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Novel Catalog
Chapter_15
Yvette glanced at the jewelry box and let out a light laugh, her expression playful as she crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair. “No need.”
The words stung Nellie deeply. For the umpteenth time, Yvette had rejected her gesture, and the embarrassment finally caused Nellie to lose her cool. The room grew still, the tension palpable. Even the servants, who normally moved quietly in the background, were cautious not to breathe too loudly, sensing the shifting mood in the room.
But this time, something surprising happened. Instead of scolding Yvette, Zachary remained calm. He stared at the jewelry box for a moment, as if contemplating something deeply, before turning his gaze to Yvette, who was nibbling on some ham, and then to Nellie, whose face had soured. “If Yvette doesn’t want it, then let it go. It looks too old-fashioned for young people. You can keep it for yourself, Nellie.”
Yvette raised her head in surprise. She hadn’t expected Zachary to side with her, and for a fleeting moment, she found him interesting—someone who wasn’t as easily swayed by Nellie’s manipulations.
Zachary’s next words only added to the surprise. “Lucas, go grab the Heart of Lorry from my collection.”
Winona’s heart sank as jealousy surged through her. Just last night, Zachary had given Yvette a villa worth over 30 million, and now, he was handing her the Heart of Lorry—the crown jewel he had bought at the West Auction House for millions. Winona had coveted that very piece, but whenever she brought it up, Zachary had always dismissed her, saying they’d discuss it when she got married. Now, he was giving it to Yvette with a simple command.
Zeke, too, felt the sting of favoritism. He had lost the villa, and now Winona was being left out of this latest gift. Both of them began to feel resentment toward Zachary, whose preference for Yvette seemed all too clear.
Nellie, on the edge of losing her composure, couldn’t believe what was happening. How could Zachary scold her in front of the servants like that? It was unacceptable. She quickly tried to salvage the situation. “You’re right, honey. I should have thought it over. I wanted to get Yvette a gift, but I just don’t know what young people are into these days. I’ll make it up to her another time.”
Her words were aimed at Yvette, but her eyes never left Zachary’s face. Seeing his expression soften slightly, Nellie felt a sense of relief. In the end, it was Zachary’s opinion that mattered most to her.
Zachary, seemingly in a better mood after Nellie’s attempt to smooth things over, nodded. “Alright, we can talk about it again when there’s something better. Now, let’s eat.”
After breakfast, the Chambers family scattered to do their own things, as it was the weekend. Zeke, eager to engage with Yvette, attempted to strike up a conversation, but she brushed him off with cool indifference. Not wanting to make things awkward, Zeke decided it was best to leave the house for a while.
Nellie, as always, found herself in the company of the ladies from the other prominent families for an afternoon tea, leaving only Zachary and Yvette at home.
In the study, Zachary sat, his gaze lingering on Yvette. A sense of nostalgia stirred within him as he watched her. She resembled Lilian so much that it almost felt as though she were standing right in front of him. But the weight of his regret—of all the lost years—hung heavily in the air.
Zachary’s voice was tinged with sadness as he spoke. “Yvette, now that you’re back home, are you thinking about changing your last name?”
“No,” Yvette replied, casually shoving her hands into her pockets. Her tone mixed defiance with annoyance, an attitude that only seemed to amuse Zachary more.
He nodded, his face softening. “Alright, if you don’t want to change it, that’s okay. I’ll say you’re keeping your mother’s last name to honor her.”
Yvette’s eyes flickered with mild surprise. “Is that all? If so, I’ll leave.”
Zachary’s frustration seemed to mount. Dealing with Yvette was challenging. She wasn’t like the others—she was the daughter of the woman he had loved most, and he deeply regretted the lost years with her. He wanted to make up for that time, but Yvette’s coldness was making it difficult.
There was a brief silence before Zachary added, “Actually, there’s one more thing. I’ve arranged for you to attend Argrol University. Zeke and Winona are already there, so you’ll have someone to look out for you.”
Argrol University was the top school in Seacrity, a place for the elite, where only the best students attended. It was almost impossible to get in at this time of year, especially with the semester already two weeks in. But, in an attempt to give Yvette the best, Zachary had made an exception. He had donated over 15 million dollars’ worth of lab equipment in her name, convincing the principal to make space for her. However, she would have to start as a freshman.
Yvette, unimpressed, responded confidently, “No need. I can get into Argrol University on my own.”
Zachary’s patience snapped. His hand slammed onto the table, his voice rising in frustration. “Yvette, don’t be stubborn! How do you expect to get into Argrol University on your own? Stop dreaming, and get ready. I’ll have Lucas drive you there on Monday.”
Without waiting for her response, Zachary stormed out of the study, more like fleeing than leaving. He feared Yvette might say something that would push his already strained nerves to their breaking point.
Yvette, left standing in the study, stared after him in confusion. “Wait, shouldn’t I be the one walking away?” she thought, an incredulous smile tugging at her lips as she shook her head.
Once again, the games of power and pride had begun, but this time, Yvette wasn’t sure if she wanted to play by anyone’s rules.
