At the Jacobs residence, Sheldon walked Yvette to her door, searching for a reason to follow her inside. Before he could speak, Yvette shut the door in his face. Sheldon clenched his teeth so hard he nearly cracked them. This ungrateful woman… she'd followed him all the way to Dungo Village; why was she still acting aloof? He'd see if she remained so cold after he used that binding love spell, he thought.

Trying to mask his frustration, Sheldon said cheerfully, "Well, Ms. Zeller, get a good night's rest. Tomorrow, I'll treat you to some Dungo Village specialties." He waited, receiving no response. Knowing she'd heard him, he left and headed to the basement to vent his frustrations.

In the dead of night, Yvette opened her eyes, instantly alert. She rose, dressed, pulled on a baseball cap, and slipped out. A patrol team passed as she reached the courtyard. Swiftly, she hid behind a pillar, melting into the shadows. A faint, cold smile played on her lips.

She wondered, A village chief's residence has this many well-trained guards? These people aren't ordinary villagers. Each carries a deadly aura; they've likely taken many lives. The Jacobs family is… interesting!

Once the patrol passed, Yvette approached Holden's study. Lights burned brightly within. She moved to a blind spot by the window, her gaze sharpening. Holden was on the phone, his expression grave.

He spoke coldly. "Mr. Miller, I've already sent you three groups. If this continues and they trace anything back to me, I'll be in serious danger."

The man replied, and Holden's expression lightened, though he insisted on tripling his price. After hanging up, his face darkened again. The people from Southeast Aploth demanded more and more, and he could barely keep up. His only option was to accelerate the cultivation of new poisonous insects. However, Dungo Village's population was limited, and most of the blood had already been taken. Continuing this risked everyone's lives, which would raise suspicions.

After a moment, Holden stood, went to his desk, and subtly shifted a book to the left. The bookshelf slid aside, revealing a hidden passage. He glanced back at the doorway, then entered. The bookshelf closed behind him. Yvette, observing clearly, hadn't expected Bonnie's hunch to be so accurate. There was a secret underground chamber. What connection could the Dungo Village chief possibly have with someone in Southeast Aploth? she wondered.

Yvette memorized the book's position, then left, dodging two more patrol teams before returning to her room undetected. Upon entering, she sensed a familiar presence. Without surprise, she sat, pouring coffee. Her deep-set eyes were partially hidden by long lashes. She removed her cap, letting her hair cascade down, revealing a strikingly beautiful face. A faint, teasing smile played on her lips as she sipped.

From the shadows, a man sighed. "Planning to leave me waiting all night?" he asked.

Yvette lazily lifted her gaze. Jeremiah emerged from behind the wardrobe. "I thought you liked hiding back there," she said casually.

Jeremiah, dressed in black, approached. His low, magnetic voice seemed to pull at her. "I only like you," he said.

Yvette was used to Jeremiah's sweet talk. He was a master of deception, hiding his true strength. She knew not to show weakness. She poured more coffee. Jeremiah scooped her onto his lap, bringing the cup to her lips.

"Find out anything?" he asked.

Nestled in his embrace, Yvette appeared small and delicate. She swung her feet and spoke slowly. "The village chief, Holden, is up to something. There's a secret room in his study. As for what's inside, we'll have to see. Something dark is hidden in Dungo Village; it's definitely not good."

Jeremiah traced circles on her fingers. His voice was low. "Come with me. Tomorrow night, let's return and find out what Holden's hiding."

Yvette shook her head. "No, I have something to discuss with Bonnie tomorrow."

Jeremiah was surprised. His eyes narrowed, deep and intense. Yvette's refusal was final. "Alright, tomorrow night I'll come back. Once we figure out what's going on, we'll take Bonnie with us and leave," he said.

Yvette nodded. "Okay. You should go now." She slipped from his lap.

Jeremiah raised an eyebrow. "What if I leave now and get caught? What should I do? I'm a little scared," he said nonchalantly. "I'm really scared…"

Yvette stroked her chin, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. She patted his shoulder. "Don't worry. If they catch you, I'll definitely rescue you."

Jeremiah paused. "Last question, who did you come to Dungo Village with? A man or a woman?"

Yvette lifted her chin. "A man. Holden's son, Sheldon."

Jeremiah smirked, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. His cold laugh chilled her. "Take care of yourself." He left.

Yvette watched him go. Is he angry? What would an angry man do? she wondered.

In the early hours of the morning, a furious shout from the east side of the house startled everyone. "Ah… I'll kill you! Bastard!" Then came Sheldon's heart-wrenching cries. Lights flickered on, except for Yvette's room. Sheldon's shouting and cursing echoed relentlessly throughout the night, growing louder until morning.

It was a sleepless night for the Jacobs family, except Yvette, who slept soundly. The next day, the servants whispered.

"Did you hear Sheldon scream last night? What happened? It sounded terrifying."

"Yes, I heard it too. I saw Mr. Jacobs go into Sheldon's yard, and he didn't come out until dawn."

"No, I saw something too. Someone carried out several basins of blood from Sheldon's room. It was horrifying."

"Something serious must have happened. Dr. Hansen came last night. If it weren't a big deal, he wouldn't have come."

"I… I saw it… I saw Sheldon's lower body was covered in blood."

"Don't be ridiculous. How could his lower body be covered in blood? Unless…"