Joel plastered on a smile and approached Jeremiah’s table. Just as everyone anticipated a confrontation, he bowed deeply to both Jeremiah and Yve. "Jeremiah, Yve, good evening. What a coincidence! I'm unsure what this woman did to offend you, Jeremiah, so please, handle it as you see fit."

His words left the woman speechless. She stared, disbelief washing over her as her supposed ally prostrated himself before them. Joel, the son of a Betrico bigwig… who are these people? she wondered, realizing her error. Fear gripped her; escape seemed impossible under the scrutinizing gazes.

After speaking, Joel hung his head. Don't blame me for this cowardice, he thought. Seeing Keira beaten by Yve at the bar… that wasn't a joke. And before I could act, Keira left—clearly Jeremiah's doing.

Jeremiah's expression was emotionless, his voice cold. "Is she your girlfriend?"

The question sent chills down Joel's spine. "No, Jeremiah, she's not. We haven't established anything; it's just… flirtation. I swear it, Jeremiah."

The woman was furious at Joel's denial, but dared not offend him. Besides, he spoke the truth—she'd kept him at arm's length, hoping to appear unique. Now she was trapped, consumed by regret.

Fearing Jeremiah's disbelief, Joel gestured to the woman, his eyes warning her. "Come here."

Under everyone's mocking stares, she approached, feeling as foolish as she'd been arrogant.

"Are we dating? I've only pursued you for a few days, haven't I?" Joel asked.

Whispers and pointing erupted around them.

"Is she delusional? He's pursued her for days, and she claims he's her boyfriend? What a schemer!"

"More than a schemer. She's got that older guy wrapped around her finger, abandoning his wife and kids! And she's mad because she can't get that guy's number?"

A short man countered, "Isn't that a bit harsh? Maybe she was deceived. That woman over there is the real villain; she broke that girl's hand!"

The women scoffed, their anger turning on him. "No wonder scheming women are so brazen—because of blind men like you!"

"Ladies, be wary of men who support schemers. A few sweet words can easily sway them."

Humiliated, the man fled.

The woman, casting a pitiful look at Joel, nodded. "Yes, you were only pursuing me; we're not dating."

Joel sternly commanded, "Apologize to Jeremiah and Yve, now."

Gritting her teeth, she mumbled, "I'm sorry."

Joel was relieved. If we were officially together, I'd be needing a body bag today. He approached Yvette and Jeremiah, his heart pounding. He ingratiated himself with Yvette, saying, "Yve…"

Yvette, her pale hand lightly tapping the table, glanced at Joel with a serious expression. "Your taste isn't very good."

Joel's face flushed. I thought I had good taste! Who knew I'd stumble so often? If not for science, I'd consult a master. By the time he saw them off, he was drenched in sweat.

The onlookers dispersed, leaving the food stall deserted.

The woman, hoping for another chance, reached for Joel's sleeve. He recoiled warily. "What do you want?"

Surprised by his reaction, she pleaded, "Joel, my arm is broken. Can you take me to the hospital?"

Showing no sympathy, he looked at her drooping arm, his gaze cold. She still doesn't understand? Why does she think there's anything between us? He said mercilessly, "Do you know who you offended? You should have checked my background. I'm done playing games. You offended someone powerful in Betrico, someone even our fathers respect. Don't think I'm special; even our fathers call him Jeremiah."

Shock registered on her face. Even his father calls him Jeremiah?

Seeing her despair, Joel remained silent. Who are Jeremiah and Yve? Why would they bother with her? A broken arm is a sufficient lesson.

At Skyland, only Yvette and Jeremiah remained; Andrew, Samantha, and Charles were gone.

In the darkened bedroom, Yvette looked down at Jeremiah, mischief playing on her lips as she traced his face. She unbuttoned his shirt, her touch gliding down his neck. Jeremiah's breath hitched.

Jeremiah, his fingertips brushing her lips, grasped her wrist. "Remember our agreement? I'm here, as promised."

His face neared hers, his gaze darkening. He saw everything clearly, yet one hand wasn't enough. He noticed the red stain on her lips, his gaze deepening further in the darkness.