Yvette responded slowly. "Got it. You guys keep eating. I'll go over there."

Jeremiah stood, looked at Andrew, and tossed him his car keys. "Drive the car back to the mansion. Emmett's waiting for you there."

Andrew was confused. He thought they'd only bought an apartment in Seacrity for convenience. "Jeremiah, did you buy another mansion?" he asked, bewildered.

Jeremiah nodded. "Yeah. Emmett finalized the paperwork a few days ago. It's in Nusridge. Contact him for the address."

Andrew felt a headache coming on. He could already picture the endless nagging from Emmett.

Bonnie and John exchanged a knowing glance. How did some people buy a mansion in Nusridge like it was nothing? Land there was as valuable as gold! A single mansion must cost at least sixty-six million dollars.

Yvette and Jeremiah left the cafeteria. Victor and Winona, eating nearby, watched them intently. Victor muttered about Yvette's shamelessness for always being around guys. Winona, usually quick with her own remarks, was unusually silent, her gaze fixed on Jeremiah and Yvette.

Victor called Winona's name repeatedly, but she didn't respond. Frustrated, he saw her staring at Yvette and Jeremiah. It enraged him; he knew exactly who she was focused on—the guy who'd stood up for Yvette in the auditorium.

Victor slammed his cutlery down, startling Winona. Seeing his anger, her heart skipped a beat. She'd been so engrossed in watching Yvette that she'd forgotten Victor was there.

Winona quickly smiled sweetly, tucking her hair behind her ear. "What's the matter, Victor? Does the food not suit your taste today?"

Jeremiah snorted, staring at Winona with suspicion and anger. "Winona, why did you come to the cafeteria today?"

Winona's hand clenched, her face paling. Did Victor find out something?

She put on a sad expression, feigning a sob. "What are you talking about, Victor? I just heard they're serving pork ribs, and everyone says they're really good. I thought I'd bring you to try them. If you don't like them, that's fine, but why get upset with me?"

Winona's acting was impressive. Victor's doubt slowly faded. He believed Winona was madly in love with him, willing to tolerate anything for his sake. Just like with the Sharon incident, he thought a little sweet talking would suffice.

How could a woman like her possibly fall for someone else? This thought softened Victor's expression. His tone gentled.

"Winona, I was just asking. Don't take it to heart." He reached to hug her. Winona playfully punched him. "Everyone's watching. It's not appropriate. Go back and finish your meal."

Victor's heart fluttered.

"All right, all right. Winona, come home with me later. My parents want to see you. You skipped meeting my sister last time, and she wasn't happy. You should call and apologize, okay?"

Winona ground her teeth, forcing a smile. Why should I apologize to Rebecca?

Since childhood, Winona had been inferior to Rebecca. Whenever there was conflict, she apologized, taking the blame. After the last incident, she'd thought Victor would distance himself from Rebecca, but all it took was a limited-edition can for him to act like nothing happened. He treated Rebecca's words as sacred, constantly saying, "My sister said this," or "My sister said that..."

Winona was tired. She had a new goal: find someone wealthier and more powerful than Victor so her mother wouldn't push her to marry him.

From the moment she saw Jeremiah, Winona was captivated. It wasn't just his looks; it was also his closeness to Yvette. Winona was determined to win him over, just to break Yvette's heart. Winona knew Nellie's motivations—money and power. Nellie wanted to marry her off to Victor to secure the Carter family's influence in Seacrity.

Winona put on a troubled expression. "Victor, I'm sorry. My mentor is coming to Seacrity next week. I need to stay focused on my apprenticeship ceremony. I might not be able to visit your family. Please apologize to your parents for me."

Victor understood the significance of the apprenticeship ceremony and didn't say much.

Meanwhile, at Argrol University's Principal's Office, Simon, Tobias, and Jimmy waited. When Yvette entered, Jimmy nervously straightened his clothes. Simon and Tobias exchanged puzzled looks. Why is Mr. Lowe so tense? He's just meeting a young woman.

Yvette strolled in casually. Jimmy stepped forward respectfully. "Hello, Ms. Zeller."

Yvette paused, politely replying, "Hello."

Jimmy was flattered. Yvette hadn't shown much regard for their general manager. Besides, he might soon be working under her.

After speaking with Jimmy, Yvette calmly greeted Simon and Tobias. "Hello, Mr. Simon Sunderland and Mr. Tobias Sunderland."

If Jimmy hadn't seen Yvette at their casino, he might have believed she was just a pretty, innocent student.

Simon smiled warmly; he'd grown fond of Yvette since receiving her third paper. Tobias, since the library and Frixyia incidents, held a favorable opinion of her, viewing her more as a peer.

"Did you finish the physics problems I assigned you?" Tobias asked.

Yvette nodded. "I did, Mr. Sunderland. Did you and Mr. Simon Sunderland call for me?"

Both men shook their heads. Yvette realized it must be Jimmy. "Is there something I can help you with?"

Jimmy nodded then shook his head. "It's not me, Ms. Zeller. Our general manager asked me to send this document to you."