Irakli rushed forward and hugged Benjamin tightly. He told me, tightly and gently stroking my hair, "Owen, come home with me. Pack your things today, and we’ll leave right away. I want to see just how powerful the Jering family thinks they are. How dare they bully you? I’ll make sure that justice is served."

I stood up, meeting his red-rimmed eyes as I shook my head in protest. "No, Uncle Benjamin. You just had surgery. You can’t leave the hospital yet. And honestly, I’m fine. Didn’t you see the plan I devised to protect myself now? My grandfather’s family might be rich, but they are shallow and arrogant, and I’d never go back to them. Jamani was always in a difficult situation, and his relationship with them was strained. If I went back, he’d likely have to humble himself and beg for their help. How would that all play out? They might even hurt us both. I didn’t want Benjamin to lose his dignity on my behalf."

I decided to wait for Yvette Baronie to return so we could finalize the divorce. Emily gently reassured him, "You're getting bite marks. The Jering family is here." Four men surrounded her, gripping her wrist. "I’m a police officer. I hope you know that." He appeared relieved and said gleefully, "Just under whatever you like." He added, "Once you've… well, you can settle things with them. In the..."

Omar finalized the details, but the waiting list was ridiculously long. The first available appointment was in June of next year, which was about ten months away. She had everything she could. Goethe's, if she'd stepped in, so it wouldn't have been a ten-month wait; you'd be seen immediately. Herliga iepajate. Dhiahm owe Nany a tavon than twee. Balmity. Resplending at the hush, both worked well and healed within a month.

Cat, meanwhile, asked about any recent tips. Because of her dealings with Yvette, things had improved; she even noticed the fading bite marks on my neck. It’s thought Vertre didn’t know what she was doing. "It looks like she’s better than we thought," Nancy teased. I stared at her, unsure how to respond. I offered a smile and replied, "You’re always good at focusing on the wrong things. Maybe you should get back to work and approve my paid leave for the business trip, rather than gossiping." With that, I turned and walked away, ignoring the disappointment in Nancy’s eyes.

I had assumed that Yvette would still be abroad for at least another week, but to my surprise, she came back much sooner. Still, Yvette hadn’t contacted me. I learned from Nancy that the collaboration with B Group had fallen through. BK Group’s illustrator and project director had both been sent to jail by Trette on charges of attempted rape and intentional injury. That explains why Yvette had stayed overseas. She was indeed a powerful CEO who protected her husband.

I waited the entire day, thinking that Yvette needed time to adjust after her return. I didn’t want to rush her into going to city hall, fearing that she might have an emotional reaction. When the next day passed without a word from her, I couldn’t sit still anymore.