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Chapter_3
“It’s none of my business,” Yvette said coolly, brushing off the flustered Lucas and Tina as she climbed into the car. “If the Chambers family allows her to run her mouth, that’s their problem—not mine.”
Her words hit Lucas like a slap. She had effortlessly shifted the blame back to him, leaving him speechless. Swallowing his irritation, he silently signaled for the bodyguards to escort Tina away.
The fleet of luxury cars that Zachary had sent to pick up Yvette was impossible to ignore. Their sleek, polished frames gleamed in the sunlight, drawing every eye on the street. The message was clear: Zachary wanted the world to see how much he valued his lost daughter. But whether that sentiment was genuine? That was another story entirely.
Once inside the car, Yvette closed her eyes, resting her head against the leather seat. Lucas, seated beside her, took the opportunity to observe her discreetly. But before he could gather his thoughts, Yvette’s eyes snapped open, startling him.
“Just spill it,” she said flatly.
Lucas straightened, recalling Zachary’s instructions. He chose his words carefully.
“There are four major families in Seacrity,” he began, his tone formal. “The Lewis family holds the top position, managing three leading laboratories, each run by senior officials. Below them are the Smith, Hudson, and Chambers families.
“Years ago, under Mr. Matthew Chambers’ leadership, we were at the top. But after his passing, the family’s influence declined. Mr. Zachary Chambers has struggled with his health while searching for you. Finding you has brought him joy and improved his condition. He’s eagerly awaiting your return. Your mother…” Lucas hesitated. “She would surely rest in peace knowing this.”
As he finished, a shiver ran down his spine. When he glanced at Yvette, her calm gaze unsettled him. Am I seeing things? he wondered, shaking off the eerie sensation.
Yvette turned her attention back to the window, her expression unreadable. Lucas, sensing her silence as permission to continue, pressed on.
“Mr. Zachary Chambers hopes you will avoid conflicts with other family members. Your position as his daughter is secure, and he intends to find a suitable match for you to ensure a bright future.”
Yvette didn’t respond, making Lucas feel like he was performing a monologue. Still, he continued to study her, recalling the background check he’d conducted. Compared to Zeke and Winona Chambers, Yvette’s life seemed ordinary. But her demeanor and confidence were nothing like the timid girl he had expected.
Where does she get that confidence? Lucas wondered, feeling more uneasy the longer he was in her presence.
In truth, Yvette’s return to the Chambers family was part of her own carefully laid plan. If she hadn’t wanted to be found, Zachary wouldn’t have succeeded. As for conflicts? They were inevitable—and she welcomed them.
Zachary’s current wife, Nellie, was renowned for her elegance and intelligence. As the cherished daughter of the Smith family—ranked second among the four families—she had built a sterling reputation as the ideal wife and hostess. She managed the Chambers household with an iron will wrapped in velvet, earning respect throughout Seacrity.
But Yvette knew better. Nellie’s polished exterior hid a ruthless streak. Over the years, any woman who dared get too close to Zachary had mysteriously disappeared.
Lucas, playing his usual game of carrot and stick, alternated between subtle threats and promises of a bright future. He was convinced he could find something to sway Yvette.
But Yvette was unimpressed. She casually unwrapped a piece of candy from her pocket. Its rich, creamy aroma filled the car, making Lucas swallow involuntarily.
“Is this from Zachary?” Yvette asked, her tone nonchalant.
Lucas nodded, irritated by her refusal to address Zachary as “Father.” “He just wants what’s best for you,” he replied stiffly.
Yvette smirked. “What’s best for me?” she thought. That’s what they always say before they strike.
The truth was, she hadn’t been warned or threatened in years—not since she dealt with those who dared to cross her. Their bodies might still be rotting on some forgotten mountainside.
“If they don’t mess with me, I’ll leave them alone,” Yvette said, her voice calm. She turned her gaze back to the window, letting her words hang ominously in the air. “But if they do…”
She didn’t finish her sentence, but the unspoken threat lingered.
Lucas rubbed his temples, a growing sense of dread settling in. He was starting to question whether bringing Yvette back was a good idea at all. One thing was certain—life in the Chambers household was about to get much more complicated.
Yvette, staring at the passing scenery, smirked to herself. If they cross me… well, I’ll make the whole family pay.
