Chapter 60
At the entrance of the aviation squadron stood a massive iron gate, 197 inches high and 315 inches wide. On either side of the gate were guard posts, with soldiers in military uniforms holding rifles across their chests. Their sharp gazes watched straight ahead like hawks.
Next to the left guard post was the registration room with another soldier on duty.
Natalie and her group of four stood outside the registration room. James had been to the base to see Jasper before, and was recognized by the soldier handling registration. However, rules were rules. “Mr. Locke,” the guard said politely before adding, “We can only allow two family members at a time. Please have the two who are going in fill out the registration form.”
James knew the rules, and turned to the three girls behind him, frowning slightly in embarrassment. But before he could discuss it, Yvette grabbed the pen and declared, “I’ll fill it out!”
She bent over the desk and quickly wrote down her information on the form.
When she finished, she didn’t return the pen to James. Instead, she held on it and turned around, her gaze shifting between Natalie and Phoebe.
Natalie’s long black hair flowed down her back like a ribbon, held back by a white headband that revealed her whole face. Her lips were rosy, and her skin was flawless, as white and smooth as porcelain.
She wore a blouse and a pleated skirt. The collar of her shirt was unbuttoned to reveal her graceful, swan–like neck. Her skin was as fair as snow, and the way her shirt tucked neatly into her skirt highlighted her slender waist. Beneath the skirt, her slim, fair legs stood gracefully. She had a poised look that naturally drew attention.
Even though Yvette had intentionally worn a striking red dress to stand out, she still felt overshadowed by Natalie and wasn’t confident she could divert attention away from her. She bit her lip in frustration and looked over at Phoebe.
In contrast, she found Phoebe much more pleasing to her eyes, even though last week she felt she had an irreconcilable grudge against Phoebe.
Phoebe had two simple braids hanging over her shoulders and was dressed in plain navy blue from head to toe. Her only charm today was her face with delicate features, but standing among the three of them, she quickly faded into the background.
Yvette smiled with satisfaction and handed the pen to Phoebe. “Come in with me.”
Phoebe was surprised, clearly not expecting Yvette to choose her. She happily grabbed the pen and began filling out her details.
“‘Yvette, aren’t you being a bit presumptuous? I’m the one who’s actually family. Since when do you get to decide things in our family?” James frowned in dissatisfaction, unable to hold back his displeasure.
Yvette replied with feigned innocence, “Didn’t Mrs. Locke just say she wanted to bring two little sisters to see Jasper? What’s wrong with me taking Phoebe in?”
James retorted, “And what about Natalie?”
Yvette glanced at Natalie dismissively. “It’s not my rule that only two family members can enter at a time. Why are you taking it out on me?”
“You!” James’s face flushed with anger. “You know that’s not what I meant!”
Yvette noticed that Phoebe had finished filling out the form and smirked at James defiantly. “Well, we’re going in now. Bye–bye!”
With that, she pulled Phoebe along and left.
James could only fume in frustration, wishing he could have taken the pen from Yvette himself.
He turned to look at Natalie, who had been left out and said apologetically, “Nattie, Yvette’s always like this. She has to compete for everything. Don’t pay her any
mind. When they come out, I’ll go in with you.”
Natalie hadn’t wanted to go in anyway, so she stayed quiet earlier. She hadn’t expected James to stand up for her, so she smiled and said, “It’s okay, James. Maybe Jasper is busy right now. If so many of us go in, it might distract him. We can visit him another time,”
