Ronald looked at Jase and remarked, “I have to say, the Chavez family must have done a lot of good deeds in a past life. Jeremiah is such a great kid, and even without your support, he’s achieved so much. And now he's found such an excellent wife! These days, everyone in the Betrico courtyard is talking about your granddaughter-in-law. Even my youngest son won't stop—I'm about to get calluses on my ears!”

Walter set down his coffee cup. “My granddaughter feels the same. Your granddaughter-in-law has become her idol. She even joined some online fan club—it's all the rage! I suggested bringing her over, but she insisted idols need distance and mystery, so she just won't come. I really can't understand the younger generation. But your granddaughter-in-law is truly impressive. I watched the match from start to finish; her chess skills are extraordinary!”

Walter, a lifelong chess enthusiast, considered himself a skilled player. He had learned much from Yvette and Robin's match. "Yvette is so young yet possesses such talent, especially her mindset. It's rare at her age!"

Jase waved his hand dismissively. “That kid was just playing around. Who knew she’d win?”

Walter and Ronald exchanged knowing glances. He thinks he's so clever... Does he even know what 'just playing around' means? If Robin were still alive, he'd be furious!

Ronald nodded. “I heard your granddaughter-in-law is also participating in fencing. Didn't Jeremiah sign up for it? Why was she substituted at the last minute? I wanted to ask you about that.” Rumors had circulated for days, but few knew Yvette had competed in fencing.

Jase took a sip of coffee, his expression darkening; a chill settled in the air.

Ronald and Walter exchanged glances, sensing something was amiss. The competition wouldn't have changed participants otherwise; that wasn't the Chavez family's style.

Jase explained, “Kaiden had the Steel Serpents kidnap Aurora to ensure a win, and he specifically requested Jeremiah, which is why Yvette had to step in at the last minute.”

Walter and Ronald were surprised. What a despicable way for the Ybaulla to handle a match—truly disgusting!

Ronald spat angrily, rising to his feet. “Those Ybaulla dare to act so recklessly in Clusia! Has Jeremiah caught them? We can't let them off the hook. They must know Clusia cannot be defeated by tricks, and it's definitely not a place they can bully!”

Seeing his agitation, Walter quickly stood to calm him. “Calm down! You need to control your heart! Didn't Kaiden die yesterday? How could Jeremiah let go of someone who harmed his mother?”

Ronald froze. How could I forget Kaiden was found dead in the hotel? No doubt Jeremiah did it—good job! He took a sip of coffee to compose himself. “Jeremiah's approach is always clean and decisive—good job.” The three men didn't need to mince words; Ronald bluntly acknowledged Jeremiah's role in Kaiden's death.

Jase looked at them and shook his head. “It wasn't Jeremiah; it was my granddaughter-in-law.”

Ronald's coffee cup slipped from his hand, shattering on the floor, unnoticed. Walter stared blankly, both men gasping in shock. They hadn't expected Yvette to be involved. No wonder Jeremiah is so fierce—he found a wife just as tough. She kills without hesitation; that temper runs in the family.

James entered, overhearing Jase's revelation. He froze, the three men oblivious to his arrival. Eventually, James spoke, shouting, “What did you say? You said Yvette killed Kaiden?”

Ronald and Walter turned, seeing James rushing toward Jase. “Oh no, this old guy is about to throw a fit again.”

Jase frowned. “Why do you keep showing up unexpectedly every day?”

James sat beside Jase. “You said Yvette killed Kaiden—was she hurt? I thought Jeremiah seemed capable, but why did he let a little girl do the killing?” He paused, then said ungraciously, “I thought Jeremiah was better than you—looks good but can't handle crucial moments?”

Jase's face flushed. This old fool says whatever comes to mind. At this age, does he even know what shame is? “Owens, who are you saying can't handle it?”

Seeing them escalate, Ronald intervened, fearing a full-blown fight. A few years prior, a petty squabble had resulted in a disgraceful brawl, leaving them bruised and hiding for days.

James rolled up his sleeves, refusing to back down. “I’m talking about you! The Chavez family is well-off; why let a little girl do the dirty work? What if she gets hurt?”

Jase's discomfort grew. What does my granddaughter-in-law's injury have to do with this old guy? Why is he so riled up? It's utterly ridiculous. Anger rising, he tossed his cane aside. If I don’t teach this old man a lesson today, he won’t know why the flowers are so red.

James and Jase locked eyes, their years of familiarity fueling their verbal assault.

Jase said, “I’m handsome, and I’ve been good-looking since I was young. If you’re jealous, just admit it. Don’t twist it into something about my granddaughter-in-law!”

James launched a surprise punch to Jase's chest, then retreated, wary of retaliation. Hands on his hips, he said, “So what if you’re handsome? You’re just an old face; no matter how good-looking, it’s all wrinkles!”

Jase, anticipating a sneak attack, stepped forward, catching James off guard with a kick to the leg. “You think you’re the only one who knows how to sneak attack? I can do it too! And don’t think just because you’ve been feeling down lately that I’ll go easy on you. Today, I’m going to teach you a real lesson!”