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.
โBoss,โ the Eagle King complained, โthat little brat Rodney called me ugly! I can handle โugly,โ but he insulted my fashion sense! Iโm at the forefront of trends, the fashion darling! This is outrageous! You have to support me!โ
His accusation silenced everyone. They thought, The fashion darling? Who calls that peculiar getup fashionable?
Samantha sipped her coffee. โActually,โ she said, defending the Eagle King, โhis outfit does have an artistic flair.โ
Her comment was more artistic than the Eagle Kingโs style. Even Emmett, Charles, and Jeremiahโwho was slicing sausageโpaused. Their eyes clearly conveyed, Seriously? Doesnโt lying bother your conscience?
Samantha calmly exchanged silent glances with the others. Her apparent appreciation deeply moved the Eagle King.
โSamantha,โ he said, โyouโve got an eye for fashion.โ
The way he said it made Samanthaโs 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. โYour outfit is perfect,โ she said softly. โFashion is about standing out, and youโre the brightest star in the crowd. Donโt mind what the kid said; theyโre too young to understand.โ
Her words lifted the Eagle Kingโs 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. โListen to what Yvette just said,โ he declared. โThat's a real compliment! Want to know what dressing well means? What refined taste is? Look at me, folks!โ
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. โI think your style is very tasteful as well,โ he said seriously.
Emmett, Samantha, and Charles exchanged a look and sipped their coffee simultaneously. Jeremiahโs quick change of heart was a perfect example of someone aligning with their partnerโs viewsโa 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. โEagle King,โ he said, โYvette was right. Your outfit looks great! The colors match perfectly. I was joking before, so please donโt be mad.โ
This abrupt shift left the Eagle King speechless. He felt used. Without Yvetteโs 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. โRodney,โ he said, โsince you can admit your mistakes and recognize your aesthetic shortcomings, Iโll be generous and forgive you this time.โ
His skill at teasing children was on full display, but Rodney ignored him, blinking at Yvette. โYvette,โ he said, โmy sense of style is just like yours, right?โ
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. โEagle King, donโt be upset. Even though youโre not good-looking, youโre kind. Besides, Flying Fish will never look down on you. Keep your confidence up.โ
The Eagle King offered a weak smile; his confidence was shattered.
Then, with a roar that shook the living room, he shouted, โRodney, get over here! What do you mean by saying Iโm ugly but kind?!โ
Seeing his chance, Rodney turned to Jeremiah. โJeremiah, cover for me! Iโm running! Good luck; I believe you can handle the Eagle King!โ
Jeremiah nodded. Rodney politely addressed Yvette. โYvette, take your time eating. See you later.โ He dashed out.
โRodney, where do you think youโre going?!โ the Eagle King roared.
Rodney sped up.
The Eagle King stood up. โTake your time eating,โ he told the others. โI have to teach that little brat a lesson.โ He stormed after Rodney.
Yvette leisurely ate her bread. Jeremiah calmly drank his coffee.
โHey, Yvette,โ Emmett said, โis the Eagle King going to be okay with Rodney?โ Judging by his anger, a spanking seemed likely.
Jeremiah placed sliced sausage in front of Yvette. โDo you want an apple?โ 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. โDonโt worry,โ she said casually. โKash is outside. The Eagle King canโt catch Rodney. And even if he did, heโd have to let him go.โ
Though doubtful, they heard the Eagle King yelling in the yard.
โDarn it, Kash, are you serious? I didnโt hit him! Did you really have to go that far? Hey, Kash, if you keep this up, Iโm not gonna hold back! Seriously, youโre too ruthless, taking over all three routes! Youโve really picked up some nasty tricks from that rascal, Rodney!โ
Kashโs cold voice replied, โWho are you calling a rascal?โ
The sounds of fighting and Randyโs cheers followed: โKash, quick, hit him there! Eagle King, look, something strange is flying over there! Kash, go for it! Go for it! Youโre the best, give it your all!โ
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.
โYvette,โ Emmett asked curiously, โthe Eagle Kingโs ancient combat power isnโt common. Is Kash really that strong?โ
Samantha echoed his curiosity. โYeah, Yvette, the Eagle King is supposed to be really strong. Whoโs actually stronger, him or Kash?โ