Yulia’s expression changed immediately. “Does she think it’s not enough?” she wondered. Yulia felt Yvette was being greedy, and her tone sharpened. “Yvette, though this amount isn’t much, it’s more than enough for most people for a lifetime,” she said, her words subtly accusing Yvette of insatiable greed.

Yvette tossed the check across; a light sheet, yet Yulia felt a chill accompany its descent, a bead of sweat tracing her temple.

“This money…” Yvette began.

“Consider this money a wedding gift from Yvette and me to Victor and Winona,” Jeremiah interrupted, his sudden appearance making Yvette pause. “We wish them a long, happy marriage and many children. Mrs. Carter, you should take it back; it’s too little, or others might think the Carter family is bankrupt.”

It doesn’t matter; the meaning is the same anyway. But weren’t we the ones who wished them a long, happy marriage? How unoriginal, she thought.

Yulia was shocked. “Who’s talking?” she wondered. Seeing Jeremiah approach, she was stunned. “Who’s this guy?” she thought.

Refined and powerful was Yulia’s first impression. His appearance surpassed any wealthy heir she’d ever met. He wore a light-colored casual outfit: a crisp white shirt and wrinkle-free trousers. With a cold gaze, he swept over Yulia indifferently, his expression dismissive.

Yulia felt her hair stand on end. Not knowing his identity, she dared not act superior. Cautiously, she asked, “And you are?”

Jeremiah ignored her, looking at Yvette. His gaze was calm, yet a hint of affection betrayed him. “Are you done? Let’s go back to school. Mr. Sunderland’s class is next. If you’re late, he’ll complain again,” he said.

His tone was a statement, not a question. Yvette didn’t find it inappropriate and hummed in response.

Reaching the door, Yvette turned to the dumbfounded Yulia. “Before my mother left Seacrity, did she come to see you?” she asked.

Yulia stiffly turned, conflicted. Lilian had visited, saying only, “Be careful. Be careful of your father-in-law,” before hurrying away. “Yes,” Yulia replied.

A flicker of light in Yvette’s eyes showed she’d unexpectedly hit the mark. Lilian had been closest to Yulia; she’d asked on a whim, not expecting useful information.

“Tell me what my mother said, and I guarantee the marriage agreement will never resurface,” Yvette said, bluffing; the agreement was long gone.

Yulia hesitated no more. The person was dead; what harm could revealing secrets do? “Your mother came the night before she left. It was raining heavily in Seacrity. She braved the rain to find me, and all she said was, ‘Be careful. Be careful of your father-in-law.’”

Yvette’s brows furrowed. Yulia probably wasn’t lying; even if she were, she wouldn’t fabricate something so unbelievable. What did Lilian’s death have to do with Claude? Some truths were slowly emerging.

Having learned what she needed, Yvette left without looking back.

Leaving the café, Jeremiah mentioned buying books nearby. Yvette wasn’t interested in class, especially after Jeremiah offered to help her get permission from Tobias. She agreed to accompany him.

On the shaded path, the scorching sun baked the earth. Few people were around; most Argrol University students were in class. Still, they attracted admiring glances, attention they ignored.

Walking side by side, they remained silent.

“You have a marriage agreement? Is it still around?” Jeremiah broke the silence.

Yvette’s brows furrowed in recollection. “I used it to light a fire for a neighbor’s child in the countryside. It’s gone,” she replied.

Yvette’s voice, soft as a willow branch touching water, gently stirred Jeremiah’s heart.

His eyes brightened; a hint of satisfaction flickered within. The agreement didn’t matter to him; whoever he chose wouldn’t be swayed by a trivial document. However, knowing she’d burned it made him inexplicably happy; it meant she never intended to marry into the Carter family.

Yvette turned, wondering, “What’s he smiling about? Did I say something funny?”

Jeremiah browsed books, planning to buy foreign classics; otherwise, Yvette might think he was just teasing her.

Yvette, having read most classics, found a sunny spot to wait. With her head lowered, she dozed off. She’d mastered the art of sitting-sleep; in Mysonna, rest was a luxury. She could sleep through anything, even explosions.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over her. She’d noticed someone approaching but didn’t raise her head, sensing no malice.

A voice said, “I’m sorry, Yvette.”

Yvette looked up, her expression indifferent. It was Ryan.

After that night, Ryan had avoided Yvette, taking leave. Today, he returned to cancel it. Passing a bookstore, he unexpectedly saw Yvette, bathed in sunlight, looking unbelievably beautiful.

He stood there before approaching. He owed her an apology; he’d betrayed his conscience and wronged her.

That night, after revealing Yvette’s name, Ryan couldn’t sleep. The next day, he wanted to go to the police station, but his father, Lionel, locked him in with bodyguards until yesterday. Lionel finally relented.

Ryan was puzzled. Lionel would never have released him without compliance. Getting his phone back, he learned Daniel had fallen from power, the Brooks family had collapsed, and Ethan had been sent abroad.

He’d underestimated Yvette. To orchestrate Daniel’s downfall overnight… how could a girl from the countryside do that? Yvette remained a mystery to him. Though she was safe, he couldn’t forgive himself.

“Anything else?” Yvette asked.

Ryan wasn’t sure how to apologize. This wasn’t how he’d envisioned it. For the first time, the academic star doubted himself. He thought she might not know why he was apologizing, so he explained, “Yvette, I’m sorry. I betrayed you. Daniel approached my father, and I… I failed to stand my ground and gave up my principles. I caused you trouble.” He bowed deeply, awaiting her judgment.

At that moment, Yvette’s phone buzzed. It was a text: [Boss, Flying Fish’s in trouble. I need to go to South E…