Emmett remained wary of Yvette, as he was of anyone who appeared around Jeremiah. His duty demanded extreme caution to ensure nothing went wrong. He couldn’t help but question Yvette’s presence.


    Yvette’s sudden appearance at the auction on such an important day was highly suspicious. Even if she was here by coincidence, her presence might disrupt their ns. Nothing was certain


    Emmett thought Yvette was a hindrance. If a conflict broke outter, he would have to protect her, and it would be a burden.


    After ncing at Yvette, who remained silent with her eyes lowered, Emmett hesitated before cautiously asking, “Ms. Zeller. did youe here alone?”


    Yvette turned and nced at Emmett, her eyes filled with their usual indifference. “No, I came with a friend. He went to take care of something”


    Upon hearing that. Jeremiah’s expression darkened, his brows furrowed, and his voice grew cold. “Pull our people out Return to standby


    Shocked. Emmett thought, Retreat? Jeremiah had meticulously nned this for days, waiting for Caleb to appear so they could finally capture him


    Emmett could not understand Jeremiah’s intention in withdrawing their men, but he knew it was because of Yvette. This time, Jeremiah was being far too ferational.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Regardless, Emmett was loyal to Jeremiah to the point of following him to death without hesitation. Still, his resentment toward Yvette grew.


    If it weren’t for Yvette, such a carefully nned operation that had cost much manpower and resources would not have beeri abandoned at thest minute.


    However, Emmett knew he could not change Jeremiah’s decision. He nodded reluctantly. “Understood, Mr. Chavez. I’ll give the orders now.” With that, he stepped out of the room.


    Yvette rested her left arm, her beautifully tanned skin visible at her wrist. Her strikingly beautiful face followed Emmett’s exit with a calm expression. Then, she pursed her lips slightly. “Did I offend him?”


    Jeremiah, who had been pouring coffee, paused as he thought, ‘She’s sharp. Emmett thought he had hidden his displeasure well, but Yvette had already.noticed it


    “No. he doesn’t mean any harm. He just doesn’t understand why you’re here,” Jeremiah replied.


    Yvette turned, staring at Jeremiah differently. After a few seconds of silence, her tone became more serious. “Aren’t you curious why I’m here?”


    Jeremiah smiled faintly. It was gone as quickly as it appeared. However, in that brief moment, Yvette was momentarily stunned. She had to admit he was the most handsome man she had ever seei


    Upon noticing Yvette’s distraction, Jeremiah felt a flicker of satisfaction. It seemed that Andrew’s idea of using a “beauty trap” was working


    Yvette was taken by it, and for once, Andrew’s suggestion was notpletely off the mark. Jeremiah felt he could use this trick more often in the future.


    Jeremiah cleared his throat awkwardly, his voice slightly raspy, and said with a focused intensity. “It doesn’t matter. You’ve never asked why I’m at Argrol University, either


    her coffee cup.


    Yvette lowered her cry


    Nowork avable now. Please check yourwork.


    blew on it gently, and, once the temperature was just right, took a light sip.


    Then, Yvette lifted her gaze slightly and exchanged a silent smile with Jeremiah. Everything was conveyed without a word.


    Suddenly, a knock came at the door. “Excuse me, sir, may I interrupt for a moment?”


    Jeremiah gestured toward the couch. “Rest there. I’ll call you when the bidding starts.


    “Okay, Yvette replied


    Jeremiah collected himself and returned to his usual aloof, untouchable demeanor, exuding an air of cold elegance. His voice was as icy as ever. “Come in


    The woman who entered was one of the exquisite courtesans meticulously selected to serve the VIP guests on the second floor. Their ultimate goal was to be chosen to work for the clientele on that level.


    To be selected, one had to not only possess striking beauty and a captivating figure but also speak several foreignnguages, as the guests hailed from all over the globe.


    Despite the stringent requirements, the temptation of generous pay drew many women topete fiercely for a chance.


    Moreover, the auction operated under unspoken rules. It was understood that as long as the price could satisfy both parties, the girls at the auction could be taken away.


    There were plenty of stories of girls being swept off their feet by wealthy businessmen, and their lives and statuses transformed overnight.


    Lily, who had entered after knocking, had her eye on Jeremiah, a handsome, powerful, and charming man. She used every trick in the book to attract him, but he did not even nce her way.


    Disappointed, Lily initially thought it was because Jeremiah was not interested in women, only to watch as he returned with an incredibly beautiful girl.


    Having worked in this industry for long, Lily knew some people were simply beyond her reach. If Jeremiah did not take an interest, she’d just move on. After all, losing her life over this job wasn’t worth it.


    As Lily entered, she stood straight, bowed at a ny-degree angle, and respectfully said, “Hello, sir. Someone on the first floor just opened an AAA-grade emerald”


    “ording to the auction’s customary rules, the guest who opens it will gift a bottle of rare wine worth 100 thousand doll to one of the guests present,” Lily exined.


    “That guest asked to have it sent to your lounge and expressed his gratitude to Ms. Zeller, Lily added.


    Lily hadn’t expected the wine to go to this powerful and mysterious man in front of her, but lounging on the couch. She had misjudged Yvette’s status, which was worlds apart from hers.


    ther to the beautiful girl


    Jeremiah turned to look at Yvette, who was on the couch. She was casually leaning back, her expression somewhat dazed, her gaze deep and contemtive, as if she hadn’t heard Lily at all.


    “Just put it on the table. What’s the name of the person who opened the AAA-grade emerald?” Jeremiah inquired.


    After cing the wine on the table. Lily stepped back and leaned down slightly. “Sir, that guest said hisst name is Garcia, and that Ms. Zetter would know him. With that, she gracefully retreated, holding the tray.


    Jeremiah furrowed his brow and turned his gaze slightly. “That gay from earlier? Did youe with him?”


    Yvette sat up from the couch, her voice slightly nasal. “No, we met halfway. He… is not bad.”


    Jeremiah felt a twinge of jealousy. “Not bad” meant Yvette held a high opinion of that person. He wondered what she thought of him


    “He’s lucky,” Yvette nodded nonchntly, Jeremiah felt slightly better at her indifference.


    Earlier on the first floor, after Yvette left, Kevin stared at the raw emerald receipt in a daze. Having already spent a hefty sum, he had no intention of taking the raw emerald back for processing


    After some pondering. Kevin thought it might be better to just cut it open here. After all, he had no idea where else to put it.


    Kevin called over Martin, who, upon hearing that Yvette had suggested Kevin buy it, brushed it off. Upon closer inspection of the raw emerald, he believed it would be nearly impossible to contain such a high-quality emerald.


    They both figured the money was lost and decided to cut the raw emerald in the exhibition hall, not expecting anything from it.


    However, when the cutting master made the first incision, a vibrant green hue appeared, leaving thempletely stunned.