Clifford knew his son would make this choice. His expression hardened; they needed a substitute. "Jeremiah," Clifford said, "do you have anyone on your team who can take your place?" This was his only solution. If they had to change, someone from the army might give them a fighting chance.

Jeremiah lowered his gaze, then replied in a deep voice, "No need. Just wait for me." He stepped aside. Jacob immediately handed him the phone, saying, "Major General, your call."

In the distance, Kaiden watched Jeremiah walk away, speaking on the phone, but couldn't hear him.

Jeremiah dialed Yvette's exclusive line. "Do you want to compete in this match?" he asked directly.

In Skyland, Yvette was curled up on the sofa with her phone. Hearing this, she raised an eyebrow. Jeremiah's pre-cut fruit sat on the table; Samantha worked nearby on her laptop.

"Something happened? Be there in fifteen minutes," Yvette responded succinctly, rising from the sofa.

Jeremiah knew he didn't need to elaborate. "My mother has been kidnapped by the Ybaullans. They want me to go in person," he stated gravely.

This stopped Yvette, who was putting on her coat. Her brows furrowed, her eyes flashed coldly, and her voice was unnervingly calm. "Bring back the kidnappers; I'll deal with them personally. It's been ages since anyone dared touch someone I protect."

A voice, presumably Referer 287 Portte, continued, "I'll tell you your aunt's location; just head straight there."

Jeremiah understood. A hacker—only a hacker could locate someone so quickly. "Alright, I'll wait for you," he said.

After hanging up, Yvette glanced at Samantha, her eyes swirling with unfathomable emotion. "Get dressed; we're leaving. I need you to drive to the Eastern Hotel."

Samantha looked up, startled. "What are we going to the Eastern Hotel for now?" She sensed Yvette's fury after the call. "No problem, Yve. Are we leaving now?"

Yvette nodded. "Yes, bring your laptop; I need it."

"Okay," Samantha replied, sensing urgency. She chose a sports car, planning to speed there.

Yvette opened her laptop, her fingers a blur across the keyboard. Two minutes later, a red dot appeared on the screen. She sent the location to Jeremiah, then closed the laptop, the entire process taking under five minutes.

In the car, Samantha drove while Yvette worked. At the competition venue, Jeremiah's eyes lit up upon receiving the text. He whispered to Jacob, whose expression shifted to excitement. Jeremiah then left, still in his competition uniform.

Clifford quickly chased after him; only fifteen minutes remained. He caught up, anxiously asking, "Jeremiah, do you have news about your mother? Where is she?"

Jeremiah stopped, replying in a low voice, "The girl found Moin's location and sent me the coordinates. She's at a resort about thirty-one to thirty-five miles from Betrico. I'm going now, Dad. I promise I'll bring Mom back safely; don't worry." He knew his father was worried, but he needed to remain composed.

Clifford was stunned. "You mean your wife found her?"

Jeremiah nodded. "Yes, I'll tell you later. I'm off to save Mom now."

At the Eastern Hotel entrance, Samantha had driven incredibly fast; a twenty-minute trip took ten. "Yve, you go ahead. I'll head to the competition venue afterward," she said.

Yvette nodded. "Okay."

After Yvette left, Samantha looked around, then took out a plastic bag. With a "wow," she emptied the fruit she'd just eaten, fighting back nausea from the intense drive. I have to hold it together in front of Yve!

At the entrance, Jacob waited. The Major General had informed him Yvette would replace Jeremiah. He was thrilled. Since their rainforest encounter, he'd idolized her, never expecting to see her again, especially in this context. Today will be even more exciting. Kaiden is out of luck!

Seeing Yvette approach, he rushed over. "Grand-aunt, I'm Jacob. Do you remember me?"

Yvette glanced at him, nodding. "I remember; we met in the rainforest. You lost the bet."

Jacob blushed. Why does she remember so clearly? "Grand-aunt, the Major General told me to wait. The competition outfit is ready, and don't worry; the mask is custom-made. No one will see your face."

Yvette stood at the entrance, hands in her pockets, her expression indifferent, her voice cold. "Okay, let's go." Jacob quickly led her to the changing room, waiting at the door.

When Yvette emerged, she was transformed, clad in a white fencing uniform, her face completely concealed by the mask. Only her gender was evident.

At 3:15, the Clusia vs. Ybaullan fencing match began.

Kaiden entered the arena aggressively, gesturing to the audience, sword in hand, his expression cold.

Harper watched the entrance; he'd received word Jeremiah had left the Eastern Hotel, prioritizing his mother over the competition. As expected, Clusian loyalty will be their downfall. What good is loyalty? Only the ruthless rise. I, Kaiden, have cut off my feelings. Jeremiah is all show; if his replacement loses, the Major General will be scorned.

The Clusia host announced the contestant, and the audience erupted in applause.

"Clusia will win!" The cries echoed through the arena.