Looking around, Charles whispered, "Yvette, these people... are they kept in jars?"

Yvette took a few steps forward, her brow furrowed. "They're not alive, Charles. Merely bodies, sustaining poisonous insects with their flesh, their blood nourishing parasites. Just shells."

Jeremiah spoke, his expression unchanged. "This method of breeding poisonous insects originated in Southeast Asia."

Charles's face grew serious. The cruelty was profound. These people weren't dead, yet they existed in this horrific state, their blood drained, their bodies infested. Death would have been a mercy.

"Yvette," Charles said, "Holden secretly imprisoned over a hundred people in his basement without detection. This is no small feat." Over a hundred missing persons, and the authorities remained oblivious. Holden clearly possessed significant protection.

Jeremiah's brows furrowed, his gaze cold. "I'll have this investigated."

Yvette, hands in her pockets, maintained a calm, fierce expression. Ignoring the surrounding insects, she moved forward. Jeremiah immediately grabbed her hand, shaking his head. "No."

Yvette pulled away. "They can't harm me."

Jeremiah tightened his grip. "What do you mean? Stay close. If you need something done, I'll do it."

Yvette looked into Jeremiah's eyes, raising an eyebrow. "My blood is poison to these insects. If you don't believe me, I'll show you."

Charles was stunned. Yvette's blood is poison to the insects? What's going on?

Jeremiah, his expression dark, remained silent for a long moment before releasing her hand. "They can't get close to you, right?"

Yvette nodded. "They can't."

"Good," Jeremiah said, lifting her into his arms. "I'll carry you out. Just let me."

Yvette nestled against him, smiling slightly. "Let's go."

Jeremiah's gaze softened. He couldn't help but feel his heart soften. "Okay."

Charles trailed behind, overwhelmed. Can't they be a little more mindful of the surroundings? he thought. They're calmly affectionate in this disgusting place! Only big shots could pull this off. And all these insects... amazing... Can't you notice me while you're showing off your affection? I'm terrified of these insects!

Jeremiah, eyes on Yvette, took the first step. A jolt ran through Charles. If the insects weren't afraid of Yvette, Jeremiah's life was in danger. How much courage does it take to make that first step? They truly trust each other unconditionally, he thought.

Jeremiah's foot landed among the insects. To Charles's astonishment, they scattered, fleeing as if encountering a natural predator. The people in the jars opened their eyes, writhing uncontrollably.

"Yvette, they're moving," Charles said.

"An involuntary tremor," Jeremiah replied calmly.

Yvette jumped from Jeremiah's arms, glancing at the jars. "Let's go. The real treasures are inside."

Charles nodded, sensing the treasures Yvette meant were unlike his own conception.

They passed the jars, reaching a small, unassuming door at the far end, lacking even a lock. Yvette stepped forward; the scent of insects intensified.

"The people outside are merely hosts," she said, her voice cool and detached. "The real insects are inside."

Jeremiah's gaze darkened as he pushed open the door. The foul stench was replaced by a refreshing fragrance. A small room contained dozens of exquisite wooden boxes, hinting at immense value.

"Yvette, are the insects here?" Charles asked.

Yvette nodded, a cold glint in her eyes. "Yes." The insects here were likely bred at the cost of at least a thousand lives.

Yvette opened a box, revealing a plump, golden insect with bright, sharp eyes. It looked cute, yet it was a blood-feeding insect, a survivor of countless battles.

Charles stared, stunned. This chubby little thing is the feared insect? This is ridiculous!

Charles picked up another box, but Jeremiah stopped him. "Don't."

Startled, Charles dropped the box, releasing the insect. It took flight, its wings glowing faintly as it darted toward him.

Charles stumbled back. The insect was fast, almost upon him. In a flash, Yvette stepped in front of him. Jeremiah reached for his gun, his face dark.

The insect froze, its golden eyes fixed on Yvette. Jeremiah hesitated, his hand poised. Yvette met the insect's gaze, her own eyes narrowing. This insect possessed intelligence, a rare occurrence.

The insect circled Yvette, then flew to her hand. Yvette extended her palm, and the insect landed, resting comfortably. It rolled over, squinting its eyes contentedly.