Jase continued, "Tomorrow, after we meet the granddaughter James recognized, check her background. If she's manipulative or pursuing him with ulterior motives, proceed cautiously. I'm worried his unstable mental state might be exploited. If the secret of James's physical research is stolen, the consequences would be unimaginable. I simply can't understand what kind of woman would attract that cantankerous old man; it's perplexing."
Jase's words revealed his discontent and suspicion regarding James's granddaughter.
Jeremiah placed peeled shrimp in Yvette's bowl. Before Jase could continue, he interrupted, "Grandpa, let's be mindful of our words and actions."
Jase was taken aback. What does this brat mean? What did I say wrong?
Clifford and Aurora also looked at Jeremiah, puzzled.
Only Yvette remained calm, continuing to eat, her small feet swinging beneath the table.
Clifford suspiciously asked Jeremiah, "Do you know James's new granddaughter?"
Before Jeremiah could answer, Aurora, winking, said, "How could he? Besides Yvette, he wouldn't know any other woman." She discreetly kicked Clifford under the table. This man has no sense! Why ask that with my daughter-in-law present? He's digging a pit for our son!
Clifford coughed awkwardly, glancing at Yvette, feeling guilty. My daughter-in-law is truly something! That kick nearly sent me flying!
Jase, worried about upsetting the young couple, quickly interjected, "Well, Jeremiah certainly doesn't know this mysterious woman."
Jase, Aurora, and Clifford waited for Yvette's reaction. The dining room fell silent.
Yvette leisurely finished her shrimp, looked up, raised an eyebrow, smirked slightly, and nonchalantly nodded, saying, "He knows her, but I don't mind."
Aurora and the others were stunned. When did this child become so easygoing? She's not even upset Jeremiah knows another girl!
Jeremiah met Yvette's gaze and subtly nodded, speaking quietly to the others, "Yes, she doesn't mind."
Yvette and Jeremiah's words left the others with little appetite for the remainder of dinner.
Later, in the living room, the four sat sipping coffee.
Jase stood, leaning on his cane, and said to Yvette, "Yev, would you accompany this old man upstairs to my study? I'd like your opinion on my paintings; perhaps our Cyanbird deity could critique my artwork?"
Jeremiah, Aurora, and Clifford understood this was a pretext for a private conversation. Yvette, too, understood; she set down her glass and nodded, "Sure."
Jase smiled, and they went upstairs, leaving the family of three to their coffee.
Aurora watched Jeremiah's impassive expression and asked, "Brat, aren't you worried your grandpa will give Yvette a hard time?"
Clifford lowered his newspaper and adjusted his glasses. This brat is acting strangely today; something feels off.
Jeremiah replied calmly, "Grandpa won't."
Clifford chuckled. Is this brat feigning ignorance? He then recalled Kaiden's death and his expression darkened. His gaze sharpened. "Who killed Kaiden, you or your daughter-in-law?"
Simultaneously, upstairs in the study, Jase sipped tea, dismissed Yusef, and fixed a sharp gaze on Yvette. "Did you kill Kaiden?"
Yvette, cool and unfazed, calmly replied, "Yes, I killed him." She sipped her coffee.
Jase laughed, increasingly pleased. His granddaughter-in-law had surprised him. Aside from Kaiden's Ybaulla identity, kidnapping someone from the Chavez family to win a competition was enough for him to die a dozen times... If my granddaughter-in-law knew who kidnapped Aurora and remained unaffected, that would be truly disappointing.
Jase said, "Girl, your identity is far more complex than I imagined, isn't it?" He knew her background was far from simple. This girl possesses extraordinary intelligence and skill; her efficiency is remarkable. The secrets she carries are unlikely to be uncovered unless she chooses to reveal them. I discovered a great deal about her background, but is this truly everything? I doubt it!
Yvette calmly replied, "It's fine."
Jase's mouth twitched. "Girl, can we not be so modest?"
Yvette, her voice icy, said, "I'm not being modest; I don't know which identity you're referring to."
Jase found her response both amusing and frustrating. So I'm the only one taking this seriously, and she's completely unfazed. He said formally, "No matter how many identities you have, the Chavez family will always support and trust you unconditionally."
Downstairs, Jeremiah watched Clifford impassively.
Aurora, having learned of the matter that afternoon, considered Yvette's actions efficient and decisive.
Jeremiah said, "Yes, she killed him—one shot, dead."
Clifford was stunned by Jeremiah's unwavering response.
Aurora stood, indignant. "Honey, our daughter-in-law did nothing wrong."
Clifford, realizing their misunderstanding, sat back, rubbing his temples. "I'm not assigning blame. I just think this little punk should handle such things in the future. Why let our daughter-in-law do the dirty work?"