The Eagle King reached out to point at Jeremiah, but as his finger extended, Jeremiah met his gaze with calm indifference. His finger veered, landing on Rodney instead.

“Boss,” the Eagle King complained, “that little brat Rodney called me ugly! I can handle ‘ugly,’ but he insulted my fashion sense! I’m at the forefront of trends, the fashion darling! This is outrageous! You have to support me!”

His accusation silenced everyone. They thought, The fashion darling? Who calls that peculiar getup fashionable?

Samantha sipped her coffee. “Actually,” she said, defending the Eagle King, “his outfit does have an artistic flair.”

Her comment was more artistic than the Eagle King’s style. Even Emmett, Charles, and Jeremiah—who was slicing sausage—paused. Their eyes clearly conveyed, Seriously? Doesn’t lying bother your conscience?

Samantha calmly exchanged silent glances with the others. Her apparent appreciation deeply moved the Eagle King.

“Samantha,” he said, “you’ve got an eye for fashion.”

The way he said it made Samantha’s eye twitch. Is it too late to take back my words? she thought.

Yvette looked at the slightly downcast Eagle King, calmly picked up the orange juice Jeremiah had poured, lowered her eyes, relaxed her posture, and smiled gently. “Your outfit is perfect,” she said softly. “Fashion is about standing out, and you’re the brightest star in the crowd. Don’t mind what the kid said; they’re too young to understand.”

Her words lifted the Eagle King’s spirits. A million dissenting opinions wouldn't matter; Yvette's approval was all that counted. He trusted her judgment above all others.

Glancing around the table, feeling proud and satisfied, he shook off his earlier disappointment. “Listen to what Yvette just said,” he declared. “That's a real compliment! Want to know what dressing well means? What refined taste is? Look at me, folks!”

Their expressions were hard to decipher as they looked at Yvette, chin resting on her hand. Emmett, Samantha, and Charles all wondered the same thing: Is Yvette the boss of Vibe?

Jeremiah wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I think your style is very tasteful as well,” he said seriously.

Emmett, Samantha, and Charles exchanged a look and sipped their coffee simultaneously. Jeremiah’s quick change of heart was a perfect example of someone aligning with their partner’s views—a clear sign of lovestruck thinking.

Rodney swung his legs, sneaking a glance at the Eagle King, his eyes showing inner conflict. Finally, he went against his better judgment. “Eagle King,” he said, “Yvette was right. Your outfit looks great! The colors match perfectly. I was joking before, so please don’t be mad.”

This abrupt shift left the Eagle King speechless. He felt used. Without Yvette’s praise, neither Jeremiah nor Rodney would have complimented him. He was a stepping stone, a means to win Yvette's favor. He was worn out. It had to end.

He chuckled arrogantly. “Rodney,” he said, “since you can admit your mistakes and recognize your aesthetic shortcomings, I’ll be generous and forgive you this time.”

His skill at teasing children was on full display, but Rodney ignored him, blinking at Yvette. “Yvette,” he said, “my sense of style is just like yours, right?”

Emmett, Samantha, and Charles looked at the Eagle King. One praised him to please Yvette; the other to show his similar style. The Eagle King fell silent again.

Rodney turned to console him, but his words were shocking. “Eagle King, don’t be upset. Even though you’re not good-looking, you’re kind. Besides, Flying Fish will never look down on you. Keep your confidence up.”

The Eagle King offered a weak smile; his confidence was shattered.

Then, with a roar that shook the living room, he shouted, “Rodney, get over here! What do you mean by saying I’m ugly but kind?!”

Seeing his chance, Rodney turned to Jeremiah. “Jeremiah, cover for me! I’m running! Good luck; I believe you can handle the Eagle King!”

Jeremiah nodded. Rodney politely addressed Yvette. “Yvette, take your time eating. See you later.” He dashed out.

“Rodney, where do you think you’re going?!” the Eagle King roared.

Rodney sped up.

The Eagle King stood up. “Take your time eating,” he told the others. “I have to teach that little brat a lesson.” He stormed after Rodney.

Yvette leisurely ate her bread. Jeremiah calmly drank his coffee.

“Hey, Yvette,” Emmett said, “is the Eagle King going to be okay with Rodney?” Judging by his anger, a spanking seemed likely.

Jeremiah placed sliced sausage in front of Yvette. “Do you want an apple?” he asked softly.

She nodded slightly.

After breakfast, Jeremiah peeled a large red apple. Yvette tilted her head toward Emmett, Samantha, and Charles, smirking slightly. “Don’t worry,” she said casually. “Kash is outside. The Eagle King can’t catch Rodney. And even if he did, he’d have to let him go.”

Though doubtful, they heard the Eagle King yelling in the yard.

“Darn it, Kash, are you serious? I didn’t hit him! Did you really have to go that far? Hey, Kash, if you keep this up, I’m not gonna hold back! Seriously, you’re too ruthless, taking over all three routes! You’ve really picked up some nasty tricks from that rascal, Rodney!”

Kash’s cold voice replied, “Who are you calling a rascal?”

The sounds of fighting and Randy’s cheers followed: “Kash, quick, hit him there! Eagle King, look, something strange is flying over there! Kash, go for it! Go for it! You’re the best, give it your all!”

At the table, they heard the intensity of the fight. They all looked at Yvette, calm and composed. As she predicted, with Kash's help, the Eagle King stood no chance.

“Yvette,” Emmett asked curiously, “the Eagle King’s ancient combat power isn’t common. Is Kash really that strong?”

Samantha echoed his curiosity. “Yeah, Yvette, the Eagle King is supposed to be really strong. Who’s actually stronger, him or Kash?”