Eagle King continued, “Yvette came to Voraxia three years ago. I assumed it was because Hadley had wronged her, prompting her to kill him. Who knew she was an Interpol officer?”

A hint of disbelief, almost grievance, colored Eagle King's voice. A tough guy like him looking so vulnerable was, honestly, amusing.

Rodney, lounging on the couch, glanced at him. “That expression suits you, Mr. Eagle King, but on you? It's terrifying.”

Eagle King bristled at his words.

Samantha, Charles, and Emmett began connecting the pieces. Eagle King's account suggested Rodney cared little for Hadley, explaining his lack of revenge.

However, one detail troubled them. Even without a thirst for vengeance, shouldn't Rodney be more distant from Yvette?

Seeing their confusion, Eagle King sighed and continued. “Hadley intended to sell Rodney to a Voraxian criminal notorious for torturing children. The outcome… well, you can imagine. Yvette saved him, then killed Hadley.”

Samantha's fury ignited. She glared at the delicate-looking Rodney. “Hadley was garbage. Using his own son to curry favor? He got what he deserved.”

Rodney met Samantha's gaze, his voice calm. “It’s alright. Without Hadley, I wouldn't have met Yvette. I dealt with that bastard myself.”

His casual tone belied the gravity of his words.

Samantha observed Rodney's unfazed expression. His repeated mention of Yvette prompted a sigh. She realized, No wonder this kid harbors no resentment toward Yvette. Had she not killed Hadley, he’d likely be dead.

Emmett and Charles felt a similar epiphany. If Rodney hadn't met Yvette, he'd be dead. No wonder he treats her so well. They're not enemies, but family.

Jeremiah eyed Rodney, whose short legs dangled from the couch. He shifted slightly, his gaze sharp and cold. “Are you the new King of Voraxia?”

Rodney stiffened, shooting Jeremiah an annoyed look. Yvette’s boyfriend is always so sly… He’s lucky to have her.

Eagle King snorted. “Rodney became King because Eldoria's largest gang supplies him with the most advanced weapons annually, at rock-bottom prices. In Voraxia, power is everything.”

Emmett, Charles, and Samantha needed no further explanation. Voraxia's brutality was well known. A ten-year-old couldn't possibly rule without significant backing.

Hadley's death would have sparked a power struggle; a child like Rodney couldn't simply seize control.

Eagle King looked at the seemingly innocent Rodney. “Don't underestimate him. Weapons alone wouldn't suffice. He may appear harmless, but he's ruthless and decisive.”

He recalled those days. Backed by Eldoria's weaponry, the ten-year-old Rodney had, within a year, won the hearts of the populace, forcefully subdued his enemies, and solidified his position through a massive influx of capital. Within another six months, he'd eliminated all opposition, officially becoming King.

Charles had a sudden thought. A ten-year-old possesses neither the funds nor the connections to Eldoria's largest gang. How could Rodney…

He turned to Yvette, lounging on the couch, her expression unreadable as she casually crossed her legs. Could it be Yvette? If she helped Rodney, everything makes sense!

Emmett and Samantha reached the same conclusion. Samantha swallowed nervously, bracing for the revelation. Sitting down, she stammered, “So, the Eldoria gang… they supplied us with the weapons?”

Eagle King glanced at Yvette, recognizing the lack of need for secrecy among friends.

He nodded. “Who else? Honestly, I don’t know what she sees in this kid, but she's gone all out to help him. Without her, Eldoria wouldn't provide Rodney with weapons at such a low cost annually.” Eldoria was a global weapons powerhouse. Voraxia would be insignificant without Yvette's influence.

Rodney's rise was entirely due to Yvette.

Emmett, Charles, and Samantha now understood.

Samantha looked at Yvette with newfound respect. If anyone’s impressive, it's Yvette. She helped a ten-year-old become King of Voraxia. That’s a story even the biggest braggarts couldn't top! If Rodney hadn't shown up, Yvette probably wouldn't have mentioned it. That's a lot to process.

Samantha paused, then sighed. “Who knew I'd meet the King of Voraxia? And he's a kid! This is insane.”

Sticking by Yvette had been the best decision. This was far more significant than broadening her horizons.

Emmett agreed, pondering Jeremiah's true identity. What will Yvette think when Jeremiah's identity is revealed? He felt a strange curiosity.

Rodney smiled sweetly, his eyes calm. “I’m not the King of Voraxia. Yvette is. I’ll do whatever she says, even if it means dying.”

Yvette lazily lifted her gaze, offering a half-smile. “Stop watching soap operas.”

Rodney pouted sincerely. “I’m serious, Yvette. Had you stayed, you would be the King. People would have followed you more easily.”

Only Yvette and Rodney knew that Hadley's followers disrespected Rodney. When he announced he was abandoning the drug trade, they rebelled. Yvette personally visited each of them.

By the next day, half the rebels had vanished, and those remaining eagerly agreed to Rodney's decision. The fate of the missing was well known to the survivors.