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Novel Catalog
Chapter_4
As the car approached the Chambers residence, the buzz of the city faded into quietude, replaced by the rustle of trees lining the road. Each of the four great families in Seacrity had their ancestral estates spread across the outskirts, hidden in the embrace of sprawling greenery.
After another half hour, the gates of the Chambers estate came into view. Towering and intricately designed, they were flanked by vigilant security guards. The gates swung open, and the car drove for ten more minutes before reaching the estate’s heart—a testament to the family’s wealth and influence.
Lucas stepped out and opened the door for Yvette. She emerged with an old black backpack slung over her shoulder, unfazed by the whispered remarks of the servants. Their thinly veiled disdain was meant to make her feel inferior, but Yvette didn’t flinch.
Despite the grandiose arrangements Zachary had made to welcome her back, there was no one present to greet her. The deliberate absence struck Yvette as odd. Zachary wouldn’t neglect me like this. This has Nellie’s handiwork written all over it.
Yvette allowed herself a small smile, taking in the “kindly welcome” with wry amusement.
Lucas trailed her, his eyes sharp. He, too, recognized Nellie’s calculated slight but said nothing.
The Chambers estate lived up to its reputation. The opulence of the interior was overwhelming. Each wall displayed priceless art, and even the casually placed vases were rare antiques. The wealth of a family ranked at the bottom of the four great houses was still staggering.
Standing in the lavish living room, Yvette cut a stark contrast to her surroundings. Her casual attire and worn backpack seemed almost comical against the grandeur. Yet, she stood as though she belonged, her composure unwavering.
Her gaze fell on the largest painting at the room’s center, and she pointed at it. “What’s this?”
Lucas, eager to engage, saw her interest as a sign of approval. “That’s a piece by Cyanbird, Ms. Zeller,” he replied with enthusiasm.
Yvette’s expression soured. The painting was an obvious counterfeit. The weak brushstrokes and lack of depth betrayed it as a cheap imitation.
Which Chambers thought this was worth showcasing? she mused. It’s absurd they flaunt such a poor replica in the main room. Doesn’t anyone notice?
Lucas, misinterpreting her intense gaze, continued. “The artist Cyanbird is revered in high society. Ten years ago, her painting Life shattered records at the West Auction House. It remains unmatched to this day. She produced only a handful of works before disappearing from the spotlight. Rumors suggest she paints exclusively for royalty or has gone mad from love. No one knows for sure.”
Yvette’s lips twitched. Mad? Hiding? What ridiculous nonsense.
She remembered painting casually during her time in cultivation. Joe had insisted on showing off one of her works, which she had dismissed as a fleeting amusement. She hadn’t anticipated the whirlwind of attention that followed.
So Joe spun those absurd stories? If he were here now, I’d give him an earful.
Feigning curiosity, she asked, “If she disappeared, how did the Chambers acquire this?”
Lucas beamed. “Ms. Winona Chambers obtained it directly from Cyanbird. The artist admired her talents and gifted her this masterpiece. It significantly boosted Ms. Winona’s status in the art world. Mr. Griffin, the president of the Art Association, even took her as a disciple because of this very painting.”
Yvette barely suppressed a laugh. Winona’s audacity is something else. Does she really think no one will see through this farce?
Her mind wandered to Mr. Thomas Harrington, the former president of the Art Association. Years ago, he had requested a painting, and she had gifted him one casually. I wonder how far this charade has gone, she thought with a bemused smile.
Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall. Zachary Chambers entered, his face lined with weariness. He had been delayed by Nellie’s manufactured financial dilemma, a transparent ploy to keep him from greeting Yvette.
Beside him, Nellie exuded her usual poise, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of irritation as she spotted Yvette.
Zachary’s gaze fell on the young woman standing in the living room, her back turned to him. He froze. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.
Even her silhouette… it’s just like Lilian’s, he thought, his chest tightening.
When Yvette turned to face him, Zachary staggered, overwhelmed by emotion. Her resemblance to Lilian was uncanny, as though time had reversed.
His vision blurred with tears as memories of his late wife came rushing back. The intensity of his reaction was so palpable that it silenced the room, even rendering Nellie’s face a mask of barely concealed rage.
Yvette tilted her head slightly, watching the man who claimed to be her father. Her gaze was calm, but her thoughts were anything but. Let’s see how this plays out.
