Zachary walked to Yvette, standing behind her. His dark eyes fixed on the old woman, who seemed on the verge of fainting from rage. "What Yvette says, I say. If she says 'show you out,' then you're out. And if you feel we shouldn't maintain ties, that's fine. We'll go our separate ways and never speak again."

The expressions of the Chambers family relatives in the living room were spectacular.

The old woman, clutching her chest, was no longer faking; the pain was real. Trembling, she pointed a shaking finger at them. "You... you... you two are outrageous!"

Seeing Yvette's frown, Lucas quickly intervened. "Please, this way."

Ultimately, with no one to support her, the old woman left the Chambers family home, muttering curses under her breath. An awkward silence filled the room.

Once she was gone, the living room stirred. A woman, impeccably dressed in designer clothes, who had been waiting, seized the opportunity. "Zachary, this is my first time meeting Yvette in person, and she's even more stunning than on TV." The words were sweet, but envy and jealousy shone in her eyes.

Seeing her speak, others quickly followed suit, showering Yvette with praise.

"Layla is right. Yvette is the pride of the Chambers family. Her grace during the competition was unbelievable!"

"Absolutely! I watched the entire competition—it was amazing!"

A man with shifty eyes, unremarkable except for his envy, spoke up. He valued sons over daughters and, after three marriages, had only daughters. This drove him mad. "Yvette competing for the country? There must be something going on behind the scenes."

The room fell silent. All eyes turned to him.

He was a distant relative, seeking favor. Unaware of his transgression, he grinned smugly. "Look, I'm just being honest. Yvette, don't take it wrong—I'm curious. With so many people in Clusia, how could they not find a single man to compete? How did it end up being you? Don't read too much into it."

His words, though polite, insinuated Yvette's success was due to shady dealings. Many in the room had harbored similar thoughts, though unspoken. Now, they awaited Yvette's response.

Zachary slammed the table, standing and glaring at the man. "Get out! My daughter won through her own abilities. Why involve yourself? Are you capable? What kind of relationship would make the country take such matters lightly? Stop talking nonsense!"

The man recoiled, intimidated, but his underlying disdain remained. He muttered, "If it's not, it's not. I was just speaking casually."

Yvette, sitting on the sofa, her eyes devoid of warmth, stood and walked toward the man. Before anyone could react, she slapped him hard across the cheek. Blood trickled from his mouth.

The sharp sound stunned everyone.

Lucas silently cheered. This man deserved it!

Zachary, only slightly surprised, smiled permissively at Yvette. "This kid… she hit him harder than I would have. No need for her to get her hands dirty!"

Stunned, the man looked up. "You... you dared to hit me?"

Yvette bypassed him, saying simply to Lucas, "Tissue."

Lucas immediately handed her tissues.

Ignoring the man's resentment and the shocked onlookers, Yvette wiped her hand and whispered, "Keep talking trash, and I won't hesitate to kill you."

Her words froze everyone. They believed her.

The man, terrified, tried to retort but couldn't speak.

A servant approached Lucas, whispering, "Lucas, a man claiming to be Wyatt is at the door, saying he's here to see grand-aunt."

Lucas realized who Wyatt was. Why was the mayor here?

He quickly whispered to Zachary.

Zachary, surprised, paused. Wyatt, always busy, was here for Yvette. This held significant political weight.

Zachary asked Lucas to invite Wyatt in, glancing at the remaining guests. Wyatt's arrival might be beneficial.

Everyone watched Lucas hurry away, wondering what was happening.

The slapped man, dejected and embarrassed, glared at Yvette before leaving.