Yvette raised an eyebrow, surprised by Zachary's resolve. "When I have proof," she replied with a calm, deep gaze, "I'll deal with Claude myself."

Zachary knew it wouldn't be easy. Even with evidence, the Carters had relocated to Mysonna, a city with powerful underworld connections. Tracking Claude there would be a significant challenge. He nodded, his face tense, still worried.

"Alright," he said quietly, "I'll follow your lead." He tried to mask his concern, but the strain was evident.

Noticing his unease, Yvette closed her eyes, pressing her lips together before murmuring, "He won't escape."

Zachary took her words as reassurance, believing she was comforting him. Only later would he understand the weight of that promise—no matter how far he ran, Claude would never be beyond her reach.

The following morning, after the police completed their routine inquiries, Lucas handled their questions and dismissed them. He then attended to the driver's duties before going to Zachary's study.

"Mr. Chambers," Lucas said respectfully, "the police have left, and everything you requested has been handled. Ms. Zeller went to school this morning and will return this afternoon."

Zachary extinguished his cigar, his face serious as he sat in contemplation. Lucas remained silent, waiting patiently. After a long pause, Zachary looked up, pensive. "Do you think my health might not be as good as it used to be? I'm feeling rather weak these days."

Lucas blinked, momentarily surprised. He paused before carefully responding, "Mr. Chambers, you're still as strong as ever. You even had an extra bowl of yogurt this morning. There's no need to worry."

Zachary eyed Lucas, wondering why he wasn't catching his hint. Am I being too subtle? he thought.

Zachary sighed, rubbing his temples, appearing genuinely distressed. "My health," he murmured with feigned concern, "it must be deteriorating. If not a physical illness, then it's a psychological one—a serious ailment, indeed. And with such an illness, how can I keep up with work at the company? And if I'm unwell, who will lead the Chambers Group?"

Zachary's tone turned wistful. "I only have Yvette, but I don't know who else could help shoulder this responsibility."

Finally, Lucas understood. Mr. Chambers wasn't concerned about his health; he wanted Ms. Zeller to assume a greater role at the Chambers Group.

Lucas chuckled inwardly at Zachary's indirect approach, knowing Yvette would resist a direct offer. Mr. Chambers certainly had his methods.

Playing along, Lucas asked, "Mr. Chambers, psychological conditions are quite serious. Perhaps I should inform Ms. Zeller?" Zachary nodded approvingly. "Yes, yes. Although…" he hesitated, feigning reluctance, "I wouldn't want to trouble her."

Lucas could barely maintain a straight face; this charade was more exhausting than his actual work. Just as Lucas was about to hang up the phone, Zachary quickly added, "Yes, give Yvette a call. She's so concerned about me; I can't keep this from her. No, she has to know."

Lucas, now fully complicit, dutifully made the call.

The Argrol University cafeteria buzzed with chatter as news of Winona's death made headlines, sparking student conversations. Yvette, however, sat unfazed before five plates overflowing with pork ribs. She raised an eyebrow, pausing before beginning to eat.

Andrew, poking at his meager three ribs, sighed. "Yvette, someone spread a rumor that you love ribs, huh? Looks like you've got a secret admirer doing the heavy lifting for you." With a mischievous grin, Andrew snapped a photo and sent it to Jeremiah, anticipating the jealous reaction.

Andrew's smile faded as he thought about Bonnie. Since he'd left, she'd been taking an unusual amount of time off, claiming to be back in her hometown. Calls went unanswered, or she brushed him off with a rushed "I'm busy." He couldn't shake the feeling something was wrong.

"Yvette," Andrew asked, gloomy, "have you heard from Bonnie at all?"

Yvette paused, savoring a rib before answering, "She reached out three days ago. She mentioned being busy but didn't elaborate."

Andrew sighed, losing his appetite. Sensing his mood, Charles silently pushed his own plate of ribs toward Andrew, who looked up in surprise.

"Ribs? Nah, I've lost my appetite," Andrew grumbled.

Charles was about to offer comfort, knowing love troubles are difficult. But before he could speak, he saw Andrew eagerly devour the ribs.

Charles muttered, "So much for no appetite…"

Lowering her eyes, Yvette calmly said, "One week. If she's still not back by then, we'll go find her."

Andrew's spirits lifted. "Yvette, you're the best! Unlike Charles here, trying to fatten me up. What am I supposed to do if I lose my charm?"

Charles rolled his eyes.

Just then, Yvette's phone rang. Lucas's voice, unusually solemn, filled the line. "Ms. Zeller, you should return as soon as possible. There may be an issue with Mr. Chambers' health."

Yvette set down her fork. Without another word, she stood, her face expressionless, and turned to Andrew and Charles. "I have to go."

She left the cafeteria, her commanding presence parting the crowd. No one dared to obstruct her path—Yvette was a force to be reckoned with.

Yvette sped back to the Chambers residence. Upon entering, she found Lucas pacing anxiously in the living room.

"Where is he?" Yvette asked calmly.

Lucas, his eyes still red from kitchen pepper irritation, approached sheepishly. "Ms. Zeller, you're finally back! Mr. Chambers wasn't himself this morning, and he started running a slight fever by noon. He's been in a strange mood, sighing constantly. He's upstairs resting now."

Lucas lowered his head, feeling the strain of his participation in Zachary's scheme. Mr. Chambers had gone to great lengths to sell the act, even using the sauna and hot towels to mimic a fever.

Yvette raised an eyebrow and unexpectedly sat on the sofa, showing no urgency to go upstairs. She glanced at Lucas with an unreadable expression, speaking slowly, "Did he see a doctor?"

Lucas felt a flicker of doubt. Does Ms. Zeller actually care that much? She seems calm… maybe Mr. Chambers overestimated her reaction? he thought.

Quickly, Lucas replied, "Mr. Chambers wouldn't allow it. He just took some medicine and went upstairs, but he didn't even eat lunch. How is his body supposed to hold up like this?"