The servants scattered at the news; Holden’s explosive temper was legendary. Gideon, who had escorted Yvette, swiftly exited the east room, an elegant box in hand. He proceeded to the hall, carefully opening a hidden wall compartment and placing the box inside with a grim expression. The box's contents were unmistakable.

Last night, an intruder had broken into Sheldon’s room. Despite the residence's hundred-plus patrols, no one noticed a thing. The intruder had severed Sheldon’s penis, leaving a note that simply read: “Such a tiny…”

Soren had deemed Sheldon's condition hopeless. The severed penis meant an end to a normal sex life and the utter destruction of the Jacobs family's future. Sheldon remained unconscious from the pain.

Holden, furious since learning the injury was irreparable, had barricaded himself in his study. An overnight search of Dungo Village yielded nothing.

Gideon sighed, frustration evident in his gaze. "Neither Sheldon nor Mr. Jacobs can have children. The Jacobs family line is extinct."

Meanwhile, Yvette overheard servants whispering near her door. A smirk played on her lips; amusement flickered in her eyes. Jeremiah is kind of cute when he’s being petty. His work is thorough. Not bad… she mused.

With the family in chaos, everyone focused on Sheldon. The servants, aware Yvette was Sheldon's guest, avoided commenting on her comings and goings. Sheldon had instructed the guard watching Bonnie not to impede Yvette, allowing her unimpeded entry.

Bonnie sat up at the creaking door. Since Yvette's arrival the previous day, Bonnie’s demeanor had noticeably improved. Janice, delivering food, attributed this to Bonnie accepting her situation. Last night, Bonnie had eaten heartily, needing strength for her escape with Yvette.

"Hey, Yvette, you're here!" Bonnie exclaimed eagerly at Yvette's entrance. The guard strained to listen.

Yvette sat, dipped a finger in her water, and wrote on the table: [Uprian]. Bonnie understood, switching to their shared language, leaving the guard unable to comprehend their conversation. He dismissed it, assuming Sheldon’s companion posed no threat.

Once the guard left, Yvette said coolly, “I’ve found Holden’s secret chamber. I’ll check it out with Jeremiah tonight.”

Bonnie's excitement was palpable. “I knew it! I knew there was a secret room!”

Yvette’s gaze lowered slightly. “Does Dungo Village have any business dealings with South East Aploth?”

Bonnie shook her head. “Not that I know of. Dungo Village is tiny; most haven't left Clusia. There’s no reason for us to deal with South East Aploth.”

Yvette, still holding her cup, said softly, “Tomorrow, I’ll get you out of here.”

A single day had yielded Dungo Village's secrets. Bonnie nodded. After a pause, she added hesitantly, “Can I bring Janice? She’s been my support since childhood. I really want her with me, but I won't let her be a burden.”

Yvette replied indifferently, “Sure.”

Janice, clutching Bonnie’s phone number, hesitated before dialing. If I call him, he'll learn Bonnie is leaving. What if something unexpected happens? she worried. She pocketed the note and went home.

En route, she encountered Yvette. Dungo Village knew of Sheldon's beautiful guest; even recluses were aware. Janice, considering herself the village beauty, dismissed the villagers’ claims as exaggeration. To her shock, it was true.

Jealousy flared. No matter how beautiful, what use is it with Sheldon? She’s just a plaything. He’ll never marry her, she thought.

Intending to bump into Yvette, Janice stepped into the road, a malicious smile on her face. But she was inexplicably thrown back, landing in a heap.

What just happened? I was going to bump into her! How did I fall? she wondered. She was unaware Yvette was a skilled ancient warrior.

Yvette watched her, cold eyes assessing Janice. “You wanted to bump into me?” she asked indifferently.