At the banquet, a national-level deputy’s wife, unable to contain her curiosity, approached Aurora with a smile. Noticing Aurora's unique dress, she exclaimed, “The dress is made from fragrant cloud yarn! What a grand gesture!” Felicity Linker greeted Aurora politely. “May I have a moment?”
Aurora nodded. “Hello, Mrs. Linker.”
Felicity stared enviously. “Mrs. Chavez, is this dress from Vibe’s new haute couture season? I heard you bought all their new pieces at once. That must be a rumor, right?”
Aurora smiled gently, glancing at the pretending-not-to-listen guests. “It’s not a rumor. I didn’t expect this to spread so quickly. My daughter-in-law made a phone call, and Vibe sent the pieces.”
The eavesdropping guests were nearly infuriated by Aurora's seeming boastfulness. She's just a daughter-in-law! Just a phone call? How could a simple phone call make Vibe break their own rules?
Felicity forced a smile. Am I being punished for something? Did I just make Aurora show off her influence for no reason?
Eastern Hotel, 12:30 PM. Jase, accompanied by Clifford, Tim, and others, met with Kyle on behalf of Clusia. Kyle’s party included the visiting delegation, Kaiden, and Robin, recently discharged from the hospital. International media representatives had already arrived at the competition venue.
At the Eastern Hotel entrance, Yvette, Jeremiah, Andrew, and Charles exited their car and proceeded through the VIP entrance, taking a private elevator to the competition venue.
As the doors opened, all eyes focused on Jeremiah and Yvette.
Jeremiah, in military uniform, stood tall and handsome, his two gold stars nearly blinding. Yvette, beside him in black, exuded effortless indifference, a slight smile playing on her lips. Their powerful presence elicited murmurs of, “Perfect match.” Andrew and Charles faded into the background.
Only Robin and Kaiden noticed their entrance. Charles, expelled from Seventy-Two Chambers by Braydon, somehow ended up with the instructor. He really hit the jackpot! Kaiden felt resentment. Why is Charles always so lucky? The instructor favors him! Why is the world so unfair?
Kaiden recognized Jeremiah as his fencing opponent—Clusia’s youngest major general, the top commander's grandson. Kaiden was confident, but Jeremiah’s presence with Yvette unsettled him. Why are the instructor and this major general together? He whispered to Kyle, whose expression soured as he stared at Yvette. Jase observed this without reaction.
Jeremiah and Yvette entered the hall, followed by Andrew and Charles. People instinctively moved aside. No one dared challenge their presence.
Jeremiah saluted Jase, acknowledging Clifford, Aurora, Tim, and Samantha. Yvette scanned the crowd, her gaze lingering on Kaiden. This glance sent a chill through him.
Yvette’s aloofness shocked the room. Even with Interpol, isn’t this arrogant? Doesn’t she recognize Mr. Jase Chavez and the Prime Minister of Ybaulla?
Jase, however, smiled kindly. “Why are you so late?”
Yvette replied, “Traffic.”
The room froze. Does Mr. Jase Chavez know this Interpol officer? Whispers spread, and gazes shifted, many suddenly realizing Yvette’s identity. Jeremiah's girlfriend from Seacrity is also named Yvette! Mr. Jase Chavez’s attitude makes it obvious!
Only Kyle, Kaiden, Robin, and the Ybaulla delegation remained unaware.
Robin, his face burning with anger, stepped forward. “Grand-aunt, so this is the ‘International First-Class Interpol Officer’? I’m not a terrorist! You injured me and haven’t apologized? Is this Interpol’s conduct?”
Silence fell. Kyle watched, smiling.
Charles sneered. If someone’s looking for trouble, no one can stop them. Getting beaten once wasn’t enough.
Kaiden retreated, unwilling to provoke Yvette.
Jeremiah stepped forward, his gaze chilling Robin. Yvette, her lips pressed together, said to Robin, “Apologize to you? You think you’re worthy?”