Feeling Zachary’s fawning behavior shameful, Lucas twitched an eye. Zachary had attempted escape, but Yvette's brief message deterred him. At this moment, the spineless Zachary, in Lucas's estimation, stood up, brimming with enthusiasm. "Yvette, I cooked all these dishes just for you. Come and try them."

Yvette strolled over and sat down, surveying the table laden with dishes and raising an eyebrow. Shrimp cocktails, grilled steak, fried chicken wings, chicken soup, and a salad graced the table. The presentation clearly betrayed Zachary's amateur hand; a Chambers family servant would have achieved far greater elegance.

Standing aside, Lucas mentally scoffed, "After all these years, Mr. Chambers only knows how to prepare these few dishes. Knowing Yvette enjoys eating, he even learned to flatter her with food."

Yvette casually sampled the food. It was good, but fell short of Jeremiah's culinary creations. Tilting her head thoughtfully, she offered her measured assessment: "It's not bad."

Zachary's confidence deflated under Yvette's nonchalant appraisal of his culinary efforts. He attempted a friendly explanation: "Well, it's not that I went on vacation. I was checking on some old friends at the old manor in the countryside. I planned to return today. I didn't intend to leave you dealing with the Chambers Group's issues. You know that, right?" He desperately sought to prove he hadn't deserted during a crisis. Yvette lowered her chopsticks, lifted her head slightly, and smirked. "That's a pretty weak excuse. Try another one."

Too embarrassed to continue, Zachary feigned a cough. He knew his excuses were flimsy, but this was the best he could muster.

After dinner, lounging on the couch, Yvette absently picked up a fashion magazine. Her eyes narrowed at the headline:

[Nameless bursts onto the scene at the Mysonna International Fashion Competition and easily takes first place.] [Who is the designer of Nameless? When will the person behind Vibe finally reveal themselves?]

Zachary placed a neatly peeled apple on a plate before Yvette. "Yvette, have some apple."

Yvette set aside the magazine and nodded. "Thanks."

A glimmer of hope ignited within Zachary. Previously, he'd felt like a lifeless automaton; now, with Yvette beside him, he understood true happiness and contentment. After a moment, he asked, "Yvette, have you prepared the layoff list yet?" Though initially surprised by the layoffs, he fully supported Yvette's decision. The Chambers Group needed to purge its freeloaders.

Yvette replied casually, a slight frown creasing her brow, "Yes, it's been drafted. Lucas is handling it."

Zachary didn't press further, trusting Yvette's judgment.

At that moment, Yvette's phone rang. She glanced at the screen: Sienna. Answering, she heard a cheerful voice.

"Hey Yve, your design Nameless won another award! Since it won, will you forgive me for secretly submitting it to the competition?" The last part was quieter.

Yvette moved the phone from her ear. Since severing ties with Nathan, Sienna had returned to her vibrant self, wholly dedicated to her work. Vibe consistently ranked among the top three this quarter—outperforming all newcomers to place alongside two century-old brands.

Yvette responded casually, "Alright. No vacations for you for the next three years."

Sienna's dismay was palpable. "Yvette, you're ruthless! My vacation plans are ruined. No beaches, handsome guys, or delicious food... everything's gone!" She continued, "Yve, Mr. Winslow wants you to consider teaching at her school. She knows you dislike restrictions, so she's offering a special arrangement: just three classes a semester. I think it's great. Besides, it could attract new designers to Vibe."

Yvette raised an eyebrow. Her voice was cool. "I'm not interested."

Less than thirty seconds after hanging up, the phone rang again. Zachary paused mid-orange peel, muttering in annoyance, "Who's this inconsiderate person interrupting my family time?" It was Jeremiah. A brief silence followed the connection, then: "I'm at your door."

Yvette quietly rose and headed for the door, saying, "Okay. Wait for me."

Zachary's ears perked up. He feigned nonchalance as he watched Yvette leave, noting her lack of a coat. The call was undeniably suspicious. Her demeanor during this call was markedly different. A realization dawned on him: "It must be a man. Which scoundrel dares try to steal my daughter?"

An hour later, Zachary sat in the living room, staring at the man across from him in disbelief and disapproval. His gut feeling about Jeremiah had been correct. Jeremiah was here.

Zachary didn't care if the man was a major general. He was merely an older, charming man attempting to lure Yvette away.

Jeremiah, across from him, was striking in his black suit and deep blue tie. His slick brown hair, thick straight eyebrows, and sharp eyes spoke of intelligence. His thin, slightly pursed lips, sharply defined features, tall slender frame, projected both aloofness and command. He remained politely smiling, unfazed by Zachary's animosity.

Yvette, perched on the couch, watched the two exchange glances, leisurely munching on an apple. This was a new situation, and she wanted to observe carefully, contemplating which side to support should her father and boyfriend clash.

Earlier, Yvette had spotted Jeremiah waiting at the door. He’d joked, "Since we're together, I should visit my future father-in-law." This was his reason for being there.

Lucas stood to the side, uneasy. A clash between Zachary and Jeremiah seemed imminent. He hesitated to intervene. "Zachary's not in his prime," he mused. "Compared to Jeremiah, a battle-hardened major general, Zachary can't win a head-to-head. It's about strategy, not just strength."

Jeremiah offered Zachary a charming smile. "Mr. Chamb—"