The next day, as Winona instructed, Layla went to Argrol University to find Yvette. The plan was simple: Layla would lure Yvette to a remote location where men from Seacrity's underworld awaited. Once Yvette arrived, she would be trapped.

To ensure success, Winona and Layla had recruited twenty burly men. Winona had seen Yvette with a firearm and suspected other possible defenses; they needed to be prepared.

Layla found Yvette leaving the physics lab. Yvette pretended not to see her, but Layla called out, "Yvette! Hey, Yvette!"

Yvette paused, turned, and saw Layla’s discreet gesture. "Do you need something?" she asked.

After checking their surroundings, Layla approached apologetically. "Yvette, I'm so sorry. I was wrong yesterday—petty and thoughtless. It's been bothering me, so I came to make amends."

Layla's feigned sincerity, even including slightly misty eyes, was met with Yvette's indifferent "Mm-hmm."

Fuming internally, Layla pressed on. "I really mean it. Can I buy you coffee, to show I'm sorry?"

Yvette remained impassive. Layla, growing desperate, added hastily, "Or perhaps... I know you love desserts. I had fresh ingredients flown in, a renowned chef waiting at my villa outside town. It's my way of apologizing."

Finally, Yvette said, "Fine. Lead the way."

Relief washed over Layla, though she barely registered the amusement in Yvette's eyes. Yvette mused, Since some people insist on a show, I'll set the stage.

Thinking she'd won Yvette over, Layla chirped, "Great, my car's outside. We can go straight to the villa."

As they left, they encountered Charles, who'd just returned to campus. "Yvette, where are you going?" he asked firmly.

Yvette replied casually, "Someone invited me for dessert."

Charles glanced at Layla, who struck a pose she deemed seductive. He barely concealed a smirk, thinking, What is Yvette doing with this woman?

Layla, captivated by Charles's appearance, tried a coy smile and lip bite. "Yvette, is this your friend?" she asked sweetly.

Neither Yvette nor Charles responded. Feeling snubbed, Layla hastily suggested, "We should go, Yvette. It's getting late."

Charles gave Layla a sharp look but remained silent. Yvette told Charles, "I better go."

Charles nodded. He wasn't worried; he doubted anyone could harm Yvette. He watched as Yvette entered the black Jeep with Layla. Before the door closed, Yvette gave him a knowing look. Charles realized another fool had walked into Yvette's trap. He thought, Why do people keep underestimating Yvette? If Yvette wanted to play along, he'd let her.

As Charles headed back, Andrew rushed up, thrusting a drink into his hand before hurrying to the library, muttering about a raise. Charles chuckled; another day, another paycheck.

Inside the Jeep, Yvette ignored Layla, glued to her phone. Layla's relief at the scheme's progress replaced her previous humility.

Seeing Yvette playing a pet-raising app, Layla sneered. Seriously? What kind of person plays that?

Layla's confidence swelled. Regardless of Yvette's accomplishments, she was playing a "kiddie" game, unlike Layla's high-stakes online games.

Feigning surprise, Layla gasped dramatically. "Oh my gosh, you play that? It's for little kids! So childish. I can recommend some more grown-up games. Of course, mine have entry fees in the tens of thousands. Not sure you could handle that."

Yvette, finally losing her patience, said icily, "You talk too much. Shut up."

Just as Layla was about to retort, her phone buzzed—a text from Winona: "All set here. Where are you?"

Layla quickly replied, keeping her phone away from Yvette: "Almost there. About fifteen minutes away. Don't screw this up, or we're both finished."