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Chapter_20
Nellie couldn’t shake the unease settling in her stomach. The whole situation with Simon sending Yvette an admission recommendation letter felt off. Yvette had just returned, and now this? It was all too sudden. But if they asked too many questions, Yvette would be irritated. For now, it was best to wait and give it some time. After all, it was good news, right? But Nellie just couldn’t wrap her mind around it, and that frustration simmered beneath her calm exterior.
On top of that, there was something else that gnawed at her. Zachary hadn’t even been home for over two weeks before Yvette’s return. Nellie knew exactly where he’d been: with that new secretary at his company. She’d checked her out, and there were clear signs that this secretary reminded her too much of Lilian from years ago. It seemed like history was repeating itself.
The secretary had even gotten a house near Zachary’s office and was now acting as his personal bodyguard. Nellie hadn’t had the chance to act yet, but if Yvette hadn’t returned when she did, Zachary would likely still be tangled up in his little affair. Nellie was not going to let that happen.
Trying to push the thoughts of the secretary aside, Nellie decided to put on her most charming smile. “Honey, please stay home tonight. You haven’t been here in ages,” she cooed, playing the role of the loving wife. She knew exactly what to do—after all, she was a beauty in her own right, and she’d kept Zachary by her side for years, even if that meant playing dirty.
She’d pushed Lilian out of the picture two decades ago. Pushing out a mere secretary would be nothing.
Zachary, however, seemed distant, his mind elsewhere. He gently pushed her away, a look of weariness on his face. “I’ve been really busy lately. There’s a big bidding project at work. I promise I’ll come back soon,” he explained.
His words did little to soothe Nellie. While she nodded, pretending to understand, she couldn’t shake the feeling that he was lying. Still, she was deeply entrenched in her feelings for him, unable to pull herself out. She told herself that Zachary loved her—even just a little—and that was all she needed to hold onto.
Determined not to let him leave just yet, Nellie made one final push. “Honey, Winona’s apprenticeship ceremony is on the fifth of next month. I need your input on a few things. What if we combined it with Yvette’s welcome-home party? That would be a double celebration, right?”
Zachary thought for a moment, then nodded. “Sure. Just make sure to invite Simon. Do whatever you think is best. I trust you to handle it.”
As he spoke, Nellie noticed the impatience and anxiety in his voice. It was clear he was eager to get away, most likely to see that secretary again. Nellie couldn’t suppress the wave of bitterness and jealousy that washed over her. She’d never been this angry before.
Still, she pretended to be understanding, letting Zachary go. But as soon as he left, she rushed upstairs, slammed the door behind her, and let her anger out in a violent explosion. She smashed everything in sight, taking out her frustrations on the room.
Staring at her reflection in the broken mirror, Nellie’s anger reached new heights. The image of the young secretary—vibrant, full of life—haunted her. What about Nellie? No amount of makeup could conceal the fine lines creeping at the corners of her eyes. She was no longer the beauty she once was.
With a cry of frustration, Nellie shattered the mirror in her hand. That wasn’t enough, though. Her rage was still boiling, so she pulled out her phone and dialed a familiar number.
“Six o’clock, the usual spot,” she said coldly before hanging up. Taking a deep breath, she shifted back into her high-society persona, as though nothing had happened. She ordered the servant to clean up the chaos in her room before slipping into a sexy dress. Tonight, she was going out.
Downstairs, Winona stood in the corner of the staircase, watching Nellie leave. The tension in the air was thick. She had seen her mother’s breakdown, and the jealousy in her eyes was unmistakable.
Night Bar was the most lavish spot in Seacrity, a place where the excesses of the rich and powerful were on full display. The atmosphere was thick with smoke and the scent of expensive alcohol. The music blasted at full volume, and the crowd was a mix of elegantly dressed men and women, their voices filled with laughter and flirtatious banter.
As soon as Yvette stepped inside, every eye in the room turned toward her. The energy shifted instantly—just moments ago, a handsome man had entered, but now, the beautiful and commanding presence of Yvette stole the spotlight.
Her wild beauty, tempered with a rebellious edge, made her irresistibly captivating. People were drawn to her, both curious and eager to know more. She casually tossed her jacket over her shoulder, scanning the room with confidence. Her gaze landed on a familiar spot at the bar.
Striding over, she sat down in front of the bartender, whose face was hidden beneath a hat and the dim lighting. A playful smile tugged at her lips as she teased him. “What are you back for? Just bored?”
Eagle King, a towering figure at six feet two inches, looked up at her with a rugged expression. His sharp eyes cut through the crowd as he noticed a few people whispering. With a glare, he made them scatter. His voice was low but annoyed. “Can you please disguise yourself next time? You have no idea how much trouble you’re causing. You’re making it harder for me to lay low. This whole thing is a hassle.”
Yvette’s lips curled into an amused grin. “Trouble? If you don’t like it, just go back to Ameria.”
Eagle King let out an embarrassed chuckle. “I’m just short on cash. You remember that painting I stole from Langria? The idiots chased me for two states. I figured I’d lay low for a bit. Things are a little tense.”
Yvette’s expression didn’t change as she calmly enjoyed a piece of candy she pulled from her pocket. She looked at Eagle King, almost daring him to say something.
“Come on, you’ve got to be kidding me!” Eagle King muttered, trying to keep his cool. “Last year, you got a private mine from the King of the Golden Triangle. The year before, the Epean royal family gave you jewels worth hundreds of millions. And don’t get me started on the terrorists in Royland… Need me to keep going?”
Yvette continued savoring the candy. “I don’t need to hear your excuses, Eagle King. But if you really think I’m going to bail you out, think again.”
With a sigh, Yvette shifted her gaze to the window, her mind already plotting her next moves. “Flying Fish, huh? If they’re getting involved with high-profile people… Things are going to get interesting.”
Eagle King, sensing the shift in her mood, hesitated. “Boss, I’ve got a few friends who owe me favors. I can help you out—maybe we can team up? I know you prefer working alone, but…”
Yvette cut him off with a sharp look. “You’re not my responsibility, Eagle King. Keep your distance from Flying Fish. They’re not someone you want to owe.”
Finally, Eagle King relaxed. He knew better than to argue with Yvette. As the bar’s noise seemed to fade into the background, Yvette’s thoughts were already focused on the future. Flying Fish was making moves, and it would only be a matter of time before their paths crossed again.
