Sheldon grew increasingly animated, his words tumbling out rapidly. "With all this talk, I still don't know your name. A meeting must be fate..."

Before he could finish, Yvette interrupted. "Yvette Zeller," she said, "remember that name."

Sheldon nodded gravely. He wondered what was so special about the name Yvette. He usually forgot women after a brief encounter, but Yvette's striking appearance and captivating presence were hard to forget, even for a playboy like him.

Yvette stepped back, bending her knee slightly. "Do you have money?" she asked casually.

Sheldon was taken aback. He hadn't expected such directness. He'd envisioned her as an unattainable flower, but she proved unexpectedly ordinary and blunt, immediately inquiring about his finances.

He thought, Indeed, women all have the same demeanor in the end, just interested in money. He dismissed her as a gold digger, relaxing slightly. What could be truly valuable about a woman who spoke so readily about money?

He said casually, "Ms. Zeller, while I'm not immensely wealthy, I have sufficient funds. If you need anything, you can come back to my village with me, and I'll write you a check."

Worried she might doubt his sincerity, he quickly added, "Ms. Zeller, please don't misunderstand. I left in a hurry today and didn't bring it."

The manager, understanding immediately, interjected, "Ms. Zeller, rest assured. Mr. Jacobs is a trustworthy person."

Yvette glanced briefly at Sheldon and the manager, her delicate face cold and distant. "Lead the way," she said slowly, "I'll go with you."

Sheldon was speechless. Her demeanor is something else. Who's lending money to whom here? Someone might think I'm the one asking for a loan. She's the first person I've met who could borrow money so boldly.

Holding back his dissatisfaction, he nodded with forced gentility. "I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm the son of Dungo Village's headman. Have you heard of Dungo Village?"

He remained cautious; their village was preparing for something significant, and outsiders might be unwelcome. But he couldn't let such a beautiful woman pass by so easily. A woman? What trouble could she possibly cause? He doubted a woman, especially one who loved money, could stir up much trouble.

Yvette paused, then shook her head. "I have no idea."

Seeing her sincere expression, which didn't seem feigned, Sheldon relaxed his guard. "Then, Ms. Zeller, please this way. My car is parked nearby."

Watching them leave, the manager smiled enviously. Sheldon isn't handsome, but when it comes to romance, he's incredibly lucky. Each woman is more beautiful than the last.

In the car, Sheldon chatted incessantly, but Yvette rested her head against the headrest, closing her eyes in the back seat, unresponsive. He noticed her silence and fell silent himself.

Is she mute? Can't she hear anything I'm saying? Despite his anger, the sight of her exquisite face rekindled his attraction.

Meanwhile, Jeremiah received a text message, his eyes sharpening instantly. "No need to wait until tomorrow," he announced, "we're going to Dungo Village tonight."

Samantha, Andrew, and Charles exchanged glances. Charles, his gaze darkening, was the first to react. "Mr. Chavez, did Yvette go to Dungo Village and encounter trouble?"

Samantha and Andrew's expressions mirrored his concern. "Yvette went to Dungo Village already?" they exclaimed in unison.

Jeremiah stood, nodding. "Yes, she ran into someone from Dungo Village and is on her way there. Pack up. We leave in half an hour."

The three nodded gravely. This trip wouldn't be easy; extracting Bonnie wouldn't be straightforward. Preparations were essential.

Jeremiah turned and left, taking out his phone. "I need the supplies you prepared, now..."

The voice on the other end responded without hesitation. "Understood, Mr. Chavez. Everything is ready."

The three exchanged looks, then dispersed to gather their belongings.

Half an hour later, they were ready. Andrew examined his clothing with curiosity. Jeremiah explained the special material prevented insects from penetrating the skin—an incredible feat.

Andrew, seeing such clothing for the first time, felt like he was in a fantasy novel. Samantha was more composed, knowing Jeremiah wouldn't embark on this mission unprepared.

Charles observed Jeremiah thoughtfully. This nano-high-tech combat attire originated with Wolfpack, the world's largest mercenary group, and had never been shared externally. How had Jeremiah obtained it?

Andrew glanced around. "Jeremiah, isn't Emmett coming?"

"No," Jeremiah replied, "he has other matters to attend to. He'll join us later."

Dressed entirely in black, Jeremiah exuded a cold, ruthless demeanor. "Ensure your own safety," he instructed gravely. "Poisonous insects can infiltrate anywhere. Never let your guard down."

"Don't worry," they assured him, "we'll be careful."

In Dungo Village, Sheldon led Yvette down a seemingly smooth path, defying the rumors of treacherous cliffs and steep inclines. They passed through a wooded area, reaching the village entrance within half an hour.

Sheldon felt reluctant and angry. Yvette is quite peculiar. Even though the path was smooth, it felt eerie and difficult to traverse. Even for a native, it was challenging. Yet Yvette walked incredibly fast, covering the distance without breaking a sweat. He'd planned a diversion in the woods but found the reason too embarrassing to even contemplate.

He couldn't keep up with her. No matter how fast he moved, she maintained a calculated distance, making him suspicious.

Reaching the stone slab marking Dungo Village, Yvette stopped. Sheldon, breathless, caught up. "Ms. Zeller," he asked cautiously, "why didn't you wait for me? Are you trained in martial arts?"

Hands in pockets, Yvette looked at him, shook her head, raised an eyebrow, and remarked coolly, "You're too slow."

Sheldon sputtered. At a time like this, whatever. I have to get her back to the village first. "Ms. Zeller," he said, "excuse me, I haven't been feeling well lately."

Her indifferent attitude unnerved him. They encountered few villagers—mostly elderly people with withered faces and calm eyes. Yvette's initial caution gave way to a friendly smile upon seeing Sheldon. She hadn't seen any young people. This was odd. How could an entire village lack young people?

She noticed a piece of red cloth hanging at every house entrance. "Red cloth?" she asked casually. "Is there a celebration in your village?"

Sheldon felt more confident within the village. "Ms. Zeller," he replied mysteriously, "in three days, we'll have a huge celebration here in Dungo Village."