Chapter 131
Outside the Chambers residence, a seemingly endless ne ofe Some of these cars were even custom-made and could be found on
For this banquet, the Chambers family had invited almost all the celebrities in received an invitation. Some small-time celebrities were eager to come and i invitation, but most of them failed
Even the few small-time celebrities and models who got invitat
personally overseeing this to ensure that women like them didip in. He had persona everyone’s background, making sure none of these
In the Chambers family’s garden. Zachary and Nellie greened wave after wave of green, witle wealthy second-generation elites. Amidst the clinking of gasses and siran igins, the “money.”
“Mr. Chambers. I’ve heard that your newly reunited sister is quine the beauty & sme and lecherous, with an ugly mole by his left eye. He was coronde a Sec
a chain of hotels. Though his family had some weath fine was bo
Seeing the lustful look on Jamie’s face, Zeke knew
he had already given up on Yvette, in his mind, the
However, seeing everyone around waiting for his response wih
“My sister is indeed stunning, but she’s got a bit of a temper, so you guys should be inte Zeke subtly spread rumors about Yvette among the group of worldlys hers.
The rich heirs around them, upon hearing this, thought. A bad semper. That’s putting in some unknown rural place; she’s probably a rough uncultured person who ducati being Yvette immediately diminished.
At that moment, a maid led Victor’s family into the garden. Thatine. Deze ment Robert, Victor, and Yulia. Rebecca was abroad on a busines break off the engagement with Yvette. Robert had bribed Chambers family banquet from him. He intended to sende prominent families in Seacrity as witnesses. Once it’s sente
Robert, not putting on airs, approached the Chamber family with a broad a
following behind. “Ah, Zachary, congratulations, congratulant Winona s maly something-she
have another international artist”
Though it was a party for two people, Robert only mentioned Wine Everyone get intermoč na De Care Fami was here to support Winona.
Zachary caught on to this as well, his tone cooling shighch
After Robert finished, he gave Victor a look. Victor oberently bed to Zachary and if “We Comes. Wiss Chamber
hello.
After all, it was a happy occasion today, and everyone!
though Zachary was still bitter about how Victor had criticised Tee in one of hard a few
embarrass Victor in front of everyone. Still, there was a hint of
Nellie, of course, couldn’t let Victor lose face-after all be was the son-
need to protect him a bit. Nelbe warmly greeted Yale and the
at Victor, her tone doting “Victor, you look so handsome today armor later
Hearing this, the onlookers all understood. This is the future mache
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his
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Chapter 131
seems the two families will he sealing the deal today! For businesses that had conflicts with the Carter and Chambers families, this alliance would be bad news.
Robert had been a little annoyed by Zachary’s earlier attitude, but after hearing Nellie’s words, he could no longer say anything. With both families standing together, it looked to outsiders like they were having a lively chat, but in reality, only Nellie and Yulia were keeping the conversation going to avoid awkward silence.
By around 3:30, almost all the guests invited by the Chambers family had arrived. The only ones missing were the two leading ladies of the night. Aside from Zachary, everyone was more excited about Winona’s apprenticeship ceremony,
Just then, at the garden entrance, one of the stars of the night, Winona, made a grand entrance arm-in-arm with Richard, fashionably late. Winona knew exactly how to draw attention to herself. She was well aware of her assets, and today she had instructed her makeup artist to give her a bold and radiant look. She wore a long, red strapless gown with a seven-foot train that required two servants to carry.
As soon as Winona entered, she indeed made a stunning impression. Usually, Winona wore white to banquets, and most of the guests were familiar with her in that style. No one expected her to dress so differently today.
Even Victor, who usually preferred the innocent “lily-white” type, was momentarily stunned, his face filled with admiration, his eyes gleaming with desire, and his heart racing.
“Wow, Winona looks absolutely gorgeous today! That outfit must have cost millions!”
“Yeah, I bet it’s at least 10 million. Just the onyx necklace around her neck must be worth over 3 million alone.
“The Chambers family really spares no expense. No matter what happens with Ms. Zeller, who they recently found, can you really compare her to someone like Winona?”
“Winona really played her cards well today. If Ms. Zeller makes an appearance later, the contrast is going to be brutal.”
“Exactly. If I were that Yvette, I wouldn’t dare show my face. I’d just hide inside and avoid the humiliation.”
“Agreed. Besides, ever since she returned to the Chambers family, she hasn’t made any public appearances or attended any banquets. It’s obvious the family doesn’t care much about her. This banquet is just a formality-clearly, it’s all about Winona
“I think so too.”
“That must be Mr. Griffin next to her. Winona really knows how to make an entrance-she hasn’t even officially become an apprentice, and she’s already getting this kind of treatment!”
As Winona made her way through the crowd, she heard all the comments she had hoped for, feeling immensely satisfied
inside.
Beside her, Richard also felt a sense of pride. ‘Winona is about to become my last student, after all. Complimenting her is ast good as complimenting me.
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Winona gracefully walked to the center of the garden, where Zachary and the others were standing She greeted Zachary and Nellie sweetly, then turned to Robert and his wife. “Mr. Carter, Mrs. Carter, hello”
Although Richard didn’t need to show too much deference to the Carter family, since Winona was soon to marry Victor, be still maintained a cordial attitude.
Yulia stepped forward, took Winona’s hand, and showered her with praise. “Winona is my ideal daughter-in-law-good family background, talented, and now with Richard as her mentor. She’s perfect in every way. Any lingering guilt Yulia hard about Yvette disappeared with everyone’s compliments for Winona. Only a girl like her is worthy of being our future daughter-in-law
Robert, equally pleased, nodded and smiled at Winona, but he didn’t immediately respond. Instead, he extended his hand to Richard with a fawning expression. “Ah, Mr. Griffin, you’re as vigorous as ever! The last time I saw you was at the Betrica auction, where one of your paintings sold for 660 thousand dollars. That event is still vivid in my memory! It was such a shame my company had an issue at the time, or I would ve gone for 3.3 million, maybe even 7 million-I regret it so much Robert’s tone sounded genuinely regretful.
Richard enjoyed hearing this, and his attitude toward Robert warned. “Mr. Carter, you’re too kind. That painting only fetched such a price because the elite of Betrico were being generous. It’s nowhere near as great as you say. But with Winona soon to join the Carter family, we’ll all be family soon. I happen to have an earlier piece of mine. If you don’t mind, Mr Carter, you can come by Betrico and pick it up whenever you like.”
Robert was overjoyed. As expected, Winona is the bridge that’s changed Richard’s attitude toward me. A few years ago in Betrico, Richard wouldn’t have even looked at him. But now everything was different. This shift in attitude strengthened Robert’s resolve to announce the engagement today. To make sure nothing could go wrong, he had already had Yulia firalize the engagement details with Nellie before coming.
Victor’s lecherous eyes were fixed on Winona.
From the moment Winona entered the garden, she could feel Victor’s gaze on her. She deliberately pretended not to notice, teasing him by keeping him on edge. Once she felt he had waited long enough she shot him a shy, fleeting glance before quickly looking away. This whole act had Victor completely hooked, his eyes glued to her.
All this time, Zachary, who had been standing silently, glanced toward the garden entrance. Not seeing the person he was waiting for, he furrowed his brows. Ignoring the ongoing conversation, he called Lucas over. “Go check upstairs. Why hasn’t Yvette come down yet at this time?”
Lucas nodded and quickly walked out of the garden to look for Yvette.
Nellie overheard Zachary’s words and smirked coldly from a spot where he couldn’t see. Come out? Yvette’s face is probably ruined by now. How could she have the nerve to show her face to the guests?”
Winona, Zachary, Nellie, and the Carters greeted Richard, and then she and Victor joined the younger group.
The Chambers family and the Carters dispersed, while Zachary and Robert each went off to chat with acquaintances in
business.
Nellie and Yulia stayed by Richard’s side, one on each side, looking very much like his guardians.
“Wow, Winona, you’re stunning today! Who are you trying to charm?” one of the girls, decked out in luxury jewelry, said while glancing at Victor-it was obvious what she meant. Everyone in their circle knew about the engagement between the Carter and Chambers families. Winona and Victor had long been recognized as a couple by them.
“Exactly” The moment you walked in, you could see everyone’s eyes light up That dress is Louis Vuitton haute couture, isn’t it? Must have cost at least 2 million dollars-absolutely gorgeous!”
Compliments were flying around nonstop like free gifts, and though Winona appeared shy on the surface, she humbly
Chapter 132
replied to everyone’s praise, Come on, you guys, stop teasing me. She even blushed and hid behind Victor.
At this moment, Victor’s macho pride was fully satisfied, and he quickly stepped in to speak for Winona. “Winona’s shy, you all know that. If you keep going, my wife might just run away, and then what? You’ll have to find me a new one!”
Winona blushed even more at his words, and the crowd burst into cheers again, praising the couple as a perfect match. But amidst the excitement, someone suddenly mentioned Yvette’s name, and the whole scene fell silent, becoming awkward The girl who brought it up instantly regretted it and didn’t dare to speak anymore.
Victor gave the girl a sharp look, his tone disdainful. “Why bring her up?”
The crowd exchanged glances and started speaking.
Yeah, yeah, everyone knows this party is for Winona. That Yvette is just an extra.”
“Exactly, Winona, you’re the star today. Besides, it’s getting late, and we still haven’t seen your sister. She’s probably hiding in some corner, never been to a party like this.”
“I bet she hasn’t even tasted the desserts or wine here before!”
“She’s a country bumpkin. Aren’t you giving her too much credit by even discussing her?”
“Yes, yes, let’s raise a glass to Winona. After tonight, Winona will officially become Mr. Griffin’s last student! When you make it internationally famous, don’t forget us!”
Hearing everyone belittle Yvette made Winona feel much better inside. This is exactly what wanted-to show Yvette the difference, the insurmountable gap between us today!” “My sister is actually really nice, so please don’t have any prejudice against her.”
The more Winona defended Yvette, the harsher the crowd became, saying even nastier things about her.
Winona picked up her glass of wine, watching the group’s heated discussion, where every comment was a put-down of Yvette. She briefly curled her lips into a sinister, satisfied smile, but when she looked up again, her face was innocent and harmless.
In less than ten minutes, Lucas, whom Zachary had sent to find Yvette, stiffly walked back into the garden.
A few people close by had overheard Zachary’s instructions earlier, and soon, word spread-everyone in the garden knew that the Chambers family’s Lucas had gone to fetch the rumored Yvette from the countryside.
Now, seeing Lucas return alone, with a strange expression on his face, people felt puzzled. “Isn’t he just fetching someone? What’s with that look? Most of the guests figured Yvette must have chickened out, overwhelmed by the event, making them take her even less seriously.
Zachary was distracted while chatting, frequently glancing towar
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Lucas bent slightly, dazed, and under everyone’s expectant gaze, said one sentence. “Mr. Lewis, I think I just saw a goddess”
Zachary’s face darkened, his lips tightening into a straight line. What kind of occasion is this? How could Lucas, a representative of the Chambers family, speak such nonsense? A goddess? What on earth?
Lucas, seeing Zachary’s expression, suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing what he had just said. Glancing at the perplexed faces around him, Lucas blushed slightly and quickly added. “Mr. Lewis, Miss Zeller is almost here-she’s at the second gate now
Zachary nodded, his expression easing. Now that Yvette was arriving, it meant nothing had gone wrong, and his mind finally settled. “As long as Yvette’s here, that’s fine. What nonsense were you talking just now?”
Lucas didn’t explain his earlier words but looked like he had more to say. “Mr. Lewis, you’ll understand in a minute. I really can’t describe it.”
Zachary was completely baffled, but he didn’t think Lucas had lost his mind-he’d been perfectly fine just ten minutes ag
sago.
As they spoke, Nellie, helping Richard, along with Robert, Yulia, Winona, Zeke, and Victor, all gathered around Zachary. They had overheard what Lucas said and were just as confused.
Nellie had only caught that Yvette had reached the second gate, and she knew right away that Tony must have messed something up. That incompetent fool-useless as always! He couldn’t even handle such a small task. But it’s fine. I’ll take over from here, and I’ll succeed for sure.”
The next second, some people started noticing that everyone around them had suddenly frozen, all staring toward the garden entrance. Confused, they followed suit, and soon they, too, were left in shock, their eyes filled with awe and disbelief. It really does seem like we’re seeing the “goddess” Lucas was talking about
The night was as cool as water, with moonlight spilling across the ground. The trees and flowers, shadowy and indistinct, were like they’d been draped in a veil of mist. Roses danced in the air, chasing one another in the breeze, their branches. swaying, casting shifting shadows that twirled in the wind.
In the midst of this play of light and shadow, a woman slowly approached, walking under the moonlight. Her eyes sparkled with a crystalline clarity, her slightly curled lashes resembling a wisp of fog drifting from the mountains. There was a hint of coldness in her gaze, commanding both respect and fear. Her white fringed gown swayed gently in the breeze, and with every step she took, the dress seemed to change with the light, emitting a rainbow of colors-brilliant, like the stars. The thousands of roses in the garden had now become mere ornaments to her presence.
As she drew closer, everyone realized her white fringed dress was adorned with hand-sewn diamonds. Those with at discerning eye immediately recognized that they were real diamonds. There must be at least a hundred diamonds on that dress, right? And the price? Astronomicalf
The woman furrowed her brows slightly, like a stone dropped into still waters, rippling with a touch of impatience. Just then, Zachary’s voice, calling “Yvette, snapped everyone’s thoughts back to reality.
“Yvette?” The people present stared at the girl in disbelief, their faces transforming as if waking from a dream Yvette! Yvette? So this is the rumored country girl, rough and uncouth, the supposedly plain and rustic Ms. Zeller from the Chambers family? Who started that rumor! If this is what they call ugly, then what are we? And they call that rustic? Might as well let a lightning bolt strike us! The crowd that had surrounded Winona earlier fell silent.
Winona stood there like a statue, her face drained of color, her expression ashen. The dark, twisted look in her eyes sent a chill down anyone who saw it. Her pale lips trembled slightly, and her left hand was clenched so tightly that her nails dug painfully into her palm. Winona lowered her head, saying nothing. She had already noticed the crowd’s enraptured and mesmerized gazes directed at Yvette-even Victor had been momentarily stunned. She knew she couldn’t compete with Yvette in terms of beauty, so when Nellie’s plan was revealed to her, she had felt a secret thrill. Now, can someone please explain to me why Yvette’s face is still perfectly fine?
Nellie, always keeping an eye on Winona, knew that at this moment, she couldn’t allow Winona to falter in any way. When no one was paying attention, she walked up to Winona, pulling her aside and, with a stern expression, whispered coldly. “Winona, you better pull yourself together. Don’t make a fool of yourself. Tonight is your moment. You may have lost in the looks department, but if you don’t put up a light now, you’ll lose everything. As long as you’re accepted by Mr. Griffin as his student later, you’ll still be the center of attention. Stop sulking here. I’ve already dealt with Yvette’s situation-you don’t need to worry about it. I’ll make sure she pays later.”
Winona kept her head down, silent, no longer trusting Nellie. In the end, I can only rely on myself. After a long pause, she finally looked up and said, “I understand, Mom. Don’t worry
Seeing that Winona had calmed down. Nellie relaxed and returned to Zachary’s side.
The crowd was buzzing, and the chatter grew louder.
Zachary saw this and stepped forward to speak to Yvette in a soft, gentle tone, his elegant face full of affection, completely ignoring the stares of those around him. “Come on, Yvette let’s go sit over there with Dad. The banquet will start soon. Have you eaten anything yet? Are you hungry? Don’t skip meals to maintain your figure-your health is the most important thing for a young girl.”
Zachary’s attitude said it all. The people present were all businessmen-they could read between the lines. The rumors. outside couldn’t be further from the truth. Zachary hasn’t shown this much affection even toward Winona, who’s about to become Mrs Griffin’s student. Yet, with his newly found daughter, he’s completely doting and attentive. Doesn’t that tell us everything we need to know? If they still didn’t get it, they might as well be blind.
Standing behind Zachary, Winona felt utterly crushed by his affection for Yvette. What does Yvette have that I don’t? In such a short time. Dad only has eyes for her. On a night as important as this, does he really have to make me look this bad? The hatred inside Winona was growing uncontrollably, twisting her expression even further.
But now, no one was paying attention to Winona anymore-the focus was all on Yvette. Compared to Yvette, Winona’s earlier moment of glamour seemed insignificant
“Did you notice something?” A girl who had been hanging around Winona earlier stared at Yvette, her breathing becoming slightly labored, her voice filled with surprise and disbelief.
The crowd turned to look at her, puzzled, even Zachary and Richard glanced her way. Someone asked, “What did you
notice
The girl first nodded in certainty, then shook her head as if in disbelief, her eyes conflicted. After a few moments, as the crowd’s patience was running thin, she finally spoke again, Ive seen that white gown Ms. Zeller is wearing before.”
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The woman who was speaking was named Lana. Her family owned an art gallery, and they were fairly well-known in Seacrity.
Everyone else was confused, not sure what Lana meant by her comment. Although the dress Yvette from the Chambers family was wearing looked expensive, the people present were no strangers to luxury. Sure, the dress was beautiful, but without this girl wearing it, it wouldn’t have looked so stunning.
Some of the women present had already started to feel jealous and hostile towards Yvette. ‘Who’d want to be outshone by a girl who was just found in the countryside?’ Most of the women in the garden were seething with jealousy. ‘Didn’t you see how the men couldn’t take their eyes off her? They were practically drooling!’ When Winona stepped out earlier, the women only felt a little uncomfortable, but Yvette’s appearance had magnified their jealousy and darkness.
Some girls saw an opportunity in Lana’s words, and their intentions weren’t good. “Hey, you said you’ve seen this dress before, right? Does that mean Ms. Zeller’s dress was worn by someone else? That wouldn’t be good, would it?” –
Wearing a previously worn dress was a huge embarrassment in high society. If it were true, the reputation of the Chambers family’s Yvette, who had just been found in the countryside, would be ruined, and she’d be utterly humiliated.
Nellie and Winona stood by eagerly, watching Lana. ‘It’d be great if she really had seen it before. That would mean Yvette is just wearing a hand-me-down dress, and there’d be some real drama to watch!
Winona’s lips curled into a mocking smile. Her previously gloomy mood had lifted. She thought maybe Sienna had just grabbed a second-hand dress to deal with Yvette: ‘If that’s the case, today… Yvette will be the biggest joke!’
All eyes were on Yvette, who stood in the center of the garden.
Yvette looked up slightly, her expression calm. Her deep eyes were cold and mysterious, like dark ink hiding a vast whirlpool. Her long, veil-like lashes cast shadows, and she swept her gaze lightly over the crowd without saying a word.
Once again, her beauty stunned everyone. However, some thought her silence meant she was admitting the girl’s accusation, that the dress really was second-hand.
Holding back her excitement, Winona stepped forward. “Wearing a second-hand dress is a big taboo at our high-society events. How about this, I have an unworn dress in my room. Why don’t you come with me and change into it?” Winona spoke with sincerity, acting as if she was doing Yvette a huge favor.
Yet, the people around her found her words odd. She claimed to be helping her sister, but if Yvette wore one of Winona’s dresses, she’d be even more humiliated, always a step behind Winona. The girls who usually got along with Winona knew who to help, urging Yvette to go change.
“Winona is so kind, being so thoughtful of her sister at a time like this.”
“I think you should go change, Ms. Zeller.”
“Yeah, go on, change.”
****
Some people, afraid of offending the Chambers family, muttered quietly.
Zeke looked at Yvette, standing there alone, and felt proud. ‘If I don’t take a shot at her now, when will I?’ So, he stepped forward and joined in. “Go change with Winona. The banquet’s about to start, and we’re running out of time.”
Nellie didn’t say anything this time, seeing that Zachary was growing more and more upset. “There’s no need for me to get involved when these people are doing it for me. I don’t want to make him mad
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No one noticed that Lana, who had started all of this, was sweating profusely, trying to speak but unable to get a word in.
Richard was also watching Yvette with a smug grin, as was Robert. ‘It’s a good thing I was smart enough to break off the engagement with Yvette early and switch to Winona. Otherwise, our whole Carter family would’ve been humiliated today!
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Yulia couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for Yvette, but then again, she thought it was Yvette’s own fault. ‘She’s been back with the Chambers family for so long, how does she still not understand the rules?’
Zachary’s face had darkened considerably, feeling suffocated by the scornful looks around him. He also believed that Sienna might’ve just grabbed some dress that had been worn before to deal with Yvette. ‘If it weren’t for me, Yvette wouldn’t be so humiliated. “Enough! My daughter from the Chambers family can wear whatever she likes! There’s no need for everyone to be so judgmental!”
Winona’s eyes grew fierce. ‘Dad is siding with Yvette again, even at the cost of offending so many people!
Seeing that Zachary was genuinely angry, people began to feel uneasy. Though the Chambers family had declined, they were still one of the four major families, and not someone these small families could mess with.
Yvette looked up at Zachary, her face composed and calm, seemingly unaffected by the people around her. She slightly furrowed her brows, then turned her blank expression toward Lana, who had claimed to have seen the dress before. Her voice was cold and distant, like a feather brushing over a mountain stream. “Where did you see it?”
Everyone’s attention shifted to Lana, who was drenched in sweat and looking nervous.
Winona purposely walked over to Lana and said gently, “Lana, right? I remember you. You said you’ve seen this dress before, so who wore it?” She gave Lana an encouraging look.
Finally given a chance to speak, Lana thought to herself, ‘If I had known one comment would cause such a misunderstanding, I wouldn’t have said anything!’ Fearing she might be interrupted again, Lana took a deep breath and blurted out everything in one go.
“You’ve misunderstood me! I said I’ve seen this dress, but I never said I saw someone wear it! I saw this exact dress last year at the Mysonna Art Gallery exhibition. It was one of their collection pieces. At the time, I thought it was so beautiful that I asked if it was for sale. The gallery staff told me it wasn’t, because it was a unique piece designed by Sienna, the designer from ‘Vibe, for her muse. The gallery’s director had to beg Sienna to display it for two days. Since I loved the dress so much, I asked about it in detail. The fabric is pure silkworm silk, and it took 135 hours to make, all by hand, with over a hundred workers. Did you notice the diamonds on the dress? They’re the world’s purest diamonds, privately owned, and each one alone costs over 3 million. And even if you wanted to buy it, you couldn’t**it’s only available at auctions…”
Lana paused, her eyes filled with envy. “The gallery staff told me Mrs. Mith from Mysonna offered 70 million for it, but Sienna refused to sell. So this dress isn’t just incredibly expensive, it’s one of a kind in the world.” Lana let out a deep breath after finishing her explanation. ‘Finally! That was exhausting. Huh? Why’s it so quiet?’ She cautiously looked around.
Everyone was staring at Yvette in the center of the garden, mouths agape. The place was dead silent, with only the sound of the wind rustling through the thousand-square-yard garden.
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aring a previously worn dress was a huge embarrassment in high society. If it were true, the reputation of the Chambers family’s Yvette, who had just been found in the countryside, would be ruined, and she’d be utterly humiliated.
Nellie and Winona stood by eagerly, watching Lana. ‘It’d be great if she really had seen it before. That would mean Yvette is just wearing a hand–me–down dress, and there’d be some real drama to watch!
Winona’s lips curled into a mocking smile. Her previously gloomy mood had lifted. She thought maybe Sienna had just grabbed a second–hand dress to deal with Yvette: ‘If that’s the case, today… Yvette will be the biggest joke!‘
All eyes were on Yvette, who stood in the center of the garden.
Yvette looked up slightly, her expression calm. Her deep eyes were cold and mysterious, like dark ink hiding a vast whirlpool. Her long, veil–like lashes cast shadows, and she swept her gaze lightly over the crowd without saying a word.
Once again, her beauty stunned everyone. However, some thought her silence meant she was admitting the girl’s accusation, that the dress really was second–hand.
Holding back her excitement, Winona stepped forward. “Wearing a second–hand dress is a big taboo at our high–society events. How about this, I have an unworn dress in my room. Why don’t you come with me and change into it?” Winona spoke with sincerity, acting as if she was doing Yvette a huge favor.
Yet, the people around her found her words odd. She claimed to be helping her sister, but if Yvette wore one of Winona’s dresses, she’d be even more humiliated, always a step behind Winona. The girls who usually got along with Winona knew who to help, urging Yvette to go change.
“Winona is so kind, being so thoughtful of her sister at a time like this.”
“I think you should go change, Ms. Zeller.”
“Yeah, go on, change.”
****
Some people, afraid of offending the Chambers family, muttered quietly.
Zeke looked at Yvette, standing there alone, and felt proud. ‘If I don’t take a shot at her now, when will I?‘ So, he stepped forward and joined in. “Go change with Winona. The banquet’s about to start, and we’re running out of time.”
Nellie didn’t say anything this time, seeing that Zachary was growing more and more upset. “There’s no need for me to get involved when these people are doing it for me. I don’t want to make him mad
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No one noticed that Lana, who had started all of this, was sweating profusely, trying to speak but unable to get a word in.
Richard was also watching Yvette with a smug grin, as was Robert. ‘It’s a good thing I was smart enough to break off the engagement with Yvette early and switch to Winona. Otherwise, our whole Carter family would’ve been humiliated today!
+5
Yulia couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for Yvette, but then again, she thought it was Yvette’s own fault. ‘She’s been back with the Chambers family for so long, how does she still not understand the rules?‘
Zachary’s face had darkened considerably, feeling suffocated by the scornful looks around him. He also believed that Sienna might’ve just grabbed some dress that had been worn before to deal with Yvette. ‘If it weren’t for me, Yvette wouldn’t be so humiliated. “Enough! My daughter from the Chambers family can wear whatever she likes! There’s no need for everyone to be so judgmental!”
Winona’s eyes grew fierce. ‘Dad is siding with Yvette again, even at the cost of offending so many people!
Seeing that Zachary was genuinely angry, people began to feel uneasy. Though the Chambers family had declined, they were still one of the four major families, and not someone these small families could mess with.
Yvette looked up at Zachary, her face composed and calm, seemingly unaffected by the people around her. She slightly furrowed her brows, then turned her blank expression toward Lana, who had claimed to have seen the dress before. Her voice was cold and distant, like a feather brushing over a mountain stream. “Where did you see it?”
Everyone’s attention shifted to Lana, who was drenched in sweat and looking nervous.
Winona purposely walked over to Lana and said gently, “Lana, right? I remember you. You said you’ve seen this dress before, so who wore it?” She gave Lana an encouraging look.
Finally given a chance to speak, Lana thought to herself, ‘If I had known one comment would cause such a misunderstanding, I wouldn’t have said anything!‘ Fearing she might be interrupted again, Lana took a deep breath and blurted out everything in one go.
“You’ve misunderstood me! I said I’ve seen this dress, but I never said I saw someone wear it! I saw this exact dress last year at the Mysonna Art Gallery exhibition. It was one of their collection pieces. At the time, I thought it was so beautiful that I asked if it was for sale. The gallery staff told me it wasn’t, because it was a unique piece designed by Sienna, the designer from ‘Vibe, for her muse. The gallery’s director had to beg Sienna to display it for two days. Since I loved the dress so much, I asked about it in detail. The fabric is pure silkworm silk, and it took 135 hours to make, all by hand, with over a hundred workers. Did you notice the diamonds on the dress? They’re the world’s purest diamonds, privately owned, and each one alone costs over 3 million. And even if you wanted to buy it, you couldn’t–it’s only available at auctions…”
Lana paused, her eyes filled with envy. “The gallery staff told me Mrs. Mith from Mysonna offered 70 million for it, but Sienna refused to sell. So this dress isn’t just incredibly expensive, it’s one of a kind in the world.” Lana let out a deep breath after finishing her explanation. ‘Finally! That was exhausting. Huh? Why’s it so quiet?‘ She cautiously looked around.
Everyone was staring at Yvette in the center of the garden, mouths agape. The place was dead silent, with only the sound of the wind rustling through the thousand–square–yard garden.
色
With the situation spelled out so clearly, if Richard still kept assuming it was about him, he’d only further humiliate himself. No… to be precise, when Wyatt and Simon said in unison that they weren’t here for his apprenticeship ceremony, his dignity had already been shattered. Richard didn’t speak again, but the trembling of his hands revealed the turmoil and anger within him.
The crowd watched as Richard, clearly furious yet forcing a smile, stood there, while Winona beside him looked utterly embarrassed and unsure of what to do. ‘So what’s really going on? If these two important figures aren’t here for Winona’s apprenticeship ceremony, what could it be?’ Everyone was baffled. ‘It couldn’t possibly be for this recently-returned Ms. Zeller from the Chambers family’s welcome home party, could it? That would be absurd!’
Simon wasn’t concerned about Richard’s expression. He had rushed to the banquet for one person only. His gaze swept across the garden, and finally, in a small corner, he spotted Yvette eating dessert. There was another girl sitting beside her, and from their proximity, they seemed close.
At the same time, Wyatt also noticed Yvette, a flash of admiration crossing his eyes. This was the girl he’d once briefly encountered at a steakhouse. What had struck him most about her, aside from her beauty and cold demeanor, was her rebellious attitude, so different from other society girls. Seeing her today again, ‘No wonder Jeremiah, that iron-blooded king, treats her so differently. Such a stunning beauty-there’s no match for her among the women of Betrico’s noble families.’
Having found the person he came to see, Simon had no time for small talk. He greeted Wyatt and Zachary briefly before heading straight toward Yvette.
Winona, who had remained silent, saw Simon leaving and, as if suddenly struck by an idea, stepped forward to block him. Her voice carried a hint of plea. “We’ve prepared seats for you and the mayor at the head table. Please, join me.”
Zachary frowned slightly, but Wyatt said nothing. His expression, however, darkened. “This Winona is playing a little game here, trying to publicly guilt Simon into sitting with her.’
Simon paused and glanced at the pitiful-looking Winona. His voice, old and cold, replied, “First of all, congratulations, Winona. But I won’t be sitting at the head table.” With that, he brushed past her without a hint of politeness, leaving Winona standing there, face flushed with embarrassment. Simon walked straight up to Yvette in front of everyone and stopped. “Finally found you.”
Yvette leisurely raised her head, her demeanor lazy and casual, with a gleam in her beautiful eyes. Her upturned eyes carried a rebellious air, and even though she was wearing a gown, she couldn’t hide her roguish attitude. Still, she greeted Simon politely. “Hello.”
Simon nodded cheerfully, ignoring the curious glances and stares from others, and sat right down next to Yvette, engaging her in friendly conversation.
The scene was nothing short of shocking. Yet, the two people involved seemed completely unaware of how out of place it looked. ‘Is this really the same serious and stern Simon of Argrol University that we know? Unbelievable!’
Winona was grinding her teeth so hard they were about to break. Her expression darkened further, radiating a cold, hostile air. She forced herself to endure the odd looks and whispers from those around her and turned her gaze to Wyatt. ‘Right, there’s still Wyatt… compared to him, Simon is nothing. “Mr. Langford, would you like to…”
Before she could finish, Wyatt, as if knowing exactly what she was about to say, interrupted her. “Ms. Chambers, I’m afraid I’m here for Ms. Zeller of the Chambers family. I won’t steal the spotlight. Please, let Mr. Griffin take the head seat.”
Once again, the crowd erupted in shock. No one could remain calm. ‘Are both of these elusive, high-status men here for the recently returned Ms. Zeller from the Chambers family?’ The entire crowd was buzzing!
Winona finally couldn’t hold on any longer. She staggered back a step, her ears buzzing, her hands trembling uncontrollably. “How have you been, Ms. Zeller?” Wyatt’s tone, attitude, and the kind expression on his face all conveyed one message:
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respect. He placed Yvette on equal footing with him.
O
+5
Wyatt had no idea what was going through everyone’s minds. If he did, he would’ve told them, ‘You’re overthinking it. Why would I consider myself on the same level as the woman Jeremiah has set his sights on?’
Yvette simply nodded casually in response, treating Wyatt with no more warmth than she had shown Simon earlier.
The difference in treatment was clear as day, ‘Wow, she really is something! I wish I could be as nonchalant as her, not even caring about the mayor!’
Wyatt didn’t seem to mind. After greeting Yvette, he also sat down nearby, instantly turning the once-empty corner into the center of attention in the garden. As he sat, Wyatt seemed distracted. ‘Is he coming or not?’
Zachary sighed. At this point, he had to step up and take control of the situation.
Nellie invited Richard to take the head seat and, seeing that there were fewer people around, led Winona aside. Victor noticed and followed them.
Sienna was a little curious but chose not to ask questions given the situation. ‘It’s not surprising who the boss knows!
From afar, Robert stared at Yvette and the others, his expression dark and suspicious. He turned to Yulia, who seemed stunned, and asked, “Did Yvette make a fuss when you called off the engagement?”
Yulia, watching Yvette chat with Simon and Wyatt from a distance, shook her head. “No, she… she was very straightforward about it. And… she didn’t seem upset at all. I think Yvette…” She hesitated.
Glancing at Robert’s grim face, Yulia continued cautiously. “Yvette didn’t seem to care about the engagement with Victor.”
Robert clenched his teeth but said nothing. ‘Maybe Yvette just accidentally got close to these two. Yeah… that must be it. Otherwise, what kind of reckless decision did I make?’
Meanwhile, Wyatt, sitting off to the side, was restless, frequently checking his phone. Finally, the ringtone broke the silence, and Wyatt answered immediately. ‘The person I’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. Wyatt stood up and headed out.
Everyone noticed his sudden movement. ‘Why is he leaving so abruptly?’
?
As Wyatt stepped outside, he saw his secretary leading Jeremiah to the entrance. Jeremiah, dressed in a black shirt, had sword-like brows and starry eyes, his prominent Adam’s apple adding to his appeal. His dark, cold eyes narrowed slightly, his expression wrapped in a chilling frost. His gaze was as still as a frozen lake, his calm demeanor terrifying. One hand in his pocket, his movements casual yet commanding, he walked at an unhurried pace.
Wyatt quickened his steps and approached Jeremiah. To everyone’s astonishment, Wyatt bowed respectfully and greeted him. “Master Jeremiah.”
neal
Just that single “Master” from Wyatt was enough to reveal the terrifying status of this man. What kind of power could compel Mr. Langford to address someone as “Master”?
Jeremiah nodded, his voice cold, making everyone present shudder inwardly. “Yes.”
“Who is this mysterious, powerful man? When did someone like him appear in Seaerity’s high society?’ thought everyone.
Jeremiah scanned through the crowd in the garden and immediately spotted a young girl enjoying her dessert. The next second, his lips curled into a world-stopping smile.
Chapter 137
With long, straight legs, Jeremiah strode toward Yvette, while Wyatt hurried to follow. The crowd’s gazes followed him the entire way–some amazed, some suspicious, others shocked, and some deep in thought.
Jeremiah approached Yvette just as she finished a piece of dessert.
Yvette lifted her head, her long, pale neck gleaming, the hint of her collarbones showing through, her flawless face meeting Jeremiah’s eyes.
Jeremiah looked down, his brows carrying a hint of a smile, his voice magnetic and pleasant. “You look beautiful today.”
Yvette leaned back lazily, raising her eyelids slightly, her expression still somewhat indifferent. A faint cold mist seemed to linger in her eyes, with a touch of wildness. She said casually, “Only today?”
Jeremiah was clearly stunned for a moment when he heard that. Did she just tease me?‘ But a hint of joy rose in his heart. He gazed at Yvette, serious and focused, raising his eyebrows slightly. “You’ve always looked beautiful.”
Yvette rested her hand on her chin, her voice light and slow. “I know. I’ve always been beautiful.”
Sienna rubbed her forehead, glancing around at the ladies, all glaring daggers at Yvette. She really wanted to say, “Boss, you’re not just good–looking, you’re drop–dead gorgeous. But could you tone it down a little? Can’t you see all these women are practically ready to eat you alive?” But given the overwhelming presence of this man who had just appeared, she kept her mouth shut. She’s not dumb. She could clearly see that the two of them were flirting, commonly known as “dog abuse,” and she was the dog closest to the action.
Simon, sitting nearby, never expected Yvette to say something like that. He coughed awkwardly. “Well… I didn’t realize this kid had a slight narcissistic streak. But I guess it’s not really narcissism, more like speaking the truth. After all my years of living, Yvette is indeed the prettiest student I’ve ever had. No argument there!
The corner of Jeremiah’s mouth remained upturned, but this expression was reserved only for Yvette. His gaze briefly swept over Sienna, who wore a nosy look, making his meaning abundantly clear.
Sienna shot
up
and excitedly said to Jeremiah, “I’ll be back!” She then stormed off to sit at a seat farther away from Yvette. Jeremiah naturally took Sienna’s former seat, nodded politely at Simon, and then focused solely on Yvette. Yvette glanced at him with her pretty eyes, pressed her lips together, and said nothing.
To those around them, this was as good as Yvette giving tacit approval to his actions. ‘So, are they a couple?”
“I’ve heard that the Carter family broke off their engagement with Yvette and switched to Winona. Looks like it’s true. Otherwise, how could she be sitting so openly with another man?”
“Yvette really has it made, huh? First, she was found by the Chambers family, and now she’s got this handsome, amazing boyfriend. And on top of that, she looks like that? Life sure is unfair.”
“I used to think Victor was pretty handsome, but compared to this guy, the difference is just too much.”
Victor had just walked into the garden with Nellie and Winona when he overheard this. He was instantly fuming, but when he saw the man sitting next to Yvette, his anger deflated. The most frustrating thing was that they weren’t wrong–he knew he couldn’t compare, so all he could do was sulk in silence.
Winona already knew that after the apprenticeship ceremony, the two families would officially announce her engagement to Victor, so she had given up on Jeremiah for now. She wasn’t foolish. Her mother was right–her priority now was to secure Victor. As for Jeremiah, I won’t give up on him in the future if the chance arises. For now, I’ll just put it aside.
At the center of the garden, Cyanbird’s painting, gifted to Winona, was prominently displayed on the faux wall.
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Richard had taken the main seat, with Zachary, Nellie, Robert, and Yulia beside him.
Everyone had tacitly agreed to drop the earlier incident, and Richard had returned to his usual arrogant self.
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Zachary had just announced to everyone that the apprenticeship ceremony would be held first. This decision brightened Winona’s mood considerably, as it showed Zachary still valued her and understood what was important. That’s why he put her apprenticeship ceremony ahead of Yvette’s recognition event. Winona paused deliberately as she passed Yvette, a hint of smugness on her face. “Sis, I’m going up first.”
Yvette didn’t even acknowledge her, not bothering to open her eyes, just curling her lips coldly.
Winona was furious at her reaction but didn’t dare lose her temper in front of Jeremiah, so she gritted her teeth and walked
away.
The apprenticeship ceremony went by quickly, the whole process taking just twenty minutes.
During that time, Yvette kept her eyes closed, resting. Everyone assumed she was jealous of her younger sister and didn’t want to watch, but those nearby could hear her soft, steady breathing…
Jeremiah shifted slightly, blocking the breeze blowing from afar. From a distance, it looked like Yvette was cradled in his
arms.
Wyatt noticed the subtle gesture, his eyes darkening. ‘Looks like Jeremiah has truly fallen for her. But can Yvette pass the test set by the old chief?‘
After the ceremony, Winona officially became Richard’s last student. With this title, she gained significant confidence, knowing she now had the strongest backing in the field of oil painting.
Everyone raised their glasses to congratulate Winona, seemingly having forgotten the earlier events, and she quickly returned to her initial air of triumph.
At that moment, a man in his forties, wearing glasses and ordinary clothes, walked into the garden and shouted, “Hold on! I’ve got something to say.”
The crowd turned to see the stranger who had just barged in…
It was none other than Richard’s nemesis, Cole Paben, the current vice president of the Art Association. He despised Richard’s corrupt, nepotistic ways, using his power for personal gain and running the association into chaos. Back when the previous president was in charge, the Art Association had always been fair and just. But Richard had used underhanded tactics to drive the old president out, and now he was trying to elevate his new last student within the association. Cole could not tolerate this, so upon learning about it, he rushed to Seacrity overnight.
He had already heard a secret about Winona from the former president. ‘How could a little girl tell such an outrageous lie and fool everyone? I absolutely cannot let someone like Winona enter the Art Association.‘
Richard’s murky eyes glared at Cole. ‘Why is he meddling in this? What does my taking on a student have to do with him?” “Mr. Paben, why aren’t you overseeing the Art Association in Betrico? What brings you to Seacrity?”
Some people only now recognized him–Cole Paben, the Art Association’s vice president and one of the most internationally awarded national oil painters. Word spread quickly, and soon the whole garden knew his identity.
Ignoring Richard, Cole fixed his gaze on Winona, standing next to the painting in the center of the stage. His eyes narrowed, sharp and cold, as he asked, “Winona, right?”
Winona panicked under his gaze. “Yes, Mr. Paben.”
Cole took a step forward, his presence imposing as he pointed to the painting behind her. “You said this was a gift from Cyanbird?”
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With long, straight legs, Jeremiah strode toward Yvette, while Wyatt hurried to follow. The crowd’s gazes followed him the entire way–some amazed, some suspicious, others shocked, and some deep in thought.
Jeremiah approached Yvette just as she finished a piece of dessert.
Yvette lifted her head, her long, pale neck gleaming, the hint of her collarbones showing through, her flawless face meeting Jeremiah’s eyes.
Jeremiah looked down, his brows carrying a hint of a smile, his voice magnetic and pleasant. “You look beautiful today.”
Yvette leaned back lazily, raising her eyelids slightly, her expression still somewhat indifferent. A faint cold mist seemed to linger in her eyes, with a touch of wildness. She said casually, “Only today?”
Jeremiah was clearly stunned for a moment when he heard that. Did she just tease me?‘ But a hint of joy rose in his heart. He gazed at Yvette, serious and focused, raising his eyebrows slightly. “You’ve always looked beautiful.”
Yvette rested her hand on her chin, her voice light and slow. “I know. I’ve always been beautiful.”
Sienna rubbed her forehead, glancing around at the ladies, all glaring daggers at Yvette. She really wanted to say, “Boss, you’re not just good–looking, you’re drop–dead gorgeous. But could you tone it down a little? Can’t you see all these women are practically ready to eat you alive?” But given the overwhelming presence of this man who had just appeared, she kept her mouth shut. She’s not dumb. She could clearly see that the two of them were flirting, commonly known as “dog abuse,” and she was the dog closest to the action.
Simon, sitting nearby, never expected Yvette to say something like that. He coughed awkwardly. “Well… I didn’t realize this kid had a slight narcissistic streak. But I guess it’s not really narcissism, more like speaking the truth. After all my years of living, Yvette is indeed the prettiest student I’ve ever had. No argument there!
The corner of Jeremiah’s mouth remained upturned, but this expression was reserved only for Yvette. His gaze briefly swept over Sienna, who wore a nosy look, making his meaning abundantly clear.
Sienna shot
up
and excitedly said to Jeremiah, “I’ll be back!” She then stormed off to sit at a seat farther away from Yvette. Jeremiah naturally took Sienna’s former seat, nodded politely at Simon, and then focused solely on Yvette. Yvette glanced at him with her pretty eyes, pressed her lips together, and said nothing.
To those around them, this was as good as Yvette giving tacit approval to his actions. ‘So, are they a couple?”
“I’ve heard that the Carter family broke off their engagement with Yvette and switched to Winona. Looks like it’s true. Otherwise, how could she be sitting so openly with another man?”
“Yvette really has it made, huh? First, she was found by the Chambers family, and now she’s got this handsome, amazing boyfriend. And on top of that, she looks like that? Life sure is unfair.”
“I used to think Victor was pretty handsome, but compared to this guy, the difference is just too much.”
Victor had just walked into the garden with Nellie and Winona when he overheard this. He was instantly fuming, but when he saw the man sitting next to Yvette, his anger deflated. The most frustrating thing was that they weren’t wrong–he knew he couldn’t compare, so all he could do was sulk in silence.
Winona already knew that after the apprenticeship ceremony, the two families would officially announce her engagement to Victor, so she had given up on Jeremiah for now. She wasn’t foolish. Her mother was right–her priority now was to secure Victor. As for Jeremiah, I won’t give up on him in the future if the chance arises. For now, I’ll just put it aside.
At the center of the garden, Cyanbird’s painting, gifted to Winona, was prominently displayed on the faux wall.
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Richard had taken the main seat, with Zachary, Nellie, Robert, and Yulia beside him.
Everyone had tacitly agreed to drop the earlier incident, and Richard had returned to his usual arrogant self.
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Zachary had just announced to everyone that the apprenticeship ceremony would be held first. This decision brightened Winona’s mood considerably, as it showed Zachary still valued her and understood what was important. That’s why he put her apprenticeship ceremony ahead of Yvette’s recognition event. Winona paused deliberately as she passed Yvette, a hint of smugness on her face. “Sis, I’m going up first.”
Yvette didn’t even acknowledge her, not bothering to open her eyes, just curling her lips coldly.
Winona was furious at her reaction but didn’t dare lose her temper in front of Jeremiah, so she gritted her teeth and walked
away.
The apprenticeship ceremony went by quickly, the whole process taking just twenty minutes.
During that time, Yvette kept her eyes closed, resting. Everyone assumed she was jealous of her younger sister and didn’t want to watch, but those nearby could hear her soft, steady breathing…
Jeremiah shifted slightly, blocking the breeze blowing from afar. From a distance, it looked like Yvette was cradled in his
arms.
Wyatt noticed the subtle gesture, his eyes darkening. ‘Looks like Jeremiah has truly fallen for her. But can Yvette pass the test set by the old chief?‘
After the ceremony, Winona officially became Richard’s last student. With this title, she gained significant confidence, knowing she now had the strongest backing in the field of oil painting.
Everyone raised their glasses to congratulate Winona, seemingly having forgotten the earlier events, and she quickly returned to her initial air of triumph.
At that moment, a man in his forties, wearing glasses and ordinary clothes, walked into the garden and shouted, “Hold on! I’ve got something to say.”
The crowd turned to see the stranger who had just barged in…
It was none other than Richard’s nemesis, Cole Paben, the current vice president of the Art Association. He despised Richard’s corrupt, nepotistic ways, using his power for personal gain and running the association into chaos. Back when the previous president was in charge, the Art Association had always been fair and just. But Richard had used underhanded tactics to drive the old president out, and now he was trying to elevate his new last student within the association. Cole could not tolerate this, so upon learning about it, he rushed to Seacrity overnight.
He had already heard a secret about Winona from the former president. ‘How could a little girl tell such an outrageous lie and fool everyone? I absolutely cannot let someone like Winona enter the Art Association.‘
Richard’s murky eyes glared at Cole. ‘Why is he meddling in this? What does my taking on a student have to do with him?” “Mr. Paben, why aren’t you overseeing the Art Association in Betrico? What brings you to Seacrity?”
Some people only now recognized him–Cole Paben, the Art Association’s vice president and one of the most internationally awarded national oil painters. Word spread quickly, and soon the whole garden knew his identity.
Ignoring Richard, Cole fixed his gaze on Winona, standing next to the painting in the center of the stage. His eyes narrowed, sharp and cold, as he asked, “Winona, right?”
Winona panicked under his gaze. “Yes, Mr. Paben.”
Cole took a step forward, his presence imposing as he pointed to the painting behind her. “You said this was a gift from Cyanbird?” C Chapter 138
Winona bit her lip, her fingers gripping the frame tightly, turning white with tension. She forced herself to lift her head, her voice trembling slightly, with a hint of tears. “Mr. Paben, I don’t understand what you mean by asking this. Everyone knows the truth. Why are you going out of your way to ask again? I know you’ve always had issues with my teacher, but you shouldn’t come here to stir trouble and embarrass him. You’re being too much.”
Winona’s tactic of redirecting blame worked perfectly. Upon hearing her words, Richard shot up from his seat, furious, and began to accuse Cole. “That’s enough, Mr. Paben! If you’ve got an issue, take it up with me. What kind of man takes it out on a student?”
Winona lowered her gaze, hiding the triumph in her eyes.
Cole’s brow furrowed slightly, displaying no concern for Richard’s anger. He maintained his unwavering gaze on Winona and spoke with conviction, “Allow me to inquire once more, are you absolutely certain that Cyanbird gave you this painting?”
Everyone turned to look at Winona on the round platform. Winona silently cursed Cole in her heart. She had encountered Cole before during her exams at the Art Association. All the judges had passed her, except for him, who gave her the lowest score, preventing her from passing level five. And now, out of nowhere, he was questioning her about this painting.
‘Could it be… that he’s really discovered something? No, that’s impossible. Back when I was in Mysonna, the underground seller assured me that no one would ever find out. Could it be that Mr. Paben is just trying to trick me? Yes… I need to stay calm… Everything’s fine… It’ll be fine. By this time, she had no way out. “Yes, this painting was a gift from the master Cyanbird a few years ago when I was in Mysonna. He greatly admired my work and character and gifted it to me specially.”
Winona’s firm response made everyone present feel that Cole was being unreasonable. Even if he had conflicts with Richard, he shouldn’t be taking it out on a young girl. Many people began to speak up for Winona.
The first to speak was Robert. “Mr. Paben, you heard Winona’s answer, didn’t you? The whole of Seacrity knows that master Cyanbird gave this painting to her, and the private seal on the painting can’t be fake, right? Are you being so aggressive to bully the Carter and Chambers families? Winona is already engaged to Victor and will be my daughter-in-law of the Carter family, so we won’t let you slander her like this!” Robert’s words were a clear announcement of Winona and Victor’s engagement to everyone present.
Zachary frowned slightly. ‘Who Winona is engaged to no longer concerns me as her “father.”
Nellie, her eyes reddened, also stood up to reproach Cole. “Mr. Paben, Winona is still just a child. How can you question her like this in front of so many people? This is the Chambers family, not the Art Association, and you’re not one of our invited guests. I hope you leave immediately.”
Upon hearing this, the crowd below started to act as righteous defenders again.
“Mr. Paben, you’d better leave quickly. It’s not right to ruin their happy day like this.”
“Exactly, you’re not young anymore. What’s the point of bullying a young girl?”
“Leave… just leave, no one here wants you…”
In the corner, Yvette opened her eyes. She first glanced at Jeremiah, who was closest to her, then looked towards the noisy round platform in the distance.
Jeremiah immediately looked down at Yvette, his eyes dark and bright, his voice soft and unusually tender. “Did I wake you?”
Simon, Wyatt, and Sienna also turned to look at Yvette at the same time… Wyatt got goosebumps from Jeremiah’s voice. “That can’t be the iron-blooded Major General anymore, right? In front of Yvette, Jeremiah is like one of those so-called cute puppy types? A cute puppy? Oh my… I can’t even imagine. That’s too terrifying!”
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Sienna from Argrol University casually sat down beside them. “Hey… Yve… you slept soundly, didn’t you? It’s been a lively scene up here. Some guy barged in just now, claiming to be the vice president of the Art Association, Cole. He’s questioning Winona about that painting. From what he said, it seems like there’s some issue with it.”
Yvette’s beautiful eyes were still slightly lazy, though there was a coldness deep within them. Her upturned eyelids carried a wildness as she stretched and lazily glanced at Cole, who was being surrounded by the crowd. Her voice had a bit of drowsy languor. “The painting is fake.”
Sienna exclaimed in shock, “The painting is fake?”
The power of that shout silenced the bustling garden once again. The crowd had been so focused on criticizing Cole that they had forgotten about the line of big shots seated there. What had Sienna just yelled? “The painting is fake?” “What’s going on? Could it be that Sienna knows some inside information?’
Cole turned to look at Yvette’s side, his eyes suddenly shining brightly, and his hands trembling with excitement. However, everyone was too focused on the other side to notice Cole’s strange behavior.
Sienna realized her voice had been too loud. ‘But it’s not my fault! The boss made such a shocking statement! I could believe if someone else were making stuff up, but if the boss says the painting is fake, then it must be fake! If that’s true, then this is a big deal…
“Sienna, why did you say the painting is fake? Do you have any evidence? You can’t just make claims like that.”
“Yeah, I think you’re only accusing Winona because you’re close to Yvette. Did Yvette put you up to this? Don’t let yourself be used as someone’s pawn.”
$
*****
Egged on by these comments, the crowd turned their eyes to Yvette, now filled with suspicion. ‘Could Yvette really have prompted Sienna to step in and frame Winona?’
Winona stepped down from the platform, her expression showing she’d clearly suffered a major blow. Tears streamed down her face as she cried sorrowfully. “Why are you helping outsiders bully me? Why? Ever since you came back to the family, have I done anything to upset you? I’ve always made concessions for you and never dared to make you angry because you’re my half-sister. I’ve always wanted to get along with you, but you’ve never given me a chance. Today is the most important day of my life, and you had Sienna speak up for you. You’re going too far!”
Winona’s words evoked deep sympathy from the crowd, especially from Victor, who rushed to her side, glaring at Yvette as though they had some deep-seated grudge.
Yvette, her legs crossed, rested her hands on the chair, tapping rhythmically with her left hand. Her gaze was calm and deep, with a mischievous smirk on her face, her features so stunning that people couldn’t look directly at her-both seductive and untamed.
Yvette’s demeanor left the crowd breathless. ‘She… she’s just too beautiful. Her breathtaking beauty captured everyone’s hearts, and even those who had just been accusing her were now left speechless.
Sitting beside her, Jeremiah casually handed Yvette a glass of orange juice he had poured. Yvette took it without hesitation, took a sip, and then, amidst the stunned gazes of everyone, finally spoke.
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SEND GIFTChapter 139
Yvette said, “Bullying you? You might not know the extent of my bullying. Those I bully end up in two fates: either death or a living hell worse than death. If you wish to experience it, I wouldn’t mind fulfilling that wish. And that fainting is fake; no matter how genuine it seems, a counterfeit can never become the real one. However, you do have a merit: you’re quite bold. This painting has been on the black market in Mysonna for several years. Do you know why no one dares to buy it? The person who forged this painting was brutally beaten, had their hands and feet broken in a single night, and left in a desolate wilderness. In the end, they were devoured by wild wolves.”
Everyone shuddered at the thought of being eaten by wolves. That was seriously brutal
Yvette’s words were so vivid that they felt like they were actually there, instinctively taking a step back.
Everyone present started to doubt th
ting’s authenticity.
Yvette didn’t mind the crowd’s reactions. She rested her chin on one hand and casually glanced at Nellie in the distance, wearing a faint smile. “One more thing, it’s early to mention being half-siblings.”
The others ignored Yvette’s last remark, but Zachary and Nellie on the platform showed a noticeable change in their expressions.
Nellie felt cold. Her mind was racing, and she could not concentrate on Winona’s issues. Her only concern was whether Yvette had discovered something
Zachary glanced at Nellie, noticed her pale face, and lowered his head deep in thought.
As Winona looked at Yvette in disbelief, her expression changed dramatically.
The color slowly drained from Winona’s face. She was utterly shocked and began trembling uncontrollably when she realized that Yvette had found that she had bought this painting on the black market in Mysonna
The next moment, a sudden idea struck Winona. So what if Yvette revealed the painting’s origin? As long as I continue denying it, who could prove the painting is fake? Since Crescent Moon, Cyanbird hasn’t released any new works. Only the agent Travis has met Cyanbird, and Travis is far away in Mysonna. No one here has his contact information, so
Winona looked completely wronged and deeply upset.
“Yvie, I don’t understand what you mean. What black market? I have no idea what you’re talking about. Should you really want to frame me, why must you think of such a ridiculous excuse? There are so many people here, including Mr. Langford. You can’t just start throwing accusations…” Winona didn’t finish her sentence, but her eyes drifted to Wyatt
Wyatt casually lifted his head, playing dumb, saying, “Hmm, what’s going on? Weren’t we talking about the painting? Sorry, I was dealing with some official business. Where were we? Go on..
After speaking, Wyatt waved the phone in his hand, seeming to be confirming his remarks.
Everyone thought, ‘We believe Mr. Langford. Please don’t treat us like fools…
Wyatt didn’t care about their reactions. Seeing the satisfied look from Jeremiah, he knew he had made the right move.
Wyatt happily lowered his head and returned to his so-called “official business”.
Winona was furious, but she didn’t dare say anything.
She couldn’t afford to offend Wyatt, so she spoke sternly to Yvette, “Yvie, if you say this painting is fake, please provide evidence, or I won’t tolerate this any longer.”
Winona was certain Yvette had no evidence since Yvette had acclaimed that the person who forged the painting was already
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dead.
“I am the evidence. I can prove that Ms. Zeller is telling the truth. No one knows better than her whether the painting is real or fake Cole stepped out of the crowd, heading straight to Yvette.
When he got in front of Yvette, he was unsure how to behave, as awkward as a child. He stammered, “Cyanbird… 1-Im Cole Paben. Hello, nice to see you again.”
Everyone present was dumbfounded.
They wondered What did he say? Cold called Yvette Cyanbird. So, Yvette is an internationally famous and mysterious genius painter whose single painting is worth 30 million dollars and admired by countless people? No way! This is really unbelievable! But why would Mr. Paben tell such a lie?
Zachary, Richard, Nellie, Rober
Victor, and Zeke all stood there, dumbfounded.
Winona was the one who found it most unacceptable, she’d rather believe the world was ending than accept that Yvette was Cyanbird.
Yvette raised an eyebrow, her clear and bright eyes carrying a touch of coldness and mischief.
With a casual yet lazy demeanor, she said smilingly. “Yeah, it’s been a while, You’ve aged quite a bit; hasn’t Mr. Harrington been taking good care of you?”
Cole scratched his head sheepishly. “No, Mr. Harrington treats me very some time already.”
well. It’s just that he’s been sick and hospitalized for
When Cole mentioned this, he seemed a bit down. Thomas didn’t have much time left to live; the doctors had already issued a critical condition notice.
Upon hearing Yvette’s words, the people present were shocked that Yvette had just admitted that she was Gyanbird indirectly.
It was shocking news.
The Chambers family’s child, who had been missing for over twenty years and was recently found, was Cyanbird, the most enigmatic figure in the international art world.
This was definitely today’s biggest news,
Some smart people immediately realized if Yvette was Cyanbird, the painting Winona had must be a fake.
This was huge.
Though he was surprised, Jeremiah was not as shocked as the others. He wondered how much more of Yvette’s secrets he did not know about.
He had even bid on Cyanbird’s paintings before. It turned out the artist he admired was right beside him all along.
Simon never imagined that Yvette had another identity.
Now that he knew she was Siren, discovering that she was also a great artist wasn’t too hard to accept.
Some people were just born with incredible talent, and others couldn’t help but envy them.
Richard, leaning on his cane, shakily walked over to Winona. As he walked, he thought that even if Yvette was Cyanbird, he couldn’t admit Winona’s painting was fake.
Admitting it now would make him completely lose face, so he was determined not to do so.
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He whispered a few words in Winona, and she immediately understood what he meant.
Senior people were indeed more resourceful.
Winona said, “Mr. Paben, stop acting along with Yvie. Everyone knows she grew up in the countryside. How could she possibly be Cyanbird? It makes no sense. We don’t believe you unless you can get Cyanbird’s agent Travis Rojas to attest to
it
Everyone became suspicious again after hearing this, thinking Winona might have a point.
After all, no one had ever seen Cyanbird
It had always been the agent handling things. Cole’s statements weren’t enough to make them believe Yvette was Cyanbird.
He was the most experienced art agent in Mysonna
And Travis wasn’t just anyb
It was not easy to reach out to him.
These people were divided into two groups. Some people believed Winona and Richard, while others trusted Yvette and
Cole
Everyone was caught in a dilemma.
When Winona noticed people around her began to speak in her favor again, she felt a bit confident again.
She couldn’t bring herself to believe that Yvette was actually Cyanbird.
Sienna stepped forward, took out the phone from her handbag, and said to everyone, “Finding Travis is easy. I have his contact info. Why not call him on video and confirm it?”
Winona suddenly felt a wave of panic.
She had forgotten that Sienna had come back from Mysonna; with her connections, it was not surprising she knew Travis.
Richard’s face suddenly darkened.
Actually, he had already believed Cole’s words. In Richard’s opinion, that stubborn man wouldn’t care to lie about something like that.
Richard finally understood what it meant to be stuck in a difficult situation.
Richard looked at Yvette and suddenly felt everything go pitch black before his eyes.
Sienna didn’t care about that; she found Travis’ phone number and dialed it.
The call was connected right away.
In the video, a young, handsome, blond man wearing a floral shirt appeared. The background suggested that he was on a
beach
“Hey, Sienna, what’s up? Aren’t you back in Clusia?” He spoke flawless Clusian.
Before Sienna could respond, Winona chimed in, “Hello, Mr. Rojas, someone here in Clusia is impersonating Cyanbird. Could you help confirm whether she is actually Cyanbird?”
Hearing this, Travis yelled in annoyance, “Who? Which bastard dares to impersonate my goddess? Is she out of her mind? Step forward! I swear… I’m not kidding around.
Sienna gave him a sideways glance, thinking, ‘Alas… good luck to you, you fool.
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Then she pointed the camera at Yvette.
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Travis, who had been so arrogant, went silent and swallowed hard. He bowed after he rubbed his eyes to make sure who it was. “Ti. Cyanbird.”
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Travis’s words sent the whole party into a frenzy…
All eyes turned to Yvette, who sat with a faint smile and a mischievous, haughty, casual, and carefree look in her eyes.
The people present were completely shocked and silent.
“Looks like you’ve been quite idle lately, Yvette said softly as she nodded slightly at Travis in the video.
Sienna felt sympathy for Travis, pondering. The boss really knows how to keep secrets. It turns out she’s a mysterious genius artist with international recognition, Boss has another identity. As her employee, I’m feeling a lot of pressure.”
Travis couldn’t help but cring ette’s gaze, recalling the years when Yvette had dominated him. It was miserable.
With a sycophantic smile, Travis said, “No, no… Tm not idle at all. T–The phone signal isn’t… great.” Travis finished speaking and ended the call.
Travis, who was on the beach of the west coast of the Mysonna, let out a sly grin. He thought it was a smart move to end the call that way.
In the garden, the silence was suffocating
Suddenly, someone spoke up. “If Travis says Yvette is Cyanbird, doesn’t that mean that Winona’s painting is fake?
What could she possibly want? Why would she lie about that? It’s just too embarrassing”
“Isn’t it obvious? This painting earned her a chance to become Richard’s last student.”
“Exactly, we’ve all been fooled by Winona. Turns out Yvette is the genius painter Gyanbird.”
“But the apprenticeship ceremony is over, and the engagement has been announced. I think now…..
Winona kept her head down, her hands clenching so tightly. Winona was at a loss for words. Another thing that drove Yvette into a chasm was Travis’s affirmation that she was Cyanbird. She dared not look up, dared not see the strange looks from the people around her, and she couldn’t believe that the one she had always admired and wanted to become turned out to be Yvette. If Yvette had revealed her identity from the start, none of this would have happened. Winona thought, ‘It was all Yvette’s fault. She was deliberately trying to make a fool of me; Iwant her to pay
Winona was obsessed. “My mom promised to deal with Yvette. But why hasn’t she taken any action yet? What on earth is she doing?
Winona had no idea that Yvette’s words had terrified Nellie. Since Yvette had said as much, Winona wondered if she had found anything.
Robert, who had just announced the engagement of Victor and Winona, was deeply regretful. Now everything was completely ruined. The Carter family became a laughing stock today because of Winona, and her telling lies would be a stain on her for life. What could be more ironic than that a person who told outrageous lies would marry into the Carter family?
Yulia just stared blankly at Yvette, who reminded Lilian of the excellent and outstanding woman more than twenty years ago. Yvette was more outstanding than her mother. Yulia wondered whether everything would have turned out differently if she hadn’t listened to Robert and broken off the engagement and if she hadn’t humiliated Yvette with a check. But there was no way going back. Only now did she realize why Yvette was so disdainful when the Carter family offered Yvette that check As Cyanbird, Yvette didn’t care about this amount of money since she could sell a painting for over 30 million dollars. Thinking about it now, Yulia mocked herself. But there was nothing she could do now.
Richard stood next to Winona, and his expression wavered a few times. The whole apprenticeship ceremony was messed up.
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He originally hoped that the painting in Winona’s hand could help him quell some of the opposition in the Art Association, but now it not only failed but also backfired. If he had known the Yvette was Cyanbird, he would definitely not have treated her in that manner. In this situation, he could only abandon Winona to save himself.
Richard glanced sideways at Winona, a glint of calculation flashing through his murky eyes. No matter how much Winona had won his favor, she was nothing compared to his reputation Specifically, her reputation in the domestic art industry would be completely destroyed if today’s events became widespread. It was no longer worth his time and effort to teach someone like that
With a sigh, Richard looked down at the silent Winona and said, “Winona, you’ve really let me down my trust by spreading such a huge lie. Although I’ve accepted you as my student, you haven’t officially jadned the Art Association. With so many people present today as witnesses, I declare the apprenticeship ceremony is nullified. From now on, I cut all ties with Winona Chambers, and we are no longer related.”
Winona staggered, her eyes till
he hesitated and stepped asidi
bloodshot and a touch of ferocity. Victor wanted to lend her a hand, but in the end.
After speaking. Richard left with his cane, not even glancing at Winona. He walked extremely fast and disappeared in no
Everyone was taken aback by Richard’s sudden move, all of them stunned. He just decided that his previous words didn’t
Count
Nellie finally came to her senses. She never expected that the director of the Art Association would be so ungrateful and go back on his word unscrupulously ditching Winona even after the apprenticeship ceremony had been held. Nellie glared resentfully at Yvette, who was casually chatting with others with an indifferent air. Nellie thought. It’s all this wretched woman’s fault. How could she be Cyanbird? But Nellie knew she couldn’t deny it because that was the cruelest truth for her. Winona, and a few others. Nellie was somewhat relieved that she had agreed to announce the marriage between Victor and Winona at the apprenticeship ceremony today. Since she couldn’t go on with her painting career, but with the marriage to the Carter family, Winona could still pave the way for Zeke’s future_
Robert gritted his teeth. He couldn’t accept this marriage either, Robert thought that Claude would kill him if Claude knew what had happened to him today and that he had personally chosen Winona to engage with Victor, Robert couldn’t care much about his reputation now. “Mr. Chambers and Mrs. Chambers, thank you for entertaining us today. We will take our leave now. Our housekeeper called to say that my father has come and is waiting for us at home. We will visit you another day when we have the chance.”
Nellie’s eyes widened, and she was instantly furious, thinking. What does Robert mean by that?’
The people in attendance now understood what Robert was saying when they heard it, having heard Richard’s words. Everyone in the upper class was no fool. It was obvious that the Carter family was distancing themselves from the Chambers family and calling off the marriage.
Nellie anxiously tugged at Zachary’s sleeve. “Honey, say something! The Carter family clearly wants to cancel…”
Zachary raised his head, glanced at the anxious and furious Nellie with cold eyes, then at the people below, and finally at Robert His voice was cold when he said, “Oh, the engagement between Victor and Winona was decided by you and Nellie. Whether it counts or not is up to you, I don’t care.
Zachary’s words left Nellie stunned and at a loss, her face pale.
Zachary’s words finally made Winona collapse. Winona was shivering all over, biting her teeth hard, even her eyes cold, thinking. Why does my father treat me this way? Why doesn’t he care for me at all? I’m his daughter. Why is he so ruthless to
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Robert took Yulia off the stage without even a pause as they passed by Winona as if she were a stranger. Victor was a little reluctant to follow Robert when he saw Winona in tears, but he had no choice but to do so given the situation.
After they left, the venue fell silent, with no one daring to speak
At that moment, Zachary in a dark suit walked to the center of the round stage and picked up the microphone. He pursed his lips, his face somewhat stern, but his eyes held a trace of relief that others couldn’t understand. “Ladies and gentlemen, 1 have another announcement to make. I have decided to give my daughter Yvette all of my shares in Chambers Group in addition to my money, stocks, real estate, and antique collections. I have executed the necessary documents. From today on, Yvette is the sole heir to my assets.”
Everyone was shocked to hear this statement and immediately thought, ‘Does Zachary mean to leave all his assets to Yvette? How is it possible for this to happen? There has never been anything like this. No matter how much the daughter is loved, it is assumed in the world of the we that the property must be left to the son. Nobody would allow the daughter to take over the company. Is Zachary cras addition, he has a son. How could he make such a ridiculous decision?”
Only Yvette, sitting lazily in her seat, showed no surprise at all. Her eyes were deep and bright, sparkling with interest.
With one leg crossed over the other, her slender fingertips lightly tapped the rim of her cup, wondering if her lousy father had found out something.
The Chambers family’s petty cash was of little concern to Jeremiah. He was the owner of numerous powerful companies, all of which were greater than Chambers Group; Yvette could have any of them if she so desired,
No matter what was happening on stage, in the corner of the garden, Yvette and Jeremiah were as carefree as if they were in a paradise, enjoying themselves.
Simon and Wyatt had seen a lot of ups and downs in life, so they were just slightly surprised before they let it go.
Nellie looked at Zachary in disbelief and paused in place.
Zeke appeared from somewhere and rushed onto the stage, shouting at Zachary without any regard, Dad, have you lost your mind? Did someone threaten you or something? Are you suffering from dementia? How could you make such a decision! I’m your son, the legitimate heir of the Chambers family. How could you leave all the shares of the Chambers family to Yvette just because she’s Cyanbird?”
Zachary narrowed his eyes with an evident cold look inside when he glanced at Zeke, who was questioning him. “You have no business criticizing my choices, and I don’t need your input. Leave the stage now.
Zeke stood his ground, not understanding how things could have gone so awry in just a few hours. Yvette had suddenly become someone who was out of their reach, and what he couldn’t accept even more was Zachary’s decision to leave all his assets to Yvette. Zeke looked at Zachary fiercely as if he were his enemy.
Everyone else didn’t dare to gossip much, they could only quietly watch from the audience, occasionally whispering to each other.
Zeke thought about when he couldn’t stop it, but Nellie could. According to the law, Nellie had the right to inherit half of Zachary’s estate.
Zeke pulled the pale–faced Nellie to Zachary. “Mom, Dad has lost his mind; you have to say something. Hurry up. You also own half of this family’s property. Do you want to give it to Yvette too? What about Winona and me? We get nothing”
Nellie moved her lips but couldn’t speak, looking at Zachary with deep affection.
Zeke watched as Nellie stared at Zachary without saying a word, and he was filled with anxiety. He couldn’t understand why she acted this way at that critical moment. Zeke wanted to get Winona to support him, but seeing her dazed expression, he
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knew she wouldn’t be of any help.
As he was about to say something more. Zachary picked up the microphone again and said to everyone, “Not only that, but today I also want to ask you all to bear witness. I have decided to end my marriage with Nellie. From now on, we’ll go our separate ways and never see each other again.”
After saying this, he turned to Nellie, his face incredibly calm. “I’ve already prepared the divorce agreement. It will be delivered to the Smith family later.”
Looking at Zeke, Zachary felt disgusted just by glancing at him, and his voice was even colder as he said, “Regarding the property dispute, your mother personally signed a waiver of her claim to any marital property when she married into my family to demonstrate her sincerity to my father. So Nellie has no connection to the Chambers family’s wealth. I can give it to whoever I want”
Zeke couldn’t believe his mother would sign such an unfair agreement. With these words, he lost his last bit of leverage. But seeing Yvette effortlessly gain control of the Chambers fahily’s assets so easily, he was unwilling
Zachary’s words made him sound! announcing the divorce in front of i do.
artless scoundrel, leaving all the property to his ex–wife’s daughter and
without giving Nellie any respect. This was the kind of thing only a jerk could
Among the audience, Winona sneered inwardly, Dad must have found out my mother’s infidelity. This affects me and Zeke too, leaving us with nothing
Nellie was trembling as she pointed at Zachary, “Honey, I’ve been married to you for twenty years. Even if I haven’t been a great help. I’ve certainly endured a lot. How can you treat me this way? If you want to leave the property to Yvette, then do
I won’t argue with it. Please don’t abandon me. I’m begging you.” Nellie’s words were as humble as they could be, but Zachary’s face showed no sign of being moved. If he hadn’t known about the vicious things Nellie had done, perhaps he wouldn’t have chosen such a decisive way to end their relationship. He had also thought about parting on good terms. But
he felt like he could kill Nellie, so he wouldn’t soften his heart because of these few words.
Zachary walked over to Nellie, and under her pleading and hopeful gaze, he slowly lowered his head and let out a soft laugh. In a voice only the two of them could hear, he said, “Zeke and Winona, they’re not my children, are they? You drugged me back then. Do you think I wouldn’t have any suspicions after all these years about why I’d wake up in bed with you for no reason? Let me guess, whose kids are they? Some guy named Blake? Or maybe your college professor? Oh, it can’t be the male model you’ve supported for the past six months, right? And you probably don’t know that I’ve never really touched you all these years. Every time, it was just you dreaming in bed. Does it sound familiar? That’s right, you used that hallucinogen on me back then, didn’t you? You shouldn’t be so surprised, should you? Or are you still wondering where the guys sent by Blake to sneak in and kidnap Yvette have gone? They’re already at the police station, and so is your Blake, by the way.”
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Zachary’s words caused Nellie’s face to go pale, every word hurt She thought. It turns out he’s been playing along with me all these years, knowing about it all along. How foolish I have been!
Nellie finally collapsed and slumped onto the stage, gazing up at Zachary with hate and insanity in her eyes rather than love.
The crowd didn’t hear what Zachary said, only witnessing Nellie take a step back with each of his words until she had nowhere left to retreat and fell onto the stage.
At that moment, the Smith family’s butler Jason entered with a few bodyguards.
At the sight of Jason. Zeke felt like he calm him. Jason walked onto the sta
and a savior. When he was about to complain to him. Jason gave him a look to ped Nelhe up, and instructed bodyguards to take Nellie, Zeke, and Winona away first. Nellie reluctantly cast one last glance at Zachary before leaving with the bodyguards. Jason stood on the stage facing Zachary, his voice omingas while he said. “Mr. Chambers, Mr. Smith has received the divorce agreement, along with other documents. The agreement will be signed and delivered to the Chambers family tomorrow. It will end the relationship between the Smith and Chambers families. Mr. Smith asked me to pass on a word: Life is unpredictable. You should be careful when going out in the future. I hope you stay healthy and watch how the Chambers family declines under your leadership. With that, he left without regard for the curious glances of the crowd.
This party finally came to an end. Attendees today experienced twists and turns as well as ups and downs. Winona told a big lie. The newly found eldest daughter of the family turned out to be the mysterious painter Cyanbird. After Zachary left all his assets to his daughter, he announced the divorce with Nellie The Chambers and Smith families broke apalt. These events would undoubtedly make headlines of Seacrity tomorrow.
Everyone was aware that turmoil was going to descend upon Seacrity’s business world after tonight. The disagreement between the Smith and Chambers families was a big deal.
Lucas returned to the living room after seeing off the last batch of guests and saw Zachary, who was sitting on the sofa and. looking very tired. Lucas couldn’t help but be shocked by today’s events. He couldn’t believe that Zachary had been quietly scheming for so many years and keeping it from him too. He had been working for Zachary for years, and he was completely unaware of these matters. Zachary had spent over twenty years making such a big plan. But starting tomorrow, the Chambers family would likely face the Smith family’s furious retaliation. Dennis was not someone to be trifled with, and Zachary’s actions today were clearly a declaration of a break with the Smith family. If it were before, Lucas wouldn’t have worried so much. But now, the Chambers family was no longer as strong as before; if the Smith family…The future looked
bleak.
Lucas walked to Zachary, bowed respectfully, and said with his head down, “Mr. Chambers, all the guests have left, and so have Ms. Chambers and her friends.”
Zachary rubbed his temples, his expression solemn, and said in a low voice, “OK. Bring the documents on the table to Yvette’s school tomorrow. I’ve completed all the procedures at the law firm; after today. Yvette owns Chambers Group.”
Lucas heart skipped a beat. He thought, “Something is off. Why does Mr. Chambers sound like he’s saying the last words?
“Why don’t you ask if I even want Chambers Group?” a rebellious and arrogant voice sounded.
Zachary looked toward the door with surprised joy.
Lucas, recognizing the voice, was also extremely astonished. He had just seen Yvette leave, but now she was back.
Yvette leaned against the door with one leg slightly bent with a cold look, her eyebrows raised. She was back in her usual sportswear outfit and those familiar canvas shoes. She walked in unhurriedly. “I don’t want Chambers Group”
Zachary let out a soft sigh, looking at Yvette with a very complicated gaze. When he found out she casually took out 100 million dollars to gamble with Ethan at Sky Nimbus, he knew that Yvette, his daughter with Lilian, was no ordinary person Then, Bryan made an appearance at the Argrol University Art Festival. Today at the banquet, she was disclosed to be the famous painter Cyanbird. Yvette already had everything, and now he finally understood why she reconnected with the
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Chambers family. He knew for sure she wasn’t for the Chambers family’s money, and it was probably not a coincidence that she was found. His daughter had become such an excellent and powerful person without his knowledge.
Zachary tilted his head and told Lucas to leave; the spacious living room of the villa was left with only Zachary and Yvette
now
Yvette was sitting on the sofa with one leg crossed over the other holding the coffee that Zachary had just brewed, looking quite at ease.
Zachary’s mouth twitched. Although Yvette looked like Lilian, she had a completely different personality. But that was fine, as it meant Yvette wouldn’t be bullied in the future.
After a while. Zachary spoke earnestly. “Yvette, I know you don’t want Chambers Group. You haven’t even considered it, right?”
Yvette pursed her lips with a mischievous yet cold look. She nodded slightly and bluntly said in an indifferent tone, “No.”
Zachary picked up his coffee cup to take a sip, but the coffee felt more bitter after he heard her answer. He had worked hard for the business for half of his life, and his daughter didn’t even want it. He felt so uncomfortable. Zachary looked at Yvette and let out a faint sigh, his eyes filled with slightly melancholy. “Did you deliberately let me find you? Reuniting with the Chambers family was also part of your plan, wasn’t it?”
Yvette played with the empty coffee cup in her hand, not denying it.
Zachary was not surprised; it was just to confirm what he had guessed. His expression became more serious as he continued, “Yveste, I chose to announce my divorce from Nellie in front of all the celebrities in Seacrity tonight, which means that the Chambers and Smith families will be completely severed from now on Dennis is spoiling Nellie, so I know he won’t let it go easily. He’ll likely decide to fight alongside our family until the end. Our family has changed over time. We are probably going to succeed in the business world if the Smith family targets us. Therefore, I beg you to take over the family assets and do with them as you please. I won’t object.”
Upon hearing this, Yvette remained expressionless, only glancing up at him with her clear eyes and a smug, mischievous look. “Chambers Group won’t go bankrupt; you don’t need to worry about that.”
Zachary pondered. It won’t go bankrupt? What does she mean? The business battlefield is also fierce; although Yvette is Cyanbird, it’s not easy to run a company worth over 3 billion dollars due to its complicated internal affairs. It is a fight to the end once the Chambers and Smiths begin business wars. Bankruptcy is inevitable given the Chambers family’s current strength
Seeing Zachary’s obviously skeptical look, Yvette didn’t say much lowering her eyes. She pondered, “Business war? It’s quite interesting
Zachary didn’t say anything to discourage Yvette. In his view, there was no need to involve Yvette in this matter. Even if he lost and the Chambers family fell in the future, what he left for vette would be enough for her to live a worry-free life for the rest of her life.
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Yvette put down the coffee cup, her beautiful eyes narrowing slightly; her fingers were long and well-defined. Her voice was low and deep, exceptionally pleasing to the ear as she said, “What did you find out? Was my mother’s disappearance related. to Nellie? Or was it related to the Smith family?”
Zachary didn’t speak, as if he had fallen into memories, his eyes filled with extreme regret and pain. After a long while, he scoffed himself and spoke, “You’re right; the past was complicated. When I met your mother, she appeared in Seacrity out of nowhere, without parents or relatives. Our love was crazy and passionate, but it was also met with huge obstacles. Your grandfather absolutely wouldn’t allow someone like your mother with an unknown past to marry into the Chambers family. So, back then. I was ready to give up the Chambers family to be with Lilian, planning to take her away and settle down in another city. But the day before we were about to leave, Lilian told me she was pregnant. I thought that with you on the way. your grandfather would finally agr Our marriage, but he still didn’t. In the end, he tricked me back home and locked me up for half a month. Lilian and Iv of contact. Later, I don’t know what happened, but your grandfather let me out and agreed to our marriage, saying we could be together once the child was born. I was overjoyed, and I failed to notice something was off with Lilian.”
Zachary held his head in his hands, his eyes red, the veins on his temples bulging, getting more and more agitated as he spoke. If he hadn’t been so naive back then or trusted his father, Lilian wouldn’t have disappeared so mysteriously and ended up dead in a foreign land.
Zachary looked up at Yvette, who was expressionless, and suddenly calmed down. He gave a wry smile and continued, “I was too ecstatic back then. I didn’t notice the unease and determination in Lilian’s eyes. Your grandfather only asked that I become a member of Chambers Group for us to be together. After I joined, I worked day and night and I began to see her less often. Her belly slowly swelled up. Now that I think about it, your grandfather probably did it on purpose, intending to tie me down with work. In the fifth month of her pregnancy, one day she suddenly vanished without a trace, not even leaving a note to me. I went crazy looking for her, but it was as if she had disappeared into thin air. I searched for half a year and didn’t find a single clue. I started to drown my sorrows in alcohol every night. You probably know what happened next. Nellie used drugs to get into my bed and tricked your grandfather into marrying her into the Chambers family with someone else’s child. Your grandfather was wise all his life but made a mistake that one time. I knew long ago that Zeke and Winona weren’t my children. I decided I wouldn’t have any more children after Lilian was pregnant with you, so I secretly got a vasectomy without telling anyone, not even Lilian knew about it. I originally suspected that your grandpa had sent Lilian away.”
Yvette’s expression altered. He looked at Zachary, pursed his lips and his eyes darkened, “What happened next?”
Zachary shook his head. “It wasn’t your grandfather. After Nellie married into the Chambers family, I found a piece of paper with a special mark while tidying up your mother’s belongings. I took me a long time to find out where this mark came
from.”
Yvette raised his eyes, his dark gaze cold, “Where?”
Zachary was feeling a bit conflicted. He didn’t want Yvette to get involved in this mess, but he was certain she’d dig into it no matter what he said. After much internal struggle, Zachary finally revealed what he’d been investigating for years.
He said, “Yvette, are you aware of the country’s three major labs? The physics and physics labs are the most enigmatic, always under the highest level of national protection, holding the nation’s top secrets. This symbol here is from the physics lab. Back in the day, they had a branch in Seacrity. I suspect that Lilian’s sudden disappearance might have something to do with this lab. Your mother was always a bit of an enigma, always seeming to carry a heavy burden of secrets. At that time, Nellie used a child as leverage to try to marry into the Chambers family. I was against it at first, but then one day, by chance, I overheard her making a call to a stranger, mentioning Lilian’s name. I only caught a few words, but I’m sure Nellie was Involved in your mother’s disappearance. Not many people know that the head of the physics lab, Rashad Pollard, used to be comrades-in-arms with Nellie’s father Dennis. They were very close. The Smith family even invested in a project at the physics lab, but it was never made public. I couldn’t find any information on it; it must be top secret. That’s why I eventually agreed to marry Nellie, hoping to find some clues on her. But unfortunately, I’ve come up empty-handed all these years.
Zachary’s face was grim. State-owned labs were off-limits to merchants like them, so even if Lilian’s disappearance had something to do with a physics lab, he was powerless to do anything about it. “I-If someone could get into one of the three major labs, maybe there’s a chance to uncover the truth of what happened back then; why would Lilian leave Seacrity when.
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she was five months pregnant?
Yvette lowered her eyes, deep in thought, an intimidating aura surrounding her. Her delicate features were filled with coldness. “I will get to the bottom of this. With that, she stood up and left.
Zachary stared at her retreating figure, motionless for a long while.
After returning to her dorm, Yvette went to the balcony and pulled out her phone, dialing a number casually.
As soon as the call connected, Yvette spoke bluntly, “Move the company to Betrico in the second half of the year. Without waiting for a response, she hung up.
Yvette looked out the window at the busy traffic, her eyes wild and rebellious, menacing and daring. She thought, ‘It is becoming more and more interesting sn’t it? A physics lab?”
The next day, all the newspapers
cws sites were filled with headlines about what had happened at the Chambers residence the night before, Eye-catching titles were everywhere. But now everyone in Seacrity knew about Winona’s scandal. Yvette’s identity as Cyanbird, and the news of Zachary’s divorce from Nellie.
At school people cast her furtive glances and whispered about her whenever Yvette showed up
The news that Yvette was Cyanbird was just too shocking. Even if some people originally didn’t know who Cyanbird was, they quickly learned about her influence and position in the art world. That a big shot was enrolled at Argrol University, eating in the cafeteria, and taking part in school events just like them seemed like something out of a fairy tale Someone with her kind of talent ought to be dining at a five-star establishment, wearing an evening gown, sipping wine, and attending upscale galas rather than leading such a banal college life as they do. It was just unbelievable.
Since morning, the Argrol University forum had become a flurry of activity, with threads about Yvette receiving an increasing amount of input and the discussions below devolving into nothing but compliments.
Yer Yvette remained calm as usual. She went to the cafeteria as always, bought bread and orange juice, and then went to class. What Yvette didn’t know was that after she left, the kind of sandwich and orange juice she bought were sold out in an instant, and those who got them were thrilled. They called it “the same food as the big shot’s.
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At the Smith residence, ever since Nellie and her two kids returned last night, Nellie had locked herself in her room, refusing to see anyone. Even the maids who brought her meals were sent away with harsh words.
Zeke and Winona also realized that they had nothing left but the Smith family, so they had no right to act out. They stayed in their rooms until Jason called for them to come down, saying that Dennis had returned and wanted to see them.
Jason stood at Nellie’s door, staring at it, lost in thought, his eyes filled with complexity. After a while, he raised his hand to knock but Nellie yelled at him from inside, “Get lost, all of you!
Jason sighed softly, his voice gentle while he said, “Ms. Smith, come out now. Mr. Smith is back. If you don’t come out, he’ll come up himself
At the mention of Dennis, Nella
y stopped cursing and opened the door. Nellie disdainfully looked at the man who had been infatuated with her for years, thinking to herself that he was just a lapdog. After all these years, he still looked at her with such affectionate eyes. It was disgusting.
Jason noticed Nellie’s undisguised disgust. He suppressed the sourness; he had been used to it by now. Nellie was from wealthy family, while he was just the son of a driver. If it weren’t for his striving to improve his social status, he probably wouldn’t even have the chance to speak to Nellie today.
Jason bowed respectfully, very humble. “Ms. Smith, Mr. Smith is downstairs. He wants to meet you, Mr. Chambers, and Ms. Chambers downstairs.”
Nellie snorted coldly; she was domineering and haughty whenever she was back with the Smith family. Over the years, she only pretended to be nice and considerate in front of Zachary. In front of Jason, she didn’t bother to act. Nellie waved her hand impatiently. “Got it. I’ll tidy up and be right down.”
Nellie was still a bit afraid of her father, so she softened her tone toward Jason since her father still trusted him after all these years. Jason, if my dad…”
Before Nellie could finish her sentence, Jason knew what she meant and quickly assured her, “I understand, Ms. Smith. Don’t worry. I know what to do.”
Nellie nodded with satisfaction, and for a rare moment, she smiled at Jason, who was captivated by her smile. Although Nellie’s beauty had faded, Jason still remembered how pretty she had been when she was younger,
Seeing him stunned, Nellie felt disdain. She could make Jason do anything with just a smile, and he would do it without hesitation. A man without ambition was only fit to carry her shoes.
In the living room, Dennis, in his seventies, sat on the sofa with a cane. His face was adorned with a short, stiff mustache; his cloudy eyes were sunken deep in their sockets, and his meticulously groomed gray hair showed that he had little flesh left on his body.
Nellie led Zeke and Winona downstairs and saw Dennis sitting and drinking coffee, with Jason standing by his side. Nellie noticed that Dennis’s face was very calm, without a hint of anger But she knew this was how her father looked when he was furious, or rather, he was very angry right now.
Zeke and Winona held their breaths in fear.
Nellie approached Dennis cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper as she said, “Dad.”
Zeke and Winona quickly greeted him, “Grandpa.”
Dennis glanced at the three of them, lowered his gaze, and continued sipping his coffee without a word.
After a while, the three became increasingly panicked. Eventually, Nellie couldn’t help but look to Jason for help.
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Jason knew that Dennis was deliberately ignoring them. Judging by Dennis’s expression, it seemed about time to intervene, so Jason spoke up, “Mr. Smith, Ms. Smith hasn’t eaten since she came back last night. Perhaps you could let her sit down and
talk
Dennis looked at Jason, put down his coffee cup, stared at Nellie, and said with a hoarse voice, “Do you realize the foolish thing you’ve done?”
Nellie, of course, understood what her father meant. She had been foolish indeed, deceived by Zachary for so many years, thinking he somehow loved her, only to find out it was all a scam
With her head down, Nellie’s eyes turned red at the thought, and her voice sent a chill down one’s spine as she muttered.”1 was wrong. Dad. I didn’t expect Zachary to put on an act in front of me for all these years. He knew long ago that Zeke and Winona weren’t his children. You said he wasn’t simple when I married him, and you were right, Dad. He’s really not that simple.
Hearing this. Zeke and Winona up at Nellie in disbelief, thinking. ‘We aren’t Zachary’s children? No way! Then whose children are we? No wonder Zachary hasn’t left us any of his property; it turns out we are not blood-related to the Chambers family.”
Zeke clenched his fists, questioning Nellie, “Mom, what are you talking about? If we’re not Dad’s children, who is our father? Didn’t you marry into the Chambers family because you were pregnant with me and Winona!”
Nellie’s face turned cold, and her voice laced with impatience as she responded, “You and Winona are just an outcome of a one-night stand I had at a bar. I don’t even know who your father was. I was drunk. You don’t need to blame me. Without my lies back then, do you think you could have enjoyed such a luxurious life for so many years? If it weren’t for marrying into the Chambers family, I would have gotten rid of you both.”
Zeke was completely taken aback by the realization. Nellie had always been affectionate toward him, and this was the first time she had spoken to him in such a manner. Zeke couldn’t accept that he turned out to be a bastard. In a frenzy, Zeke ran
DUL.
In the living room, no one moved
Winona accepted the fact that she wasn’t Zachary’s biological daughter quite quickly. With no support from the Chambers family anymore, if the Smith family didn’t help her, her future would be even more uncertain. Thus, she wouldn’t act as recklessly as Zeke, unable to see the situation clearly.
Dennis snorted coldly, looking at Zeke’s frantic departure with utter disappointment. A bastard is indeed good-for-nothing He goes crazy like this over such a trivial matter. He’s not destined for greatness.”
After speaking, with a hint of satisfaction, Dennis turned to look at Winona, who was standing obediently by his side. He already knew about yesterday’s events. Winona had ambition, albeit lacking in finesse, but she was pragmatic. Perhaps she could still be of use. Dennis’s tone softened significantly when he spoke to Winona, “Winona, I’ll help you marry into the Carter family. But you must also understand that the Smith family is now your support. After I help you marry into the Carter family, you should know what to do, right? The Smith family’s well-being is yours as well. I don’t need to remind you of this. You’ve always been more sensible and obedient than Zeke since you were young. I’m prepared to swallow my pride to support you, but I’m hoping you won’t let me down again. If not, the Smith family won’t keep someone useless.
Winona nodded meekly, restraining her emotions, and responded to Dennis with restraint, understand, Grandpa. Rest assured, as long as you can help me marry into the Carter family, I will definitely listen to you from now on
Dennis didn’t care much for her determination. “Go now. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to visit the Carter family to discuss the marriage. Get yourself together. If you still look dejected, no one will have an appetite, understand?”
Winona’s face turned pale. “Yes. Grandpa, I understand.”
After that, Winona went upstairs, and Jason was also dismissed by Dennis.
1
Dennis gazed at his favorite daughter, filled with disappointment. She had been so desperate to marry Zachary, but what she got in return was nothing but heartbreak and loss. She was manipulated and brought shame to the Smith family. Staring at Nellie with cold eyes, he asked. “Has Zachary discovered what happened to Lilian back then?”
Achill raced up Nellie’s spine, her body rigid. The memories of what she had witnessed years ago surged into her mind, and she felt a lump in her throat. It took her a moment to regain her composure. “Don’t worry, Dad, Zachary isn’t aware that you sent Lilian to that individual for experiments. I swear.”
Only after hearing Nellie’s confident assurance did Dennis withdraw his cold gaze.
Nellie dared not think about the past. She changed the subject, her voice trembling as she asked, “Dad, Robert publicly called off the engagement last night. I’m afraid the Carter family won’t easily agree to allow Winona to marry into their
family
Dennis let out a cold laugh, his exssion inscrutable. “The Carter family isn’t in a position to let a good-for-nothing like Robert make decisions. Claude is still alive and kicking. Trust me, Winona will become a Carter.”
Dennis’ words finally made Nellie feel relieved. If her dad said Winona could marry into the Carter family, he must have. some leverage, otherwise, he wouldn’t make such a bold claim. “Dad, Zachary has deceived me for so many years. I can’t swallow this insult.”
Dennis’s eyes turned vicious. The divorce agreement Zachary had sent yesterday, along with proof of the deeds Nellie had done, was a blatant provocation. Now that the two families were no longer related, he was eager to see how the Chambers family would resist him. Dennis comforted Nellie, “Starting tomorrow, the Smith family will launch a full-scale attack on the Chambers family. Does Zachary think his family of today is as powerful as before? Overconfident. Within a month. I’ll make sure he’s left with nothing.”
Nellie still had some concerns about Yvette. Cyanbird was no ordinary painter. She said, “Dad, Yvette is Cyanbird? You…”
Dennis didn’t take Yvette seriously. That she was a genius painter known internationally didn’t pose a threat to him because the business world was complicated. He didn’t think a painter could possibly have to go against the Smith family. It was similar to attempting to engage in combat with an obvious result. “What can a brat stir up? What does a painter know about business? There’s nothing to worry about. You haven’t grown a bit since you married Zachary
Nellie awkwardly fell silent, not daring to speak further.
In the dormitory of Argrol University, Yvette had just finished a call with Eagle King when she received a text message from Jeremiah, asking if she wanted to have dinner together. Yvette pursed her lips, her extremely beautiful face showing a faint expression, and her upturned eyebrows revealed her pretty good mood at the moment.
Her slender, fair fingers quickly typed “Sure” and sent it.
Jeremiah replied instantly: [Ill wait for you.]
Yvette chuckled softly, gently stroking her phone with her fingertips. She had never liked to dawdle, and it was better to clear up some things sooner rather than later.
When Yvette arrived, Jeremiah was standing at the entrance of the steakhouse, dressed in light casual wear, one hand in his pockets with his head down, holding two cups of milkshake in his right hand. In front of him stood a girl with a flushed face. talking animatedly. As Yvette approached, she caught Jeremiah’s indifferent voice saying, “I have a girlfriend”
Yvette briefly paused before she walked to Jeremiah, lazily saying, I’m hungry.”
Jeremiah looked up and saw Yvette, his lips curled into a smile, and his usually aloof eyes filled with warmth, captivating.
The girl, upon seeing Yvette, blushed even more and ran
away.
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Jeremiah turned his head and said, “Let’s go.”
Yvette nodded. The two of them entered the steakhouse together, heading to the familiar private room; only this time it was just the two of them.
Once inside, Yvette grabbed Jeremiah, pinning him against the wall. Two buttons on Jeremiah’s white shirt came undone, revealing the clear outline of his collarbone. With a graceful demeanor, Jeremiah slightly lowered his head as Yvette raised hers, her eyes shimmering with a strange glow. Her beautiful, slender fingers gently caressed Jeremiah’s Adam’s apple. Jeremiah’s body tensed instantly, and he swallowed involuntarily, thinking to himself where she had learned such a move. It was incredibly alluring, Jeremiah’s voice was tinged with a slight intoxication when he asked. “What’s up?”
Yvette didn’t respond but stared at him, motionless. After a while, Yvette withdrew her hand, turned around, and sat on the chair, feeling her pulse. She wasn’t ill.
Jeremiah was puzzled, not knowing what she was up to. A novel joy welled up inside him. “Why are you doing this?”
Yvette leaned lazily against the thing, and now I’m sure.”
and glanced up with an arrogant look, her eyes bright and cold. “Just to confirm one
Jeremiah swallowed hard. “Sure of… what?”
Yvette raised her eyebrows, casually picked up a slice of meat, dropped it into the pot, and said indifferently. “Do you want us to be together?”
For a brief moment, Jeremiah fixed his intense gaze on Yvette, narrowing his eyes just a little bit as a glint flashed through his deep eyes. “Yes,” he said, and then added, “Forever.”
Yvette turned his face away. “Let’s have some food.”
After driving Yvette to the dormitory building, Jeremiah drove back to his newly bought mansion.
Andrew was playing a video game while seated in the living room. He had been losing this awful game level after level, and his patience was wearing thin. He couldn’t figure out why that sadistic game company, FastPulse Technologies, had to release some sort of beta version first. The game was too hard for regular people. After two days of playing, he’d only managed to pass three levels; it made him feel ultimately humiliated. His title as the king of games was on the line. Andrew heard the roar of a sports car outside and thought, ‘Oh, come on… Jeremiah and Yvette had dinner this evening. How did he get back
so soon?
Was a
Andrew quickly got up from the floor and frantically started cleaning up the snacks scattered around. Jeremiah, who wa cleanliness freak, couldn’t stand people eating snacks on the floor. If he was caught, Andrew believed Jeremiah would kill him. As the sound of footsteps grew closer, Andrew’s cleaning just made the place messier, and eventually, he just gave up. He thought, ‘Screw it! Just let him beat me to death. I’m ready for it.
Jeremiah walked in and went straight upstairs without even glancing at Andrew, leaving Andrew in shock and wondering, ‘What’s going on? Did Jeremiah not see me? I’m standing right here. Even if he didn’t see me, couldn’t he see the mess on the floor?” Jeremiah,” he muttered.
Jeremiah turned around, and his usually stern eyes were filled with amusement… It was a dark and windy night, and Andrew felt a chill.
Jeremiah asked, “What’s up?”
Andrew shook his head. “Jeremiah, I made a mess on the carpet He figured it was better to confess and hope for leniency rather than resist and face the consequences.
Jeremiah smiled and nodded at Andrew nonchalantly. “Oh, just ask Emmett to have someone come over to clean it up tomorrow. It’s late. Why aren’t you sleeping yet?”
The caring tone was like a breath of fresh air, and Andrew stood there, stunned. 1. I’m going to sleep right now,” heChapter 146
In the following days, the Smith family launched a full–scale business assault on the Chambers family.
Dennis went to great lengths to destroy every project the Chambers were part of even at the expense of hefty penalty fees, causing nearly all the Chambers family’s projects to be at a standstill in just two weeks.
Moreover, Dennis made a public statement to everyone in Seacrity, swearing that the Smiths would be enemies with the Chambers forever and only one of the two would survive.
Half a month later, the Carter family got involved in it to help the Smiths against the Chambers.”
The Chamber family’s hotel chain was severely damaged.
With the involvement of the Carter family, everyone knew the end of this battle was almost certain. The Chambers family would be finished.
The Chambers family was under a
from all sides. All the employees felt uneasy, seeking their own way out. If this war
didn’t stop, the Chambers family would be bankrupt in less than ten days.
People in the business world were experts at adapting to the situation.
Seeing that the Chambers family was about to collapse, everyone began pleasing the Smith family and distancing themselves from the Chambers.
Only a few companies that were on good terms with the Chambers Group didn’t take advantage of the situation. But it made no difference and couldn’t help to change the crisis that the Chambers Group faced.
The games of these super–powerful families weren’t way beyond them.
They might be targeted and even wiped out if they weren’t careful enough. So, all the small and medium–sized companies in Seacrity chose to avoid this conflict between the Smith family and the Chambers family.
The Lewis family was the only one of the four major families that stayed out of it.
The Smith family, the Carter family, and the Chambers family were fighting bercely.
The business world in Seacrity changed dramatically every day. Everyone felt nervous and uneasy.
The day after the party, Dennis went to the Carter residence with Nellie and Winona,
Dennis and Claude had a private conversation in the study on the second floor for three hours.
When they walked downstairs, Claude agreed to let Winona marry into the Carter family. The wedding would take place six months later.
Winona made every effort to make herself look pitiful and even Blept with Victor.
After sleeping with her, Victor forgave her for lying and promised to marry her.
After the party, everyone in Seacrity’s upper class knew Winona pulled off a huge lie. She claimed that the painting she bought on Mysonna’s black market was a real Cyanbird piece. Her reputation was already ruined.
Besides, clearly, Robert didn’t approve of Winona. So when the Carter family announced Victor and Winona’s engagement, those who knew the truth were shocked
They thought Claude was out of his mind and couldn’t understand why he allowed someone with such a bad reputation to marry into the Carter family.
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After Zeke stormed off the other day, he first went to a bar to gr very drunk and then caused a hel
of things there.
by smashing a bunch
When he tried to take out his bank card to pay for the damages that he had caused, he was told that all his cards were suspended.
Zeke couldn’t believe how quickly Zachary acted and he lost his temper again.
In the end, with no other options, Zeke had to ask another rich guy who he usually looked down on for help. Otherwise, he couldn’t have left the bar.
He was planning to throw a tantrum like how he usually did and wait for Nellie to beg for his forgiveness,
But after a week, the Smith family, including Nellie, seemed to have completely forgotten everything about him. They didn’t even call him.
Everyone already knew about the Chambers family’s situation so no one answered a call from Zeke.
In the end, when Zeke was com apologize to Dennis, and promi
y broke, he had no choice but to swallow his pride, return to the Smith residence, lowtever Dennis said.
Dennis beat Zeke up, which was like a family rule, and made him bedridden for three days.
During this time, Nellie didn’t even visit him once.
After what happened in the past few days, Zeke finally figured everything out. Without Zachary, Nellie’s care and affection. for him didn’t exist. He was just a bastard of this family
Now, he could only cling to the Smith family’s support to keep his extravagant lifestyle.
No matter what was going on outside the campus of Argrol University, Yvette and Bonnie’s daily routine remained the same which was basically going to the classes and then doing the endless homework left by Tobias.
At the same time, the man who occasionally showed up to remind everyone of his existence since he dated Yvette kept doing the same thing.
Andrew and Bonnie had been going through a tough time over the past half–month. Now, they were sitting across from each other in the cafeteria. They exchanged a glance, thinking, “Well, he’s here again.
Yvette sat lazily and casually on the chair.
Her face was shining under the sunlight. She had her beautiful curly lashes and big bright eyes
She was eating leisurely. Though the food was plain, Yvette’s way of eating it made people think it was exceptionally tasty.
Even Andrew, who wasn’t particularly hungry, and Bonnie, who had enterogastritis, suddenly felt hungry.
They ended up eating half a bowl more than they usually did.
Bonnie rubbed her belly and glanced at Andrew, who had also eaten a lot of the food. She sighed. Now they were really like a perfect group of four, no, three meal partners.
After they sat down, Jeremiah only took a few bites. He spent the rest of the time peeling shrimp for Yve and refreshing her glass. He was a perfect boyfriend.
Bonnie sighed and thought, ‘Being single these days is really miserable. These two lovebirds surely don’t mind public displays of affection at all!
Bonnie and Andrew had gotten used to things like this.
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Chapter 146
In the past two weeks, they had seen things like this dozens of times.
Top Dog was happily serving Yve while Yve was happily enjoying it.
Bonnie really wanted to complain about these two big shots. She wondered why they didn’t do anything other than eat together when they wanted to have a date.
Jeremiah was sitting next to Yvette, calmly peeling shrimp with the hand that he usually used to use a gun.
He did it slowly and carefully and his fingers were slim and beautiful.
Jeremiah made everything easy on the eyes to watch even when he was peeling shrimp.
Jeremiah put the peeled shrimp on Yvette’s plate.
Yvette took a glance at it. She picked it up to throw it into fier mouth and found it delicious.
Bonnie decided to talk with th
food.
of them today. There were countless activities to do on a date. It shouldn’t just be about
No other couple would go on dates like this for two weeks doing nothing except for going to the cafeteria.
Bonnie thought, ‘Big shots are indeed different. Even their method of choosing a place for a date is unique. Cafeteria. And Cafeteria. And cafeteria again.
Bonnie cleared her throat.
Jeremiah’s hand, which was peeling shrimp paused. Yvette looked up. Andrew tilted his head to the side slightly.
The three were all staring at Bonnie. Bonnie scratched her head.
She said, “Ye, Mr. Chavez, are you aware that there are lots of places for couples? There are some really interesting things to do. How about you go somewhere else next time? How about a movie theater, an amusement park, a park, or a mall? By the way, don’t you think you make Andrew and 1 feel a little bit, you know…“
Andrew raised both of his hands in agreement and nodded enthusiastically.
Andrew thought no one would go on a date with someone else present, except for Jeremiah and Yvette.
He thought these two weirdos indeed thought differently from ordinary people.
Andrew suspected that Jeremiah had no idea what to do on a date with a girl. It was more challenging for him than a
mission.
Jeremiah hesitated for a while. His eyes were deep and captivating. He clamped his lips like he was pondering over Bonnie’s words seriously. He tilted his head to the side slightly, his voice irresistibly charming as he said, “Do you want to go to places,
like the movie theaters?”
Yvette bent her long legs. Her bright and clear eyes were glittering. Her skin was glowing few strands of hair hung over her brow, making her look a little bit mysterious
She tilted her head to the side slightly and said slowly, “Not interested”
Jeremiah smiled mildly as he nodded. He said, “What time do you want me to pick you up tomorrow? I booked a table at a restaurant. I heard the food there is pretty good. Let’s try it together?
Yvette’s eyes lit up with excitement. She said, “Sure!”
Yvette took another glance at Andrew and Bonnie, who both looked helpless.
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She asked, “Want to join us?“,
Andrew and Bonnie said in unison, “No way. Alsolutely not. Were to buy
Yvette didn’t say anything and continued to cat the shrimp.
Jeremiah continued to peel the shrimp.
Bonnie and Andrew exchanged a glance. They thought, ‘We finally get rid of them. I will never eat with them again! Chapter 147
Night fell as thick clouds drifted in the dark sky. The stars and moon gradually disappeared. It was completely dark.
Inside the Chambers family’s villa, Zachary was standing motionlessly by the window. His dark eyes were focused on something in the distance.
His face was slightly pale. Somehow, he looked lonely.
Lucas, the butler, entered the room carrying a tray full of food. He felt sad when he saw Zachary’s back.
Matthew only slept three to four hours every day in the past two weeks.
It seemed that Claude and Dennis were determined to destroy the Chambers family this time.
Now, the Chambers family’s bank account could only sustain them for three more days. After that, they would basically have nothing.
Three generations’ hard-earned fortune was about to be gone. How could Matthew not be heartbroken?
But now, the Chambers family was at the end of its rope with no chance of turning the tide.
Unless a miracle happened!
Lucas walked in and put the food on the table.
He sounded very worried.
Lucas said, “Sir, here’s some food that the servants just made. It’s all your favorites. Please have some. You have barely been eating lately. You can’t go on like this anymore. You will be ill.”
Zachary looked away. He turned around and sighed.
He picked up the cigar on the table but soon noticed that Lucas was worried. He reconsidered it and then put the cigar back down
Zachary said, “I know. Leave it there. You should go to sleep now You’ve been running around with me lately. I know you must be tired.”
Lucas was touched. His eyes became a bit misty.
He said, “Sir. I’m strong and I’m used to it. Don’t worry about me I know you won’t even touch the food if I leave now. You will just sit there and let the food get cold. Please, at least have a few bites of it.”
Zachary stared at Lucas, saying with a serious face, “Have a seat. I gue butler now. Let’s just talk like friends.”
I never saw you sitting, not even once.
You’re not r
Emy
Lucas still behaved respectfully. He said hesitantly, “Sir… this…”
“Have a seat.” Zachary said, “You’ve been working for me for over thirty years since I was very young. We’re both getting old, aren’t we? Through all those ups and downs in the past years, you never left me. I’ll never forget that. After Lilian left, you’re the only one I can talk to. You know the Chambers family’s current situation. In about three days, I’ll have to declare the family’s bankruptcy
Zachary said as he took out a bank card from the second drawer on the left. Then he pushed it to Lucas.
He explained, “There are 1.5 million dollars debited in this card. It’s for you. Consider it as a gift to show my gratitude to you. Please take it. Once the Chambers family goes bankrupt, find a place to enjoy your retirement. There’s an apartment on
Chapter 147
Wes Rad for you. I’s already under your name Its small but should be perfectfor retirement
Lucas looked up at Zachary in shock. He said, tearful. “Sir, I’ve saved enough money over the years. This is too much. I can’t
rake it I can’t.”
Zachary waved his hand. He said, “Take it. You’ve been working for me for so long
Lucas wiped away the tears off his face and cautiously said. “Sir, the young lady is Cyanbird. She might be acquainted with many gurus in the business world. If
Lucas noticed that Zachary looked quite displeased. But he plucked up the courage to say, “If she can lend us a hand, maybe the Chambers family will have a chance… sir…
Zachary suddenly looked cold and a little bit angry.
He interrupted Lucas coldly and terrifyingly seriously, “Stop. Even if the Chambers family goes bankrupt tomorrow, I will not ask for her help. Don’t ever me
At the door of the study on the second floor, Yvette had been standing there in a black outfit for ten minutes.
After entering the house, Yvette didn’t see a single servant.
Compared to the once lively villa, it now looked even deserted.
Half of the security guards at the entrance were gone. Only a few men were playing cards and chatting at the entrance.
There wasn’t even a trace of its former glory
There was only a lamp on in the second-floor study in this large mansion, making it stand out.
The Chambers family was clearly in decline.
Yvette suddenly said. “Excuse me, are you free? Can I talk to you!”
Yvette’s voice startled the two people talking in the study.
Zachary looked up and saw Yvette, who was standing at the door. He opened his mouth wide in shock.
However, Lucas was overjoyed. He somehow always deeply believed in Yvette. He thought it seemed that she could solve any problem easily.
Zachary stood up and walked to her.
Yvette walked unhurriedly to the sofa and sat down.
Lucas was smart. He closed the door for them and stood somewhere not very far away from them. He was ensuring no one eavesdropped their conversation.
Just a few days ago, he caught several servants secretly sending messages to Nellie.
In a fit of rage, Matthew fired them. But Lucas was afraid that there might still be some of Nellie’s moles among the staff so he stayed.
He knew Yvette must have returned here for something important. He wouldn’t allow anyone to interrupt them.
Yvette lounged on the couch, half-closing her eyes, with the corners of her eyes slightly raised. Her eyes were dark and bright. She looked arrogant, defiant, and wild,
Zachary felt a bit uneasy being stared at by her. He cleared his throat and then said, “Why did you suddenly come back
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Yvette! What happened
Yvette leaned back and casually picked up a document on the table.
Zachary didn’t mind it at all. There was nothing that he wanted to keep from Yvette anymore. He had already left everything to her. Besides, it was just a document about the renovation of the commercial area.
Yvette flipped through it nonchalantly. She flipped the pages at the same speed as last time.
In less than 10 minutes, she finished reading the thick stack of paper.
Zachary had already gotten used to it. Yvette was Cyanbird, a world-renowned artist. Nothing else about her was supposed to be surprising anyway.
Yvette tossed the document onto the table. Resting her chin on her hand, she rolled her eyes around with a hint of coldness in her eyes.
She tapped on a few pages with hot glowing fingers. She said, “Here, and here, these numbers aren’t correct. The third line on the first page, it should be thirty percent. On the fourth page, the costs are two percent higher.”
Zachary picked up the document and carefully checked the numbers that Yvette had just pointed out.
Sure enough, he found she was right. With a cold look, he realized there was a mole inside the Chambers Group.
What surprised him even more was that Yvette found these two errors so quickly.
Even a financial expert would probably need much more time to double-check it.
He wondered how high Yvette’s IQ was. He didn’t even dare to take a guess.
Yvette looked indifferent. She gently tapped her fingers on the edge of the table..
She said in a soft and low voice, “Tomorrow, someone will come to find you at the office of the Chambers Group. He’s planning to invest in the company. As for the amount, you will decide it on your own.”
After that, Yvette turned around and left, not giving Zachary a chance to speak.
Zachary forced a smile. He didn’t take Yvette
Group’s crisis.
words seriously. Even billions of dollars could not solve the Chambers
But Zachary still asked Lucas, who was outside the door, to receive the guest that Yvette just mentioned tomorrow,
After all, the guest was Yvette’s friend. He wouldn’t embarrass her friend.
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The next day, a sleek black luxury car with a Betrico license plate was parked at the entrance of the office of the Chambers Group, attracting the attention of all the passersby,
Some knowledgeable folks immediately recognized that this car was the newly released limited edition by a famous foreign brand.
There were only five of them in the world. Only two of them were imported into this country.
Everyone was suspicious when they noticed that this kind of car suddenly stopped in front of the Chambers Group’s office building.
The Chambers Group used to be bustling with people but now, there was hardly anyone.
Those sent from various companies to lurk around the Chambers Group’s office all hurried back to report their discoveries to their bosses.
The door of the car was opened.st, a man with gold-rimmed glasses stepped out of the passenger seat and quickly walked to the back door. He opened the door respectfully.
Then a middle-aged man walked out. He was dressed in a white suit with perfectly coiffed hair. He looked gentle and
refined.
He was Howard Yates, the general manager of the Sunrise Group The man with a pair of gold-rimmed glasses was his secretary, Liam Davidson.
Liam slightly bowed to Howard, saying, “Boss, this is the office building of the Chambers Group”
Howard nodded slightly, looking blankly at the Chambers Group’s sign
His eyes were half-closed and deep
He stepped inside. Liam immediately followed behind him.
He didn’t understand why his boss suddenly asked him to book the earliest flight to Seacrity last night. After a quick breakfast, he rushed here.
He had investigated the Chambers Group. He found out that although it was an established company in Seacrity, it recently had been in a lot of trouble and might go bankrupt soon. He didn’t understand why his boss suddenly came here personally.
He wondered if it was about an acquisition. If so, it was supposed to be handled by the specialists.
As far as he knew, they didn’t have this kind of plan in the near finture
Besides, even if they needed an acquisition, no one would consider a company that was about to go bankrupt.
From every perspective, there was nothing to gain. It could even cause some serious trouble.
Liam thought there was something strange about this whole thing. He was completely clueless. But he had to follow Howard inside.
He thought the answer was here in the Chambers Group.
The receptionist was a pretty girl named Julia Watts,
Back when Chambers Group was thriving, she ignored a lot of potential suitors.
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Who would have thought that in just half a month, the Chambers Group p was about to go bankrupt? Even her market value
to the matchmaker was affected.
Julia was sitting still at the reception desk, looking downcast and worried. She was listless.
When Howard walked in with Liam, Julia was browsing a dating website, looking for guys
No one had come to this place lately so Julia had been slacking off at work for several days. She didn’t even notice it when Howard and Liam were right in front of her.
Liam glanced at the computer screen. He frowned.
He thought, How did someone like her get this job? No wonder the Chambers Group is in deep trouble. Even the
receptionist is slacking off. This company is hopeless!
Liam said, “Hello! We have an appointment at ten o’clock foday with the chairman, Mr. Zachary Chambers”
Julia was startled. She quickly closed the page feeling guilty, and nervously looked up at the two men in front of her. She was momentarily stunned.
Years of experience working at the front desk had taught her to tell the rich from the poor instantly.
She noticed that the antique watch that the older man was wearing
aring was probably worth at least a few million dollars.
Julia put on her sweetest smile. She said, “Sir, a moment please. ll contact the secretary’s office right away.”
Ham nodded in a professional manner. He replied, “Thank you
On the 27th floor, the elevator doors opened. Lucas stepped out first, followed by Howard and Liam.
Lucas was still in shock. He went downstairs to receive his boss’s guest. When he saw Howard, he was taken aback.
Who would have thought that the person Yvette mentioned was Howard, the general manager of the Sunrise Group, the largest investment company in this country?
He thought, ‘Howard? Ten years ago, he suddenly showed up out of nowhere. He invested in a small domestic company that was about to go bankrupt. He had unique strategic foresight. Under his leadership, the small company gradually became stronger and larger. Just when everyone thought he would hold onto this company, he suddenly sold all his shares at a very high price and began his career as an investor
Over the past decade, Howard had invested in almost every industry: IT, textiles, manufacturing, real estate, hotel chains,
etc..
Every project that Howard invested in never lost money. They were all very profitable.
However, in recent years, he had invested less and less frequently.
But even if he did nothing, the profits from his companies were enough for him to live extravagantly for ten lifetimes.
In the business world, he was known as “Ghost Hand”.
Lucas had heard endless stories about Howard. His story was a legend within the industry.
Coming from humble beginnings and building everything on his own, Howard’s rise to the top was the greatest business. miracle in this country.
While others were being tricked by the capital market, Howard was the one skillfully steering it.
Lucas panicked, thinking. Who exactly is Yvette, and how she managed to make Howard stoop to coming to this place? She
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must be really influential and close to Howard.”
Zachary was taken aback the moment he saw Howard.
Zachary didn’t come to his senses until Howard greeted him.
Even while sitting on the sofa drinking coffee, Zachary felt dizzy
Howard casually looked Zachary up and down, thinking, ‘So, he is the boss’s father. He actually looks not bad”
Howard’s smile was warm and his voice was gentle, completely different from what the rumors said. Howard said, “Hello, Mr. Chambers. I’m Howard Yates”
Liam, standing beside Howard, was stunned.
If he hadn’t worked for Howard for a long time, he would never believe the person in front of him was really Howard.
Zachary quickly put down his coffee
reached out to shake hands with Howard, Zachary said, “Hello, I’m Zachary from the Chambers Group…” He stoppo abruptly.
His smile became bitter. He thought. After tomorrow, there will be no Chamber Group
Howard narrowed his eyes. He squinted slightly and raised his eyebrow
Before coming here, Howard had investigated the current situation of the Chambers family
Now, looking at the worried man in front of him, he didn’t quite understand it.
He thought, “What’s there to worry about? If money can solve it, it’s not a real problem. Whether the Chambers Group) thrives or falls depends on the boss. As for the Smith family and the Canter family, they would be finished. How dare they attack the boss’s dad’s company?”
He thought the boss must have been slacking off again recently too lazy to take action. This is the only possibility, he thought
Howard put down the coffee cup. He said, “Mr. Chambers, I’m sure Ms. Chambers has already told you the purpose of my visit today, right? After all, she is thoughtful”
Zachary nodded and said in a low voice, “Yes. Yvette mentioned that you wanted to invest in the Chambers Group. But to be honest with you, the debt is much more than a few hundred million dollars. Besides, even if you have enough money to save the Chambers Group, there will be no promising projects to do in the future. You’re Yvette’s friend so I won’t lie to you. Don’t worry. I’ll talk to Yvette and make sure you won’t be in a dilemma.”
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Zachary sounded earnest..
Howard looked surprised for a brief moment. He respected Zachary
Zachary’s words surprised him a lot.
In such a dire situation, Zachary didn’t see him as a lifesaver. Instead, he told Howard everything. That was out of Howard’s expectation.
Howard gave a mild smile, his eyes sparkling with something mysterious.
He thought. The boss is never in need of money and good projects!
Howard lowered his voice. “Mr. Chambers, I’ve figured out that to save the Chambers Group, you’d need about 5 billion dollars. It’s not a big number for me oney will be in your bank account by tomorrow. As for the promising projects
that you mentioned, if you’re interest, incre’s a department in my company that focuses solely on developing games. We’re planning to collaborate with FastPulse Technologies in Mysonna. I can transfer the entire department to the Chambers Group. They’ll be your team. With them, the Chambers Group can start all over again. If you want, everything will be ready by 8 PM tomorrow. What do you think about it?”
Zachary’s hand twitched and then his coffee cup slipped from his grasp, falling onto the expensive carpet. He looked bewildered.
Lucas thought, ‘Has this whole world gone mad?
Liam thought, “Yes, the world has already gone crazy
Howard was expressionless. He didn’t care about the consequences of his words at all.
Zachary nervously said, “Mr. Yates, surely, you’re not joking, right?
Howard gave Zachary a mild smile. He sounded casual just now. It seemed like things like this were as casual as eating or drinking to him.
Zachary couldn’t keep calm anymore. He thought, ‘He decided to invest 5 billion dollars just like that? He decided to give me his core team just like that? Why is this once–in–a–lifetime kind of thing happening to me?
After calming himself down, Zachary thought about it for a moment and said, “Mr. Yates, are you planning to acquire the Chambers Group? If that’s your plan”
Why would I acquire your company? I am not like the Smith family or the Carter family. They’re crazy, Howard thought, interrupting Zachary
Howard said, “Mr. Chambers, perhaps I didn’t it explain very clearly just now. I’m not interested in the Chambers Group and I don’t want to acquire it. The money is a no–interest loan for the sake of Ms. Chambers. It has no conditions attached and no deadline. The team and technology are free. You don’t need to feel pressured. Just agree with it and I’ll tell my team to start preparing everything immediately. It’s that simple. Don’t overthink.”
Zachary nodded stiffly. He was not a fool. If he refused this kind of gift from heaven, he would be an idiot
Seeing that Zachary was nodding, Howard felt relieved.
He finally completed the task that his boss gave him.
If Zachary were as careless about money as his boss, he would have been very anxious.
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In the next two hours, Howard and Zachary worked out the details of the collaboration. They would sign the contract tomorrow, resolving the Chambers Group’s crisis.
After their discussion, Zachary insisted on treating Howard to a meal, Uncharacteristically. Howard didn’t refuse him.
On the way to the restaurant, Zachary’s phone suddenly rang. Zachary answered it and heard a familiar voice.
Nellie angrily threatened Zachary not to leave her or she would destroy the Chambers family.
Hearing this. Zachary immediately hung up the phone.
Zachary thought. This crazy woman has been harassing me lately by calling through various numbers.
He felt like he was dealing with someone with schizophrenia. She was sometimes soft and sometimes irritable. She sometimes threatened him and sometimes cried her eyes out, begging him.
Zachary gave Howard an–apologetic smile.
Nellie’s voice was so loud. It was har
Howard looked serious
ilove it.
He guessed that the person who called Zachary just now was his audacious ex–wife.
If his boss hadn’t wanted to handle them herself, he would’ve punished those bad guys.
Howard asked, “Mr. Chambers, I wonder if Ms. Chambers is free to join us later.”
Zachary thought about it for a while..
Π
He thought Howard’s request wasn’t unreasonable. After all, Howard had been a great help to his family and he did it for Yvette. They were clearly on good terms. So, asking Yvette to eat with him was not too much.
Yvette was drying her hair when Zachary called her. Looking at his name on the screen, she paused for a moment and ther lowered her eyes.
Her collarbone was elegantly beautiful Half of her arm was revealed. Her skin was tender and glowing.
She tapped on her phone with her clean fingers, saying. “Hello” She sounded aloof and lazy,
Zachary briefly explained that he was having a meal with Howard and then asked Yvette if she wanted to join them.
Yvette raised her eyebrow and narrowed her dark and glittering eyes slightly. She said, “Sure, send me the address,”
After she hung up the phone, she picked up a T–shirt hanging on the wall, found a pair of slacks, rolled up the hems of the slacks, and then put on the pair of white canvas shoes that she usually wore.
She picked up her phone and headed straight to the restaurant.
Jeremiah called Yvette and told her the address when she was halfway there.
Inside the restaurant, Howard had been extremely excited, ever since he learned that Yvette was coming here.
Not only Zachary but also Lucas and Liam sensed it the moment they sat down.
In the next twenty minutes, Howard glanced at the entrance more than ten times.
While ordering the food, Zachary politely asked Howard what he liked
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Howard said he didn’t care about it as long as
as the f
food was not very spicy and had no cilantro.
Zachary assumed that Howard just didn’t like spicy food and cilantro.
Whe all the dishes were served, Zachary thought that they could start to cat while waiting for Yvette. But Howard insisted that he should not touch his forks until she arrived.
Seeing that Howard was determined to wait for Yvette, Zachary didn’t try to convince him anymore.
The door was opened once again. This time, the person who walked in was the one Howard was eager to see.
As soon as Howard saw Yvette, his eyes lit up with joy and surprise. He immediately stood up and strode to her.
Yvette walked unhurriedly. She scanned the room and smiled gently. Her bright eyes were full of mischief.
Howard, brimming with excitement, walked to Yvette. “Yvette, long time no see.”
Yvette nodded. Her beautiful and
is looked cold. She lazily said, “Five years.”
Howard nodded. “Yes, it’s been five years. So fast. I’m not young anymore.”
Yvette clanped her lips slightly. Her eyes were dark and bright Yvette said, “You are.”
The atmosphere between the two was exceptionally harmonious Zachary even felt a bit jealous.
Yvette had never treated him this way. He thought he was not a good father.
Yvente exchanged pleasantries with Howard. He wanted her to sit beside him but she refused him and sat next to Zachary
She leaned back casually in the chair and then tilted her head to the side a little bit, asking. “You didn’t sleep well last night?”
Zachary was so surprised and touched that he didn’t know what to do. He replied, “I am fine. Don’t worry about me.
Yvette took out a vanilla toffee out of her pocket and put it in front of Zachary, She glanced at him and said nothing.
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At the dining table, Zachary and Howard chatted with each other happily.
Lucas and Liam were present. They also chatted with Yvette and Howard from time to time.
Yvette was nestling comfortably in her chair with her legs crossed. Her attractive eyes were half-closed.
Staying out of their conversation, she focused entirely on eating.
Liam stole a glance at Yvette a few times, trying to make it look casual.
He just couldn’t understand how a girl like her managed to make his boss lend the Chambers family 5 billion dollars and give his core team to them..
The development department was about to collaborate with FastPulse Technologies this year. So, Liam thought his boss was giving a project that would surely h able to someone else,
He thought it didn’t make sense.
Not only did Liam think it didn’t make sense, but Zachary also couldn’t believe it.
Zachary was confused
After hesitating for a while, Zachary decided to ask about it.
He said. “Mr. Yates, does the chairman of your company know about this? If he does, won’t it be hard for you to explain everything?”
Howard put his fork and knife down. He shot a glance at Yvette, who was sitting across the table.
Somehow, he chuckled, looking like there was something mysterious.
He said. “There’s no need to worry. Mr. Chambers. The chairman is fully aware of it and supports my decision. Relax and wait to sign the contract tomorrow.”
Zachary gave an unconvincing smile. He finally understood what a super-wealthy might look like.
Zachary turned to Yvette and then at Howard, who was sitting across from Yvette. He asked, “Yvette, how did you know Mr. Yates?”
Yvette clamped her lips together slightly and raised her eyes with no expression. She looked lazy and indifferent and her voice was slow and low, saying, “We met by chance.”
Zachary knew Yvette seemed unwilling to talk about it so he didn’t ask more questions.
While eating. Zachary saw Yvette staring at the fish on her plate. It seemed that she was hesitating to eat it.
When Zachary was about to tell her that the fish was good, Howard stopped him. He said, “Hang on.”
Lucas and Liam turned to him, confused.
Howard naturally forked up a piece of the fish, carefully removed all the bones, and put it in Yvette’s plate again.
It once again shocked the other three people.
Liam pinched his leg, thinking, “Yes, it hurt. It’s real
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It was unbelievable.
Zachary’s eyes darkened. It seemed that he wanted to say something. But in the end, he said nothing.
After finishing the meal, they left the restaurant.
Jeremiah was standing not far away, wearing a black shirt with the top two buttons undone and sleeves rolled halfway up, revealing his wrists. His long fingers were a little bit pale.
The streetlight shed a soft glow on the ground.
Jeremiah stood there casually. He put one of his hands in his pocket.
As soon as Yvette and the others walked out, Jeremiah noticed it. He strode over to them
Yvette also noticed jeremiah. She immediately stopped.
Her eyes were clear and bright with a touch of wildness. She smiled and turned to Howard and the others. She said, “See you” Then she leisurely walked toward Jeremiah.
Once she reached him, Jeremiah Yvette’s hand. Yvette was slightly surprised but said nothing.
The two of them walked away together. Even their backs looked like a perfect match.
The other four were left staring at each other. Of course, Zachary and Lucas knew who Jeremiah was.
Back then, his Major General badge scared everyone.
Howard did not know that his boss was attracted to another man.
He looked solemn and thought Jeremiah was not just a random guy.
Inside the car, Jeremiah tilted his head to look at Yvette.
Yvette was looking down, resting one hand casually on the sill of the window, while fiddling with her phone with the other hand. Her collarbones seemed to be shining.
Jeremiah’s gaze was so intense that it was hard for Yvette to ignore it
She raised her head a little and clamped her lips together momentarily. She said, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
Jeremiah said in a lazy and deep voice. “Because you’re beautiful
Yvette’s left hand, which was holding the phone paused. She looked up slightly and raised her eyebrows calmly. She said, “I know.”
Jeremiah was amused. “Do you need any help with the Chambers family’s crisis?”
Yvette put her phone away, propped her chin with one hand, and snuggled comfortably in the seat.
She said carelessly, “No need. It’s almost over.”
Jeremiah nodded, lost in thought. Somehow, he suddenly looked a bit sullen.
He said, “I’m going to Mysonna for a mission tomorrow. It’ll probably take about two weeks.”
Yvette raised her eyebrow. Her dark and shiny eyes made her look a bit cold and proud.
She glanced at Jeremiah. “Oh, got it.”
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Downstairs at the girl’ dormitory, watching Yvette turn away and leave without hesitation, Jeremiah felt very sad.
68
With a stern face, he pulled her back into his arms, pressing his chin against the top of her head. He gritted his teeth, saying. “Don’t you have anything to say to me?”
Yvette shook her head coldly, with her eyes shimmering with light. She
simply said, “Safe travels.
Jeremiah gave her a helpless smile. He knew Yvette was always different. He said, “Alright, go back now.”
Jeremiah reluctantly let go of Yvette, looking at her back until she entered the building. Then he left.
The next day, Zachary and Howard had their lawyers draft a contract overnight. By around 10:30 in the morning, the contract was signed.
Zachary looked at the contract in his hand in a daze.
Lucas didn’t sleep well last night. So he was constantly on edge
He was worried that Howard might change his mind after a night’s sleep. Now that the contract was signed and the money was transferred to Zachary. He tin laund
influential as
He said. “Mr. Chambers, the company will be saved. Ms. Chambers is amazing. She even knows someone Howard and she persuaded him to invest so much money in the company! I’ve prepared the office that you asked for yesterday. We’ll be waiting for the core tech team of the InnoCrest Technologies.”
Zachary’s face softened a little.
With InnoCrest Technologies’s support, the Smith family and the Carter family would have to consider it before they attacked the Chambers family again.
Zachary said. “Inform all the reporters in Seacrity that the Chambers Group will hold a press conference this afternoon. Keep it a secret for now. Don’t let anyone else know about this. 1 want to catch the Smith family completely off guard, especially Dennis. He will probably think we’re going to announce the company’s bankruptcy.”
Lucas thought the same. In the past two weeks, the Chambers Group had suffered enough insults and humiliation. It was time for them to fight back.
Lucas said, “Got it. I’ll notify all the media of the press conference at three this afternoon.”
Inside a hotel, Howard was sitting on the sofa. He checked the time every now and then as he paced back and forth.
Howard sat on the sofa, checking the time every now and then as he paced back and forth.
Finally, when it was a few minutes past twelve, the doorbell rang Howard quickly stood up to open the door.
Yvette was standing outside the door.
Wearing a black baseball cap, a black tracksuit, and a mask, she was wrapped up in clothes. People could only see her deep and cold eyes.
The door opened. Yvette walked in unhurriedly. She went directly to the couch, sat down, and took off her hat and mask. Her stunningly beautiful face was revealed.
Howard bowed to Yvette and said respectfully, “Boss.”
