The week at Chambers Group passed swiftly, marked by three significant events. Warren and Nelson, long-entrenched and wielding considerable influence through their shareholdings, were imprisoned for financial crimes. Simultaneously, Yvette initiated layoffs, targeting those whose positions were secured through connections, ensuring their permanent dismissal. Dex, too, faced repercussions; imprisonment and abandonment by his mistress, who absconded with his funds after an abortion.
The third development involved Yvette securing approval for the Chambers Group's East End project with a single phone call. The group immediately mobilized resources, commencing the transformation of the development site. This project, the company's primary focus, promised substantial profits over the coming years. Yvette's introduction of a new, merit-based promotion system further invigorated the workforce, fostering a renewed sense of enthusiasm.
At the Chambers residence, Zachary observed Yvette and Jeremiah sitting unusually close. "Yvette," he inquired, "aren't you going to Chambers Group tomorrow?" Yvette nodded, a slight arch of her eyebrow conveying the passage of time. Zachary, though aware the week was over, pressed on, hoping for a different response.
Lucas, having spent the week observing Yvette's astute management of company affairsโfrom financial restructuring and staff reassignments to the implementation of corporate reformsโwas utterly awestruck by her abilities. He marveled at her seemingly instantaneous recall of complex information across diverse fields, from finance and architecture to design and law. He finally understood the phrase: some were simply born to excel, surpassing others in their innate capabilities.
Zachary addressed Jeremiah, who was peeling an apple for Yvette. "Aren't you busy with your military duties? How do you have time to be here in Seacrity?" Jeremiah, with a slight smile, replied, "I'm on vacation." Zachary understood; he hadn't realized Jeremiah, a high-ranking general, hadn't taken leave in over a decade.
"Staying for dinner?" Zachary asked.
"No," Yvette replied, taking a bite of her apple. "I have friends coming from Betrico."
"Alright then," Zachary conceded.
That night, at a bustling club, Andrew sat alone, having rebuffed several advances. Jeremiah, Yvette, Charles, and the recently returned Samantha approached. Andrew beckoned them over; their arrival instantly commanded attention. The club boasted many attractive women, but Yvette and Samantha were exceptionalโone sophisticated and alluring, the other ethereal and captivating. Their presence, along with that of Jeremiah and Charles, drew considerable notice.
Samantha, eyeing Andrew, asked, "You brat, where's the beautiful girlfriend you promised? Did you back out of your confession?"
Charles looked up but remained silent. Yvette, sipping orange juice (the others preventing her from consuming alcohol), listened.
Andrew's mood darkened; he'd lost contact with Bonnie. Her phone had been unreachable since the previous day.
"I haven't seen her since I returned," he lamented. "She's gone back to her hometown." His anxiety about Bonnie's absence was palpable.
Samantha, sensing his worry, held back comment.
"Yvette," Andrew asked, "are you going to work tomorrow?"
"Not going," she replied coolly, her eyes half-closed, eyebrows slightly raised.
"Yvette," Andrew added quickly, "you mentioned finding Bonnieโฆ"
Jeremiah interjected, his tone serious. "We've accessed Bonnie's records. Her hometown is in Normis; flights are booked for the day after tomorrow."
Andrew was stunned. "Yvette and Jeremiah booked the flights? I'll see Bonnie the day after tomorrow?" His gloom lifted instantly.
Samantha and Charles reacted to the mention of Normis, a region known for its minority groups and mysterious locales. Jeremiah's expression was grave, aware of the peculiar nature of Bonnie's hometownโa secluded village clinging to ancient customs. Yvette remained calm and composed.
"Bonnie's village is quiteโฆunusual," Jeremiah explained. "I've been there once."
Samantha's curiosity piqued; Jeremiah's presence there clearly wasn't for leisure. She knew of his secretive military unit, handling national security matters.
"Jeremiah," she inquired, "why were you in Bonnie's hometown?"