Jeremiah picked up the phone; after a brief moment, Jase's serious voice came through the speaker. "What have you and Yvette been up to this time?"

Jeremiah's gaze darkened. The timing of Jase's call, so soon after Joe's departure, seemed suspiciously convenient.

Before Jeremiah could respond, Jase continued, "Yvette is with you, right? Hand her the phone. Wait, never mind, just put it on speaker."

Jeremiah hesitated before switching to speaker mode. Jase's booming voice instantly filled the room, sounding far more cheerful than before. "Yvette, my dear, you must be tired."

The unexpected warmth in Jase's tone caused Samantha and Emmett to exchange a glance. They wondered what had caused this sudden shift in demeanor; he was usually stern and serious, rarely displaying happiness. This was unusual.

Yvette raised an eyebrow, her eyes dark and contemplative. "What did Carl do?" she asked coolly.

There was a brief pause before Jase continued, "Carl contacted someone in Betrico this morning. He's willing to donate three national-treasure-grade bronze artifacts to Clusia—no strings attached."

"The value of these artifacts is immeasurable," Jase continued. "More importantly, Carl's influence within the Clusian community will draw significant attention to the issue of our lost treasures."

Jase's voice was tinged with emotion. The Clusian invasion had resulted in the plundering of many national treasures, which now resided in foreign museums, flaunted as spoils of war. Each lost artifact was a symbol of Clusia's humiliation; the fight to retrieve them and reclaim their ancestral heritage was ongoing.

After a pause, Jase added, "Carl spoke to Clifford. He said the donation of these bronze artifacts is a gift for you and Jeremiah. He also specifically requested that the Clusian government allow Jeremiah to personally escort the national treasures home."

Normally, such decisions fell to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, Carl's request to have Jeremiah personally escort the treasures explained much. Without Carl's specific request, the opportunity would have sparked fierce competition. Now, there was no room for dispute.

Samantha, Emmett, Charles, and the Eagle King were stunned. They realized Carl's matched gemstones given to Yvette and Jeremiah were merely a prelude to this far more significant gift: the invaluable opportunity to escort the national treasures.

Carl's request to have Jeremiah escort the artifacts was a calculated move to place him in the global spotlight. As Clusia's youngest general, this opportunity would undoubtedly boost his future prospects. It was a considerable gift indeed.

Jeremiah remained calm, his expression unchanged. Yvette barely lifted her gaze, her expression as indifferent as ever. Her voice was steady and unemotional. "When?"

Jase replied, "In about two weeks. The exact date is still being finalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Carl, but once it's decided, orders will be issued immediately for Jeremiah to personally escort the artifacts back to Clusia."

In Betrico, Jase leaned on his cane, gazing out the window with a distant expression. "On behalf of Clusia, thank you, Carl."

Carl's message was clear: without Yvette's involvement, the bronze artifacts would never have been donated. Jase was continually surprised by Yvette's resourcefulness. Carl's donation was far more significant than a mere honor; it was something profoundly deeper.

Yvette said, "I did nothing. Jeremiah saved Carl's grandson, Joe. He's the one escorting them, and he deserves the credit."

A smile spread across Jeremiah's face. Jase also smiled, thinking, 'Although Yvette is quiet, she's very smart.'

News of Carl's personal appointment of Jeremiah spread rapidly, prompting gossip among Betrico's upper class. Rumors of Jeremiah's supposed underhanded tactics circulated, necessitating an explanation. The truth—his saving of Carl's grandson—was revealed.

Jase reassured them, "Don't worry, I know how to handle the rumors here."

When the call ended, Samantha exclaimed, "Carl truly is impressive. He handles everything so carefully, step by step, leaving no room for criticism."

Emmett agreed, "He's certainly smart."

Holding the note that read "settled," the Eagle King grunted, "Not bad, I guess."

Charles set down his gift and said softly, "If Carl hadn't voluntarily left the underworld gang in Mysonna, Damian might never have taken the throne. In terms of vision, strategy, and support, he was no match for Carl."

Yvette stood, hands in her pockets, glancing at them. "Once we're done here, head straight to Mysonna."

They nodded. Yvette pulled on a cap, partially concealing her face. "Wait for my message the day after tomorrow."

Samantha, Emmett, Charles, and the Eagle King were aware of Rory's situation and awaited her next move in Mysonna.

Meanwhile, in a villa, Rory sat gloomily on the couch, her exposed half-face contorted under harsh light, making her appear even more terrifying. She glanced at the clock. It was noon. She thought, 'Very well. Yvette was gone all day. She's probably off having fun with someone. I thought she was different, but she's shameless. And Holden, who hung up on me at once. What could he possibly be busy with? If it weren't for his ability to control poisonous insects, I would never have worked with him.'

Just then, a subordinate entered, holding a red box. Kneeling, he said respectfully, "Boss, the item you requested is here."

Rory's eyes turned cold as she gazed at the box. Every month, she endured excruciating pain—if not for her husband, she wouldn't have sunk so low.

After the man left, she opened the box. Inside lay a still poisonous insect. Rory donned gloves, picked up the creature, and placed it on the burned side of her left cheek. She let out a miserable roar.

The cleaning servants continued their work, seemingly oblivious.

Half an hour later, Rory replaced the insect, her damaged skin healing as fresh scabs formed, improving her appearance considerably.

That afternoon, someone immediately reported Yvette's return to Rory.

Furious, Rory stormed into Yvette's room. She found Yvette about to change her clothes. Her gaze fell upon Yvette's slender waist; her eyes turned wicked.

But before she could act, Yvette calmly lowered her hand, turned, and met her gaze. Her eyes were dark, cold, and full of malice.