Samantha laughed at Bonnie's serious expression. Bonnie was quite cute. Samantha then glanced at Andrew, a thought flitting through her mind: "Hey… Andrew's so dumb. I wonder if his kid will be as dumb as he is."

Andrew noticed her strange glance and sigh. Confused, he touched his face. "Samantha, is there something on my face? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Samantha, instead of answering, pinched Bonnie's cheek. The soft skin was tempting, so she pinched it a few more times, reddening Bonnie's face.

Andrew quickly pulled Bonnie into his arms. Samantha chuckled. "Alright, alright, what's the big deal? I was just pinching her cheek. Do you have to overreact, Andrew?"

Andrew didn't want to expose her playful, almost flirtatious behavior with Bonnie. Samantha had always enjoyed interacting with pretty girls. If she weren't dating someone, he might have suspected her preferences.

At that moment, Rafferty, using a cane, hobbled toward them. Yvette saw his hesitant look. "What is it?"

Jeremiah, exuding an air of quiet authority, turned to Rafferty. Rafferty, intimidated, even trembled.

Samantha, Charles, and the others also turned. Bonnie stepped forward to support him as two policemen followed, stepping aside. "Rafferty, you…"

"Sorry," Rafferty sighed, his eyes clouded with bitterness. "The villagers made a mistake. I…"

He continued, "Bonnie, you didn't do anything wrong. You're right. The villagers have grown accustomed to handouts. For money, they ignored Holden's crimes. I was wrong. I shouldn't have let Holden do as he pleased to maintain the peace. We all must face consequences. It's not your fault. Leave Dungo Village and live your own life. Forget this identity that's bound you for so long."

Bonnie's eyes welled, and she wiped away tears. "Rafferty, I…"

He gently patted her head, silencing her. Samantha, Andrew, Charles, and Emmett watched in silence.

One wrong decision had destroyed a centuries-old village. Rafferty, lifting his head shakily, looked at Yvette, recognizing her as the leader. "Miss, I want to tell you what I know. Whether you investigate is up to you."

Curiosity rippled through the group. What does Rafferty need to tell Yvette specifically? they wondered.

Yvette's expression remained calm. Her brows lifted slightly. "Do you know who Holden made a deal with?"

Charles instantly recalled Holden mentioning Mr. Miller from Southeast Aploth. Samantha and Andrew, unaware of this detail, were curious. Rafferty froze, offered a bitter smile, and nodded.

"Miss," he began, "Holden dealt with a man who came to Dungo Village."

Bonnie quickly asked, "Rafferty, did Holden trade poisonous insects with outsiders?" Rafferty's eyes reddened.

He continued, "I overheard them. Mr. Miller mentioned connections in Clusia, sending people to cultivate insects, which Holden then sent back to Southeast Aploth. This has been going on for seven or eight years. Holden's insects aren't high-grade, but they control minds. Mr. Miller seems to want to use them for control and business in Southeast Aploth. That's all I know. You don't seem ordinary; if you want to investigate, go ahead."

He looked at Bonnie. "Take care of yourself."

The policemen handcuffed Rafferty and led him away. A police officer approached Jeremiah.

"Mr. Chavez, all villagers are apprehended. Further instructions?"

Jeremiah's cold presence weighed heavily on the officer, who didn't dare lift his head. This was Clusia's youngest General, handling a major case in a remote village.

Jeremiah remained impassive. "The villagers will be dealt with according to the law. The case will be reported."

The officer quickly nodded, relieved to relinquish the case.

Only Yvette and the others remained. Bonnie gazed at the empty village, her sorrow evident.

Samantha asked Yvette, "About Mr. Miller, should we investigate? Southeast Aploth?"

Samantha was eager. This trip had been far more exciting than life in Betrico. She could easily leave her business for a year or two. She decided to stay with Yvette this year, sensing excitement. Charles and Emmett would follow Yvette and Jeremiah.

Yvette, hands in pockets, replied casually, "Yes."

Even if Yvette didn't pursue it, Jeremiah would. Illegal activities were never tolerated in Clusia. Anyone who offended Clusia would be punished, no matter how far they fled.

Jeremiah nodded, his gaze clear. "You return to Seacrity. Once I identify Mr. Miller's Clusian contact, we'll go to Southeast Aploth."

Yvette nodded. Bonnie slapped her forehead.

"Yvette, Sheldon wasn't taken. If he's escaped, that's bad. He knows everything Holden was doing."

Jeremiah's expression didn't change. He raised an eyebrow. "He won't escape. He's in the east yard."

Yvette noticed his casual tone. Sheldon definitely wouldn't escape. Knowing Jeremiah's methods, she knew he was likely already dealt with.

Charles twitched his lips. "Don't worry. Sheldon won't escape…" He silently thought, Clearly, this could have been solved quickly. Yet Jeremiah gave Sheldon three cuts before finally dealing with him. He’s so ruthless.