Lucas’s face twisted with conflicting emotions. He wrestled internally: “Zachary is truly kind to me, yet never misses a chance to undermine me. How could I, a mere butler, offend the youngest major general of Clusia, especially as he’s the future son-in-law of the Chambers family?”

After weighing the options, Lucas made the toughest decision of his life. He didn't dare meet Zachary's gaze, bowing his head instead. “Sir, times have changed. Young people today are different,” he mumbled, his eyes fixed on the floor.

Zachary, on the couch, watched his once-loyal butler betray him, stunned. He doubted inwardly: ‘Is this the same faithful butler who’d stand by me through thick and thin? The speed of his betrayal is astonishing; he didn't even give me a chance to react.’

Zachary awkwardly set down his coffee cup, intending to speak with Lucas after Jeremiah left. Jeremiah flashed Lucas a friendly smile, eliciting a joyful beam from Lucas. Lucas thought, “Yvette certainly has an eye for handsome men. The future son-in-law of the Chambers family is truly dashing. If I were Yvette, I’d choose Jeremiah too.”

Jeremiah glanced at the quietly sulking Zachary, then at Yvette, who was clearly enjoying the spectacle while munching on an apple. He pulled a large black envelope from his briefcase and placed it on the table.

“Mr. Chambers, a small gift,” Jeremiah said. “I hope you like it.”

Zachary thought, “So that’s what he’s been waiting for.” Observant as ever, Lucas stepped forward, picked up the envelope, and handed it to Zachary.

Zachary glared at the “traitor” and took the envelope. He opened it, his eyes narrowing slightly at the contents. He exclaimed inwardly, “Is this just a first-meeting gift? A check for thirty million dollars, a deed to a large estate in Mysonna, and a contract for a villa in Betrico? Extravagant! The combined value must be at least a billion dollars.” Upon reaching the last sheet, he was completely stunned: a contract transferring 10% ownership of the Chambers Group.

“How is this possible? Where did you get 10% of the Chambers Group shares?” Zachary exclaimed.

Hearing this, Yvette paused and looked at Jeremiah. She thought, “When did Jeremiah acquire Chambers Group shares? He kept this well-hidden.”

Jeremiah calmly sipped his water. “I bought them from some small shareholders.”

“When did you start?” Zachary blurted out.

Lucas, curiously watching Jeremiah, thought, “Acquiring shares from minor shareholders isn’t easy. Mr. Chavez is truly thoughtful; these shares will save Yvette considerable trouble later in controlling the Chambers Group.”

Zachary had considered that as well. He found Jeremiah slightly more appealing. Jeremiah, noticing the shift in Zachary’s demeanor, calmly nodded.

“Ever since your last press conference,” Jeremiah said casually.

Zachary glared, grumbling inwardly, “He calls this a gift for me? Isn’t it intended for Yvette?”

Zachary set down the envelope and waved dismissively. “Your gift needn't be so extravagant. You and Yvette aren't even engaged yet. Accepting this would make it seem like I’m selling my daughter.”

Zachary’s bluntness made Lucas shake his head. He thought Zachary would be a formidable father-in-law.

Despite Zachary’s coldness, Jeremiah maintained his courteous smile. He seemed to be using all his smiles for the day.

“Mr. Chambers, do you truly believe Yvette is worth only this? It’s merely a gift; don't overthink it. To me, Yvette is priceless, beyond valuation,” Jeremiah said.

Zachary’s expression fell. He thought, “Damn it. I’ve met my match today. He’s trying to make me look bad in front of Yvette. This man is cunning and not easily handled.”

Lucas lowered his eyes, thinking, “The future son-in-law is impressive. Doesn’t he realize Mr. Chambers is furious?”

Zachary was silent for a moment. “It’s a meeting gift, right? If you have the nerve to give it, I have the nerve to accept it.”

Yvette lounged on the couch, casually opening a bag of chips and a soda. Wiggling her feet and resting her chin in her hand, her clear eyes watched the exchange. She thought, “The Eagle King was right; men’s battles should be settled by themselves. My involvement would only end them all.” The Eagle King, far away in Mysonna, was unaware his words were being whimsically misinterpreted by Yvette.

Jeremiah's gaze fell upon Yvette, watching the spectacle. His eyes darkened at the sight of her rosy lips, his throat moving slightly.

Zachary changed the subject. “What do your parents do?” he asked, thinking, “For Jeremiah to be a major general at his age, his family must be extraordinary.”

Jeremiah remained calm. “Mr. Chambers, it’s just my grandfather, parents, and me. My father, Clifford, works in diplomacy, currently directing the Clusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. My mother runs a company, and my grandfather is about to retire.”

Zachary’s coffee cup fell to the floor, rolling to Lucas’s feet. Unlike usual, Lucas didn’t pick it up; he was frozen, eyes wide with disbelief. Yvette looked at them, puzzled. “Is this really so surprising?” she wondered.

Zachary took a moment to regain his composure. He attempted to appear casual but his mind was blank. He thought, “Clifford is considered a diplomatic legend. During an era of little Clusian international influence, he made significant global impacts. Faced with pressure from Mysonna and other nations, his courage and determination were incredible. He's a true hero of the peaceful era. He’s a prominent figure on daily news broadcasts and foreign affairs press conferences…and Jeremiah says he’s his father? This is astounding.”

Zachary felt lightheaded. The prospect of becoming in-laws with Clifford was surreal. He found Jeremiah rather likable now. He thought, “Jeremiah possesses a charming and dignified aura, a refined elegance much like Mr. Clifford Chavez in his younger days.” Jeremiah couldn’t have known Zachary’s approval stemmed from his father.

Lucas was astonished. “The Chambers family is well-established in Seacrity but hardly known in places like Betrico. Yet, they’re about to become in-laws with a director from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?” He felt like he’d struck gold.

Zachary steadied his trembling hand, tongue-tied. To hide his embarrassment, he asked a question, barely aware of what he was saying. “So, how’s your grandfather doing? Why hasn’t he retired at such an advanced age?”