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Chapter_5
Nellie carefully masked her inner turmoil, though Zachary’s reaction to Yvette stung like a fresh wound. His gaze was unmistakable, filled with longing for Lilian, a woman Nellie had spent years trying to overshadow.
As the tension grew, Nellie stepped forward, tears glistening in her eyes. She reached for Yvette’s hand, but Yvette shifted back, her movements fluid yet firm. The subtle rejection stung more than Nellie cared to admit.
“Yvette, you poor thing,” Nellie began, her voice trembling. “Now that you’re back, consider this your home. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m Nellie—your mother’s best friend. Ever since she went missing, I’ve barely had a moment’s peace.” She pressed a hand to her chest, her face pale as though the emotional weight was too much to bear.
Zachary, jolted from his thoughts, rushed to her side. “Nellie, you’re not well,” he said, guiding her to the sofa. “I know you’re happy Yvette is back, but you must take care of yourself. Lilian wouldn’t want you to push yourself like this.”
To Yvette, the scene unfolding before her was a farce, almost laughable. A man who remarried his wife’s supposed best friend two years after her death, and a woman who pretends to grieve for a friend she betrayed—what a perfect pair.
Still, Yvette couldn’t ignore the resemblance she shared with her father. Zachary’s sharp features and composed demeanor mirrored her own. He’s aged well, she thought. No wonder Nellie was desperate to snatch him up.
But beneath her calm exterior, a storm brewed. Lilian’s death was no accident, and as her daughter, Yvette would ensure those responsible paid for it—no matter who they were.
Her icy voice cut through the air. “Are you done crying?”
The sudden chill in her tone made both Zachary and Nellie flinch. Nellie, hoping to gain Yvette’s sympathy, was caught off guard.
“Where’s my room? Show me,” Yvette demanded.
Nellie quickly composed herself, signaling to a servant. “Take Miss Yvette to the room on the second floor,” she instructed, her voice steady but her eyes wary.
The servants exchanged uneasy glances. It was hard not to pity Nellie, who seemed to be struggling against the sharp, unforgiving demeanor of the younger woman.
Nellie, however, was secretly pleased. Yvette’s apparent lack of respect would spread through the household like wildfire, tarnishing her reputation. Let the rumors fly. No respectable man will want her now. Let Zachary try to find her a good match—she’ll be trapped in the shadows forever.
As Yvette followed the servant, Zachary’s voice called out behind her, urgent and raw. “Yvette, I’m your dad!”
She paused but didn’t turn. Her response was flat, devoid of emotion. “Yeah, got it.”
Her nonchalance struck a nerve, leaving Zachary stunned. He slumped onto the couch, his earlier excitement deflated. Nellie saw this as her chance to regain control.
Over the years, Zachary’s affection for her had waxed and waned. Though their marriage appeared ideal to outsiders, Nellie knew she was a placeholder for Lilian in his heart. If not for her connections to the Smith family and their talented children, Zachary would have abandoned her long ago.
And now, Lilian’s daughter had returned, bringing with her an unbearable shadow of the past.
Am I doomed to compete with Lilian’s memory forever? Nellie thought bitterly. No, I won’t let that happen.
Steeling herself, Nellie sat beside Zachary, her voice soft and consoling. “Honey, Yvette just came back. Don’t be upset with her. She’s Lilian’s daughter, after all. Her temperament must be as strong as her mother’s. She likely has some grievances from being away so long. If anyone’s at fault, it’s me. The company’s issues kept me from welcoming her properly.”
Her words, laced with just the right amount of vulnerability, had the desired effect. Zachary’s expression softened.
“You’re not to blame, dear,” he said, patting her hand. “Yvette needs time to adjust. In the meantime, I want to host a proper welcome party next month. Everyone should know my daughter is back. Let’s see who dares to gossip about her after that.”
Nellie nodded, but hesitation flickered across her face.
“What’s wrong?” Zachary asked, his brows furrowed.
“I’m just worried,” Nellie began carefully. “Yvette’s upbringing was… different. She might struggle with the proper etiquette for such a grand event.”
Zachary frowned, considering her words. Yvette had grown up far from high society, and a misstep at a major event could be disastrous.
“I’ll make sure she’s prepared,” he said, though doubt lingered in his tone.
Nellie hid her satisfaction behind a demure smile. Let’s see how far she can go when the world sees how unrefined she is. The spotlight will only expose her flaws.
As the household settled for the evening, Yvette remained in her room, her mind turning over the events of the day. This family’s schemes are just beginning, she thought, a small smirk playing on her lips. Let them try—I’ll be ready.
