Just as he finished speaking, Yvette and Jase descended from the second floor, overhearing his statement. Jase's sudden interjection startled Clifford, who was facing away from them on the sofa. "What are you guys talking about?"

Clifford whirled around, seeing them both looking at him. For the first time in years, despite his usual composure, he felt embarrassed. His normally stern face betrayed a hint of awkwardness.

Aurora stifled a laugh at his expression. "Honey, you're clearly very satisfied with Yvette, yet you always maintain such a serious demeanor. Now that someone overheard, it's a bit embarrassing!"

Aurora stepped forward to diffuse the tension. "It's nothing, Dad. Clifford just said that next time there's danger, Jeremiah should handle all the difficult work. Yvette is the treasure of our family; we can't let anything happen to her."

Jeremiah approached Yvette, glanced at her, then at Jase, and softly said, "Let's go back to Skyland." He then turned to Jase. "Grandpa, we're leaving now."

Jase nodded. "Go ahead. I'll be waiting for you at your Purplegold Estate tomorrow."

Yvette nodded at the three of them, pausing briefly beside Clifford before saying, "Thank you."

Clifford stood momentarily stunned. Understanding her gratitude, he smiled. He thought, This kid is starting to see me as family now, even though he was Jeremiah's father and her future servant; he still perceived the coldness in her eyes. But just now, my daughter-in-law acknowledged me, which wasn't easy at all.

Aurora stood beside him, patting him proudly. "Yvette may be quiet, but she knows who truly cares for her. If you genuinely accept her, she will truly see you as family."

Jase watched them walk away, then turned back to the study, his silhouette tinged with a hint of melancholy. I'm getting old; this world ultimately belongs to the young.

On the way back, Jeremiah, driving, asked in a low, hoarse voice, "Did Grandpa ask about Kaiden?"

Yvette, nestled in the passenger seat, casually unwrapped a vanilla toffee and popped it in her mouth, mumbling, "Yeah." She turned to glance at Jeremiah, pausing. "To tell the truth..."

Jeremiah knew she wouldn't lie. He squeezed her palm. "Did he say anything else?"

After a long moment, Yvette remained silent. Jeremiah, initially casual, grew curious.

Yvette finally let out a deep "mm-hmm," resting her chin on her hand as she studied Jeremiah, raising an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. She slowly said, "Grandpa mentioned that his grandson seems lacking and asked me to be more understanding."

Jeremiah's body tensed. He didn't speak, but accelerated and pulled over to an empty roadside. Leaning slightly, he unbuckled Yvette's seatbelt and lifted her up. His gaze was dark and intense, as if he could devour her. His cold eyes finally settled on her rosy lips; he took her hand, lifting it, looking straight into her eyes.

The atmosphere crackled with unspoken tension, neither willing to yield.

Yvette rested her chin on Jeremiah's shoulder, a slight smile playing on her lips as she whispered, "Don't want to wait any longer?"

Jeremiah's breath deepened. This girl is becoming more provocative. "Seems like waiting isn't an option anymore."

Yvette was momentarily taken aback, then nodded, pinching his chin and rubbing against him. "Then let's not wait." With that, she leaned in. The car moved…

The next day, Jeremiah, calmly straightening his military uniform, addressed Charles, Samantha, and Andrew. He turned to Yvette. "I need to go back to the military district this morning. I'll pick you up at noon."

Yvette glanced at his high-necked shirt, a smile playing on her lips. This man is trying to cover his tracks. "Okay."

Jeremiah left Skyland without a backward glance. Samantha, Andrew, and Charles exchanged glances before simultaneously looking at Yvette.

Yvette finished her oatmeal and leisurely headed upstairs. Only the three remained at the dining table. Samantha tidied her hair and sipped orange juice. "Jeremiah got his mouth bitten."

Andrew nodded, sounding quite serious. "From what I observed, this happened last night, and the wound is quite deep, likely from repeated bites."

Charles put down his coffee cup. "No need for observation; Jeremiah returned last night with his mouth already injured."

Samantha put down her cup, excitedly asking, "Who do you think dared to bite Jeremiah? I never expected Yvette to be so fierce!"

Andrew and Charles glanced upstairs. Who else could it be?

Purplegold Estate, usually a private retreat for four old men, hosted outsiders for the first time. Jase, Ronald, and Walter were already present, awaiting James.

In the living room, the three sipped coffee. Ronald and Walter eyed the gifts on the table with displeasure. Owens had requested their prized Delftware and ancestral emerald screen.

Ronald sighed. "In a little while, my favorite Delftware will be gone forever."

Walter echoed his sigh. "Me too. When Owens brings his granddaughter, I'll have to say goodbye to my ancestral emerald screen."

Jase calmly sipped his coffee, puzzled why Owens demanded gifts while he didn't. He started by asking for the emerald screen and Delftware. I guess my collectibles dodged a bullet. He said, "You two could have refused. It's too late to regret it now."

Ronald and Walter glared at Jase. Walter huffed. "When Jeremiah brings his girlfriend, I'll prepare Delftware for her too. One for Owens' granddaughter, one for your granddaughter-in-law. Fair enough." I lost my favorite treasure, and who do I complain to about that fairness?

Ronald quickly added, "My emerald screen is ancestral. I can't replace it. But I'm preparing antiques—an emerald makeup set. It may not compare, but its value is similar."

Jase waved a hand dismissively. "What you send doesn't matter; it's the thought that counts."

Ronald and Walter refrained from exposing his hypocrisy. That old guy talks like this, but if our gifts for his granddaughter-in-law aren't as good as those for Owens' granddaughter, he'll definitely be unhappy!