Outside the auditorium, Yvette instructed Bonnie to leave first, then found a quiet corner to call Eagle King. After two rings, his urgent voice answered, "Boss, how soon can you get here?" Their tacit understanding obviated the need for further explanation. While speaking with Eagle King, Yvette checked the latest flights from Seacrity to Thymion. "I'll be in Thymion's capital in four hours," she said. "What happened with Flying Fish?"
Eagle King's voice was serious, tinged with worry. "Boss, Flying Fish offended the Kerton family, the largest underworld family in the Golden Triangle. After contacting me, he disappeared. I'm in Kransbay, where he was last seen. It's complicated. I'll explain when you arrive."
Yvette hung up and messaged Simon before returning to her dorm for her bag. She took a taxi straight to the airport.
Simon, dining with Jaiden and Zion, received Yvette's message just as he was about to eat. He was slightly taken aback but continued the conversation, though appearing more distracted. He worried, Yvette's asked for leave! The duration is uncertain. I could protect her under my watch, but now… how can I keep an eye on her?
At the table, Jaiden attempted to charm Zion, who, wary of the businessman's intentions, maintained polite but distant conversation. Sawyer, however, engaged Jaiden enthusiastically.
Simon sighed repeatedly, his concern for Yvette's whereabouts evident. Zion, noticing this, asked gently, "What's wrong?"
Downplaying it, Simon explained Yvette had taken leave for personal reasons. Sawyer scoffed, "I bet Ms. Zeller's backing out. I heard she has more matches in the next two days."
Zion frowned at Sawyer's gloating, questioning his choice of student. Arrogance he could tolerate, but not malice. He'd brought Sawyer to encourage socialization, but it seemed futile. Forget it. Once we're back in Betrico, he'll find his own way, he thought.
Jaiden remained nonchalant, sipping his coffee, his mind calculating.
Simon, stunned by Sawyer's words, considered Yvette's upcoming competitions. He devised a solution: No choice. It's my first time, but I'll pull some strings for her.
That day, the university website announced a rule change: students could no longer register for multiple events. This sparked brief discussions, with some welcoming the change as the previous rule was deemed unreasonable.
The competitions proceeded smoothly, but Yvette was absent. She was already en route to Thymion.
On the plane, a young man, Kevin Garcia, noticed Yvette and attempted to flirt. "Hello, Miss. Thymion, too? Vacation? I'm going to Kransbay with my uncle."
Yvette, instantly alert, turned to him. He appeared to be around nineteen, dressed in flashy brands, his most striking feature his charming eyes. "Kransbay," she replied coldly.
Kevin, startled by her cool response, felt intimidated. Under her gaze, he inadvertently revealed a secret he'd promised his uncle, Martin Garcia, to keep: "There's an auction in three days. My uncle… he runs a jewelry store, and he's going to stock up."
Kevin regretted his indiscretion. Yvette closed her eyes, her expression cold. Kevin, assuming she'd fallen asleep or was unfamiliar with auctions, felt relieved. He lost interest in conversing with her; she was too fierce for his liking.
Four hours later, the plane landed in Thymion's capital. The tropical climate was notoriously hot, especially in summer, often exceeding 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Kevin immediately complained about the heat to his uncle upon arrival, contrasting it with Clusia's more temperate climate.
Exiting the airport, Yvette spotted Eagle King waiting roadside. He was strikingly handsome, his floral pants and arm tattoos attracting attention. The imbalanced gender ratio in Thymion made him a rare sight.
"Boss, over here!" Eagle King called out, recognizing her instantly. Only Yvette, sensitive to the heat, would be completely covered in black in such weather.
Yvette approached him, her black bag on her back, unaware of another person nearby. Emmett, in a black suit, stood by a black car. As he prepared to enter, he heard Clusian, catching a glimpse of a slender figure in black. His heart skipped a beat; it felt strangely familiar. Before he could get a better look, the car drove off. Just a few days apart, and I miss her this much? he mused.
In the car, Jeremiah called Yvette, only to hear, "The number you have dialed is unavailable." He sent Andrew a message; the reply, "[Yvette just won the plans competition. I'm keeping an eye on her, so don't worry]," brought relief. Andrew, absorbed in his game, was unaware Yvette was already in Thymion.
Jeremiah, relieved but unaware of his near miss, frowned, realizing the situation involving the Kerton family was more complex than anticipated.