Quinn waited anxiously, but the leader hadn't emerged from the car. He muttered to himself, increasingly puzzled, until a commanding yet youthful voice announced, "I'm here."

Quinn froze, his eyes widening in shock. Inside, Yvette observed Eagle King's unease and the curious glances from Charles, Samantha, and Emmett. She casually rubbed her fingers, tilted her head, and glanced at Jeremiah. "I…"

Before she could finish, the doorbell rang. Eagle King, glancing towards the door, muttered, "No way… How could he be so fast?" He quickly shook his head, reassuring himself, "That's impossible. He's not some kind of god. There's no way he's here already."

His flustered reaction only intensified Charles, Samantha, and Emmett's curiosity. Who could rattle Eagle King so? Whoever it was, they clearly weren't someone to trifle with.

Yvette sat on the couch, propping her chin in her hand, her gaze fixed on the door. Samantha rose and opened it. Quinn, pale and trembling, stood before her. Samantha peered out, seeing no one else.

Politely, she asked, "Is something wrong?" He had already visited half an hour earlier, when they'd delivered the meal.

Quinn froze, his body stiffening. He forced a painful smile, stammering, "Well…"

Before he could continue, a voice interrupted from behind him. "Excuse me, lady, is Yvette here?"

A chill ran down Samantha's spine. She recoiled, shocked. "What the hell? Who's speaking?"

Emmett and Charles, noticing Samantha's reaction, rose and approached the door. Eagle King's face darkened. He thought, How the hell did this brat get here so fast?

Yvette paused, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Eagle King with a faint smile. Eagle King could only plead with his eyes, to no avail.

Quinn, trembling, took unsteady steps backward. Behind him, a boy of thirteen or fourteen appeared. His neatly styled black hair, round face, bright smile, and sparkling eyes made him impossibly cute. His smooth skin, chubby cheeks, a small mole near his eye, and long eyelashes completed the picture of a mischievous troublemaker.

Despite his age, he wore a dark suit and shiny leather shoes, yet the outfit didn't seem out of place. His "mature" look instantly charmed Samantha. She smiled, asking, "Hey kid, are you looking for Yvette? Who are you?"

Hearing him mention Yvette, she recognized his childishness. This was Voraxia; a young boy arriving alone at the hotel to find Yvette seemed illogical. Recalling Eagle King's reaction and cryptic words, her heart skipped a beat. Could this kid be the one Eagle King was talking about?

The boy looked at Emmett and Charles as they approached, then turned to Samantha with an innocent smile. "I'm Yvette's friend. Can you let me in?"

Emmett narrowed his eyes. "Are you a friend of Yvette's?"

Charles, captivated by the boy's delicate features, stared. He was undeniably cute, but his claim seemed dubious. Samantha and Emmett shared his skepticism. Why did Yvette have so many friends? Did she start making friends at birth?

The boy nodded seriously. "Yeah, Yvette is my best friend. I need to see her."

Charles, his gaze dropping to the boy's waist, remained silent.

The boy, losing patience, thought, Are they stopping me from seeing Yvette? Anyone who stands in my way should be eliminated. His eyes flashed with cold fury.

Emmett and Charles sensed the shift in atmosphere. They instinctively pulled Samantha back, eyes fixed on the boy.

Just then, Yvette's calm voice called from inside, "Let him in."

The boy's killing intent vanished, replaced by complete innocence. He ignored the suspicious gazes and walked into the room.

Samantha watched, her curiosity piqued. "I'm really curious. How does Yvette make friends? Even a kid like this is so cool."

Charles's voice was low and serious. "This kid isn't just cool. His background is far deeper than we thought."

Emmett nodded thoughtfully. "Let's go. We'll find out exactly who he is once we go in."

Seeing Yvette on the couch, the boy's eyes lit up. He straightened his jacket, striving for a professional appearance.

Eagle King, casually biting into an apple, thought, This little brat just loves to put on a show.

Yvette, legs crossed, watched the boy adjust his clothes. As he rushed toward her, she remained impassive.

He threw his arms around her leg, quickly glancing at Jeremiah before nudging his leg aside with his bottom.

Jeremiah, leaning back, watched the boy's smug face and long, dangling legs. He thought the boy needed a lesson.

The boy pretended to wipe away tears, launching into his performance. "Mom, why haven't you contacted me in so long? Have you forgotten about me? How could you do this to me? But don't worry, look at me—I'm all grown up now.

"I can feed myself, make money, and everything. Please don't ignore me anymore, I miss you so much. Remember, I'm the one you promised to love the most. How could you never come to see me?"

His voice quivered, tears rolling down his cheeks.

Eagle King nearly choked on his apple. Damn it. I knew this little brat had no good intentions.

Emmett, Samantha, and Charles were frozen.

Emmett couldn't believe his ears. "What did this kid just say?"

Samantha swallowed nervously. "Did he just call Yvette… what?"

Charles nodded slowly, still in shock. "He called Yvette 'Mom.'"

The word felt strange. They looked not at Yvette, but at Jeremiah, who watched silently as the boy clung to Yvette's leg.

Noticing Jeremiah's stare, the boy shrank back, his expression pitiful. "Are you Mom's boyfriend?

"It's okay. If you don't like me, I can stay out of your way. I just want you to let Mom come back and see me. That would make me so happy."

Jeremiah observed the boy's smug expression and the glimmer of triumph in his eyes. He smiled faintly. Is this kid playing pranks on me?