an Interpol officer? she thought. That job is dangerous. I'll wait for her to die. Winona laughed hysterically, a chilling sound.
Yulia, upstairs, heard the laughter but pretended not to notice. She refused to deal with Winona anymore.
At the Chambers residence, Zachary faced an endless stream of visitors. He couldn't deter them. Since yesterday, he'd been bewildered.
After watching Lucas's livestream replay, news reports, and online updates, Zachary learned his daughter was an Interpol officer who had subdued some Ybaullan men. She hadn't gotten into trouble; the Ybaullan men had been arrested, and the Prime Minister had publicly apologized.
Zachary's mind reeled. Could someone tell me this isn't true? he thought. An Interpol officer? He understood Yvette's earlier confidence about handling the Lilian situation. His daughter was extraordinary.
After Kyle's press conference in Betrico, Interpol investigated and released Malcolm and Robin.
In Kyle's room, Kaiden addressed an older man respectfully. "Mr. Hall, Mr. Jenkins is in the hospital, and Mr. Hart has been treated. Please rest assured."
Kyle, Ybaulla's Prime Minister, nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Harper. Get some rest. The day after tomorrow is Mr. Jenkins' chess match, and the day after that is your fencing match. I hope you both bring honor to our country." His politeness veiled an expectation of victory. Kaiden understood.
Kyle dismissed him. In the hallway, Kaiden closed the door with his aide, Cedric Harper. Seeing Kaiden's changed expression, Cedric asked, "Mr. Harper, Mr. Jenkins mentioned wanting to see you. Shall I arrange a visit?"
Kaiden smiled knowingly. "Of course, we're friends. I'll go now." Cedric knew his master wasn't sincere. "I'll arrange a car."
Kaiden stopped him. "Did you find a clear photo of that Interpol officer?"
Cedric bowed. "I'm sorry, Mr. Harper. We searched everywhere but found only pictures of her back. A hacker may be helping her. We only know her name is Yvette."
Kaiden was shocked. "Her name? Say it again." Cedric had never seen Kaiden like this. Why is just a name causing Mr. Harper to lose his composure? he wondered.