Yvette’s gaze was cold and mischievous. Her eyes fell on Rodney as she spoke, her voice soft and slow. “What’s meant to be yours will always be yours.”

Rodney swung his legs, blinked, and said obediently, “What’s mine is also yours, Yvette. We’re family.” He then turned to Jeremiah, letting out a haughty hum. “Man, I don’t think you’re the right one for Yvette. How about this? We make a deal. You can be Yvette’s knight for now, protect her. Once I grow up, I’ll marry Yvette, and then you can retire.”

His seriousness was evident to everyone present. Samantha stared, astonished. How dare a teenage kid say this to Jeremiah? she thought. This is ridiculous! Jeremiah has a new rival, and he’s not even of legal age! Yvette’s charm is incredible!

Jeremiah’s eyes were icy, yet his tone casual. “Really? Haven’t you heard? Things rarely go as you expect.”

Eagle King laughed, followed by Emmett and Charles. How cruel to a little boy! they thought. He just shattered his romantic fantasies.

Rodney, understanding Jeremiah’s words, pouted and jumped into Yvette’s arms, looking utterly wronged. “He’s really bad! How could he curse me? He’s just jealous of how handsome I am!”

Eagle King watched Rodney’s spoiled display, shaking his head. This little boy acts sweet with Yvette, but with others, he's a devil, killing without hesitation, he thought. He sighed. “Enough, Rodney. You’re the king of Voraxia. Do you really need to act like this? Consider your status.”

Before Rodney could respond, Jeremiah grabbed his shirt collar, hoisting him into the air. Rodney’s eyes widened in surprise as his legs dangled. Struggling, he glared at Jeremiah. “Hey, let me down! I’m the king of Voraxia!”

Jeremiah smirked, looking down at the dangling boy. “Why didn’t you mention being the king of Voraxia when you were acting all spoiled?”

Rodney grumbled, “You’re just jealous that I can act cute with Yvette. You’re a jealous old man! Yvette, save me!”

Yvette observed Rodney’s helpless kicking, rubbing her forehead. Her gaze was dark and serious. “Old man? Is that what you call him?”

Rodney froze. This wasn’t an act; he felt genuinely wronged. The tension was palpable for Samantha, Charles, Emmett, and even Eagle King. Rodney’s tears fell. Jeremiah, sensing this, loosened his grip.

Standing alone, Rodney radiated loneliness. “I’m sorry, Yvette. I won’t call him old man again. Please, don’t be mad.”

Yvette walked over, looking down with a blank face. “Didn’t I tell you that tears are the most useless thing in this world? Crying is a sign of weakness. Never use tears to solve problems.”

Rodney quickly wiped his tears. “I’ve never cried in front of others. I only cry when…”

Yvette’s lazy expression and silence stopped him. He lowered his head. “I’m sorry, Yvette. I remember you told me never to cry in front of others. It won’t happen again.”

His composure returned instantly, astonishing Samantha, Charles, and Emmett. This kid’s a good actor! they thought.

Samantha still found it unreal. “How could such a child be the king of Voraxia? He should be in school, living a carefree life. Instead, he’s here, in a ruthless world where he doesn’t even have the right to cry.”

Charles remained calm. “Without Yvette, Rodney wouldn’t be here. Voraxia is a place where only the strong survive. Yvette is right. Tears don’t solve anything.”

Eagle King shook his head. “You might think Rodney crying is surprising, but three years ago, he was killing hundreds daily. His methods were brutal, but it’s not his fault. There’s no family tradition here; it’s all about strength. If he didn’t kill, others would kill him. No one cares if he’s a child.”

People couldn't choose their origins. Some were born noble; others faced hardship. The ultimate goal, regardless, was survival.

Yvette patted Rodney’s head. He looked up hopefully. “Can you come home with me for a couple of days? Don’t you want to see how I’ve been managing my place?”

Yvette paused, then nodded. “Alright, just two days.”

Rodney was overjoyed. “Hooray! Two more days with Yvette!”

Yvette turned to Jeremiah, who lounged on the couch. She raised an eyebrow. He subtly shifted his gaze and replied casually, “Okay.”

Downstairs, Quinn trembled, his legs aching. He stared at the elevator, filled with anticipation. He’d never imagined Yvette knew Rodney. In Voraxia, Rodney was legendary, even more famous than his father, Hadley, the former king. At ten, he’d eliminated six gang leaders in one night. Age meant nothing in Voraxia; power reigned supreme. He was the largest arms dealer, controlling Voraxia with an iron fist. He held absolute authority. Quinn was glad for how Rodney treated Yvette and her people. Rodney’s words alone could shake the region.