Ryan was stunned, but then his voice grew firm. “I won’t hand her over, so don’t waste your energy trying.”

Lionel was enraged. His expression was horrendous, and he glared coldly at Ryan. Ryan stared back defiantly. They were locked in a standoff, neither relenting. However, the bitter smile on Ryan’s lips betrayed his inner turmoil.

Lionel had always treated him this way since childhood. He would give Ryan the silent treatment if Ryan didn't comply. They sat together for a meal, yet felt miles apart because Ryan wasn't the child of the woman Lionel truly loved. His parents married for political reasons, and Ryan's existence ruined Lionel's chances with his first love. No one in the family welcomed his birth except Jaiden.

During those years, Jaiden had been abroad for treatment and rarely returned. Lionel seized the opportunity to bring home the illegitimate child he had with his first love. If Jaiden hadn't returned in time, the heir wouldn't have been Ryan, but that illegitimate child.

Ryan’s heart had long grown cold towards Lionel. “Ryan, you need to remember that everything you have comes from the Lewis family. Do you know the consequences of offending Daniel over a girl? Your grandpa is still recuperating, and if you don’t hand her over, I’ll call him. He can’t afford to be upset, and you know that,” warned Lionel.

Ryan looked up in disbelief. Lionel’s threat shattered his hope. He never expected Lionel to use Jaiden to force him to reveal information about Yvette. He felt caught between a rock and a hard place. If he told Lionel, Yvette would be harmed. If he stayed silent, Jaiden’s illness would worsen.

Ultimately, Ryan let emotion overcome reason. He resigned himself, saying with his head low, “It’s Yvette Zeller.” Between Jaiden and Yvette, he chose Jaiden. He wished he hadn’t been born into the Lewis family. He had no choice.

Ryan walked past Lionel and headed upstairs sullenly. Disregarding Ryan’s feelings, Lionel quickly instructed Lucas to call Daniel’s secretary and give her Yvette’s name.

It was late. Moonlight blanketed the ground. A gentle breeze carried the chirping of insects and the scent of flowers. Trees swayed softly.

At Argrol University, only the library remained open, brightly lit. Argrol University never lacked ambitious students. They all worked hard for a better future.

“Jeremiah, is that Yvette at the entrance?” Andrew asked.

Jeremiah, in a neatly pressed white shirt, narrowed his eyes through the dim light. Over the crowd, his eyes landed on Yvette. She wore a simple black T-shirt and pants, yet stood out. Jeremiah felt she was in a bad mood.

Jeremiah put out his cigarette and walked over, Andrew following. “Have you eaten?” Jeremiah asked Yvette.

Yvette looked at him indifferently. “No.”

As Jeremiah approached, he smelled a faint scent of milk, reminding him of the candy she had given him.

Andrew exclaimed, “What? You haven’t eaten yet, Yvette? It’s late!”

Jeremiah interrupted, “What do you feel like eating?”

Yvette glanced at him, and replied, “Pierogies.”

Andrew was bewildered. He knew Jeremiah loathed flour-based foods.

Andrew began to suggest something else, but Jeremiah cut him off. “Let’s go.”

At a street food stall, Andrew’s face turned pale. Around Yvette, Jeremiah’s pickiness vanished. Andrew cursed inwardly, “Dates before mates, huh!”

Jeremiah wiped a fork meticulously before giving it to Yvette. She ate the pierogies, ignoring them. Jeremiah watched her intently, not eating himself.

“Yvette, why are you here so late? I’m guessing you were looking for Jeremiah,” Andrew said mischievously.

Jeremiah tensed, lowering his eyes. He had never been this nervous.

“Are you here to see him? You didn’t come specifically for him, right?” Andrew added.

Yvette sniffled. Jeremiah saw her delicate profile. He met her bright eyes.

“No. I was just wandering around,” she said.

Disappointment flashed across Jeremiah’s face. Yvette wondered why.

Andrew laughed awkwardly.

“Thanks for the pierogies. Goodbye,” Yvette said.

Jeremiah nodded. Andrew felt the tense atmosphere. “How could she stay so calm?”

After watching Yvette leave, Jeremiah called someone. Andrew heard Emmett’s name and that he was coming in three days. After confirming the news, Andrew planned his escape, knowing he would be doomed when Emmett arrived. He’d have to face the consequences of his past actions with Emmett’s assistant.