Yvette stepped from the bathroom. Jeremiah, seated in a chair on the phone, immediately looked at her. As she reached for a towel, he smoothly took it from her.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, his crisp white shirt casually unbuttoned at the collar, accentuating his tall frame. He sighed softly. "Let me do it for you."

Yvette turned, raising an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Okay."

Jeremiah ran his fingers through her hair. His gaze fell on a small scar on her little finger. He paused. His voice turned serious. "How did you get this?"

Yvette tilted her head, tugging at his collar, her eyes moist but unconcerned. "When I was seven, they threw me into a colosseum. A wolf bit me, but I chopped off its head."

Jeremiah's hand tightened, anger flashing in his eyes. "Which colosseum? Who did this to you?"

Yvette inhaled, her voice calm. "I killed the person and burned the colosseum." His anger subsided, replaced by affection. He pulled her close, intertwined his fingers in her hair, and kissed her deeply. His body enveloped hers.

In the darkness, he kissed her, seeking to warm her lips. She lifted her gaze, met his, and kissed him back. He stiffened, then lifted her, pressing her against a column before claiming her lips again in a fierce kiss. Their breaths mingled, their eyes closed.

Later that night, Jeremiah woke. Looking down at Yvette in his arms, he kissed her temple, holding her close. His expression was complex. He wondered about the dangers she had faced, the thought aching in his heart.

The next day, Yvette, Andrew, and Bonnie returned to school. Andrew went to the library, Bonnie to class, and Yvette to Simon's office. Simon, accustomed to Yvette's easygoing demeanor, wasn't surprised by her request for time off—getting her back for a test had been a challenge.

"How long will you be gone? May I ask where you're headed?" he asked. His concern wasn't intrusive; he genuinely cared for her, knowing James from Betrico frequently inquired about her.

Yvette's fine eyebrows arched slightly. "I'm going to Voraxia, but I'm not sure when."

Simon spat out his tea, coughing uncontrollably. He stared in disbelief. "Voraxia? You, a girl, going there? It's too dangerous!"

Yvette's tone was indifferent. "I'll be going with Jeremiah."

Simon froze. The problem isn't that she's going with Jeremiah, but that she's going to one of the most dangerous places in the world! he thought.

He shook his head. "Even with Jeremiah, it's dangerous, Yvette. Please reconsider. What's so important?"

Yvette replied slowly, "It's a case, Mr. Sunderland, and I have to go."

Simon sighed. He knew better than to argue. He knew James would worry.

As Yvette prepared to leave, she added, "Please don't tell anyone at Betrico."

Simon nodded. That was his intention. He escorted her to the gate, encountering many students who greeted them warmly. Simon's approachable nature was well-known, but Yvette drew even more attention.

At the gate, Simon reiterated his warnings. Yvette listened attentively. Only when Jeremiah arrived did he finally stop.

"Goodbye, Mr. Sunderland," Yvette said with a polite smile.

Simon watched her leave, thinking, Yvette is no ordinary person. Argrol University couldn't hold her back. He felt the Voraxia trip would be a catalyst for something truly extraordinary.

In the car, Yvette casually asked, "What's for dinner?"

Jeremiah gently squeezed her fingers, amusement in his eyes.

Emmett, overhearing, visibly brightened. Jeremiah's cooking was exceptional.

Jeremiah, instantly resuming his usual cold demeanor, said to Emmett, "Let's go to the supermarket."

Emmett sped off, his eagerness evident. The vegetable vendors greeted them warmly, giving them more than they purchased. One vendor even asked about Jeremiah's marital status, offering him a villa if he was interested.

Emmett was stunned. Are vendors this rich now? he thought, recalling the saying about Clusian middle-aged women and Wall Street. He understood now: Look at Jeremiah! They're offering him a villa! I wish I were that handsome!

At the villa, Emmett bumped into Samantha. Her eyes lit up seeing the vegetables. Jeremiah's cooking surpassed even five-star chefs.

"What's going on? Is Jeremiah cooking again?" she asked excitedly.

Emmett nodded. "Yeah, Yvette asked him to cook."

Samantha smiled. She knew that following Yvette meant daily feasts.