Vespera arrived at the Munoz residence at 11:40 a.m. The butler, Walter Osland, was visibly startled. He knew another guest was expected, but hadn't realized it would be Vespera. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead at the thought of Luke and Tina in the living room. Very few people knew about Vespera and Luke's marriage—only their parents and a handful of close aides, including Osbert and Walter. "This way," Walter said, compelled by Felicia's instructions. He braced himself as he led Vespera inside.

Before they reached the living room, a sweet, affectionate voice rang out: "I won again! Luke, were you letting me win on purpose?" Vespera stopped. Her mind blanked, then clarity flooded in. A cold laugh escaped her before she entered the room. She hadn't bothered with makeup that day, having been busy shifting books. Dressed casually in a loose white shirt and jeans, her long hair gathered in a loose ponytail with a simple ribbon, she was nonetheless striking: fair skin, dark eyes, and naturally red lips, a few stray strands of hair adding an unintentional allure.

Luke was taken aback. "Why are you—"

"Your mother called me," Vespera interrupted coolly. She glared at him. "Weren't you supposed to be in Holsword? When did you learn to teleport?"

Luke was speechless, guilt flashing in his eyes. Tina rose and approached Vespera, extending a hand with a provocative smile. "Hello, I'm Tina Sowle."

Vespera ignored her. Felicia then entered, briefly glancing at Vespera before affectionately taking Tina's hand. "Did you have fun today? Make yourself at home." She then introduced Vespera: "This is Ms. Vespera Gildon. She works at Eclipse Group. I asked her to come for a discussion."

Everyone knew Vespera was Luke's wife, yet Felicia deliberately presented her as merely a company employee, denying her family status and signaling her insignificance to Tina. Tina lifted her chin proudly. "Oh? She's just a company employee?"

Vespera ignored them, watching Luke. She wanted to see his response, but his face remained cold and indifferent—he didn't even correct the insult. Did he not understand? No. He understood perfectly; he simply didn't care if she was humiliated.

Vespera turned to Felicia. "Mrs. Munoz, didn't you call me for a discussion? Let's speak now."

"We can discuss another day. Since you're here, stay for lunch."

"I won't be staying. I have other matters."

Felicia bellowed, "How can you show such disrespect when an elder invites you to a meal? Where are your manners?"

Vespera paused, then said, "Okay. I'll stay for lunch. Just don't regret it." She chose a single-seat chair. Tina sat beside Luke, wrapping an arm around him. "Let's continue our game."

Luke pulled away, looking at Vespera. "Do you know how to play checkers, Ms. Gildon?"

Vespera glanced at the exquisite set, quickly assessing the simple yet flawed strategy. Luke had lost; he knew how to humor others, just not her. She smirked. "I do. Would you like to play, Ms. Sowle?"

Luke's expression darkened. Tina confidently reset the board. "White or black, Ms. Gildon?"

"Black," Vespera said, picking up a piece. "Seems fitting."

Luke was speechless; Felicia and Tina were about to laugh at her self-deprecation, but they soon realized she wasn't mocking herself—she was mocking them.

Tina clenched her teeth and made the first move. Felicia, biased toward Tina, failed to analyze the game carefully. The game continued, each near-victory for Tina thwarted by Vespera. Tina grew increasingly impatient, clinging to the hope of a draw. "Your move," Vespera said.

Tina had three pieces in a hidden corner; one more would win. She made her move, anxiously awaiting Vespera's response. When Vespera placed her piece elsewhere, Tina declared, "I win!"

Felicia applauded, but their delight turned to stunned silence as Vespera calmly collected the pieces, revealing her victory. Felicia and Tina went pale.