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Novel Catalog
Chapter 247
Jase’s eyes narrowed as he gazed at Yvette, his fingers tracing the rim of his coffee cup. His voice dropped into the low, commanding tone of someone accustomed to being obeyed. “Yvette, you’re certainly sharp. If you’d intervened earlier, I’d have been disappointed. The Chavez family doesn’t need a hostess who’s all sweetness and naivety. I’m glad you’re as calm and calculating as you are.”
Yvette’s fingers tapped the table with rhythmic precision, her usual composed demeanor giving nothing away. She raised an eyebrow, her gaze fixed on Jase, the subtle curve of her lips betraying the lightest hint of amusement. “It won’t happen again,” she replied coolly.
Jase studied her for a moment, clearly impressed but maintaining a steely reserve. Yvette’s reputation as a woman of contradictions – graceful yet formidable – was not lost on him. Meeting his granddaughter-in-law, a woman who seemed as sharp as a thorn, was like encountering a rose with hidden spikes. But despite the tough exterior, he couldn’t help but recognize the strength within her. Someone like Yvette was indeed suited to one day take the mantle of the Chavez family.
“Jeremiah really has good taste, doesn’t he?” Jase said, a trace of genuine curiosity creeping into his tone. “How did he win you over? My grandson isn’t exactly charming—he doesn’t have the best personality, and he’s not a natural at making girls laugh. He does share my good looks, though. So, what did he do to catch your eye?”
Yvette’s expression remained unchanged, her lips curling into a mischievous grin as she glanced past him. “Is it so strange that I have a crush on him?” she asked, her voice slow and deliberate.
Before Jase could respond, a familiar, cold voice interrupted. “Grandpa, what’s so strange about that?”
Jase froze, his face stiffening as his gaze snapped to the doorway. Jeremiah stood there, a smirk curling at the edges of his lips, his deep blue eyes gleaming with amusement. The tension in the room thickened immediately.
The realization hit Jase like a bolt. The girl had outsmarted him. Caught in the act of talking badly about his own grandson, Jase felt his pride pricked. And worse, the two of them—Jeremiah and Yvette—had a way of being in perfect sync. If this wasn’t handled carefully, the situation could spiral into a mess that was both a family issue and a political nightmare.
Jase quickly adjusted, forcing a smile as he turned to his grandson. “Ah, Jeremiah, how did you get back so soon?”
Jeremiah narrowed his eyes, his smile widening ever so slightly. “Grandpa, is it true that Grandma said she wasn’t really that interested in you and only gave in because you wouldn’t stop pestering her?”
Emmett, who had been quietly observing, moved with lightning speed, his hands covering his ears as if to block out the conversation. His wide eyes conveyed complete loyalty to Jase. “Mr. Jase Chavez, I didn’t hear anything!” he said with exaggerated innocence.
Jase’s mouth twitched, his face flushing slightly. The brat had just stabbed him right in the heart. The audacity! It had been his wife who had chased after him when they were younger, not the other way around. Yet, now, his grandson had turned that story on its head in front of everyone.
The room was thick with awkwardness. Jase’s reputation was effectively destroyed, at least for today. And no amount of steak could undo the indigestion it caused.
With a heavy sigh, Jase stood up, feeling every bit of his eighty years. “Alright, alright,” he muttered, waving his hand dismissively. “I’ve been busy enough. My old bones can’t take it. Enjoy your meal, I’ll head out.”
He turned to Yvette before leaving, his tone softening slightly. “Girl, if you have time, come by the old manor soon. I wasn’t serious about the chess game. You won this round, but don’t think you’re off the hook next time. And my daughter-in-law is eager to see you. You should visit.”
Yvette, who had been calm and composed throughout the exchange, simply nodded, her voice steady as always. “Okay.”
Jase paused at the door, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes. “I’ve got some pictures of little Jeremiah dressed up as a girl when he was three. Want to take a look when you visit?”
Yvette’s eyes flicked up at him. “Sure, I’ll take a look,” she replied nonchalantly.
Jeremiah, on the other hand, was speechless, his face the picture of disbelief. Emmett, overhearing the conversation, couldn’t help but think: This grandparent-grandchild duo is going all out to mess with each other…
Outside, Jase’s car was already waiting, flanked by two military vehicles—proof of the importance of his safety. A quick glance at the soldiers, now back in their uniforms, made it clear that even the highest-ranking officials in Clusia were not without constant protection.
Yusef, sensing that Jase and Jeremiah wanted some space, quietly stepped aside, leaving the two men to talk.
Jase glanced back at his grandson, a stern expression on his face. “Instead of keeping Yvette company, you’re here to see me off. What is it you want to say?”
Jeremiah stood in the sunlight, his intense, cold gaze never leaving Jase. He pursed his lips. “Grandpa, it won’t happen again.”
Jase’s eyes widened slightly at the words. It was like playing a game of telepathy with his grandson, both of them always in sync with each other.
Jase clicked his tongue in annoyance. “I haven’t done anything about Yvette yet, you know. You better treat her well—she’s a remarkable woman. I’m too old to meddle in your love affairs. Anyway, I’m off.”
As Jase and his team left, Jeremiah’s phone rang. He answered it immediately, his face hardening as he listened to the voice on the other end.
It was Bruce.
“Mr. Chavez, Frankie has already gone to Afria. The gold mine there will be fully tapped in about a week.”
Jeremiah’s expression remained neutral as he responded. “Good. Keep me updated.”
Bruce continued, “I’ve also informed Braydon. He’s dispatched his personal guardsman—a hitman known in the Strik— to keep an eye on The Phantom.”
Jeremiah’s eyes narrowed. “Understood,” he replied. The wheels were turning in his mind, each piece of the puzzle falling into place.
