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Novel Catalog
Chapter_7
Zachary and Nellie arrived just in time to witness Yvette slap Winona hard across the face. The sharp crack of the impact echoed through the room, leaving everyone stunned.
Winona stumbled back, her hand flying to her cheek as her eyes widened in disbelief. She had never been hit before—never even imagined it. Her shock quickly morphed into seething hatred. While she forced herself to appear composed, the fire in her gaze betrayed her true feelings. You’ll pay for this, Yvette, she vowed silently.
Zeke, who had been observing from the side, was equally taken aback. He had never seen Winona lose her cool so quickly or Yvette act with such audacity. The servants, too, stood frozen, unsure of how to respond.
“Ms. Yvette Zeller is ruthless,” one whispered to another. “Look at Miss Winona’s face—it’s already swelling.”
Winona caught sight of Zachary storming toward them. Though her cheek throbbed, she seized the moment to play the victim. “What did I do wrong, Yvette?” she asked, her voice trembling just enough to sound pitiful. “Did I upset you? Why did you hit me?”
Zeke frowned at her performance. He knew Winona’s temperament too well. Her impatience had clearly led her to provoke Yvette, but he was impressed by how she twisted the situation to her advantage.
Zachary, however, was furious. To him, it appeared as though Yvette had struck Winona without cause. “Stop it, you ungrateful girl!” he bellowed.
Ungrateful girl? Yvette thought, a cold smile tugging at her lips. She remained silent, her gaze calm and detached, as if she were merely an observer to the unfolding chaos.
Nellie, meanwhile, was livid. She knew Winona must have provoked Yvette first, but she didn’t care. Seeing her daughter’s swollen cheek filled her with rage. She shot a pointed look at Yvette, silently promising retribution.
Zachary rushed to Winona’s side, followed closely by Nellie and Zeke. The three of them formed a protective barrier around Winona, leaving Yvette standing alone, her presence a stark contrast to their united front.
“Dad, please don’t blame Yvette,” Winona said, her tone soft and self-sacrificing. “We came back late, and she probably felt neglected. If hitting me helps her feel better, then so be it.” She turned her face slightly, displaying the angry red mark on her cheek.
Nellie dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, her voice trembling with mock concern. “Yvette, can’t we settle things peacefully? Why resort to violence? Winona has to attend Mr. Grillin’s party next month—how can she go with a swollen face?”
Zachary’s anger boiled over. He raised his hand to strike Yvette, but before he could, she shifted effortlessly, catching his wrist mid-air.
“You want to hit me?” she asked, her voice cold and steady. “You think you’re worthy?”
The room fell silent. Yvette’s sharp words and unwavering gaze left Zachary frozen, his raised hand trembling. He suddenly felt weak and unsure, his authority as the head of the family slipping away under her unyielding stare.
The tension was palpable. Servants whispered among themselves, while Zeke watched with narrowed eyes. Even Nellie, quick to manipulate situations, faltered for a moment, sensing Zachary’s humiliation.
Finally, Nellie stepped in to diffuse the situation. “Honey, it was just a moment of anger,” she said soothingly. “They’re sisters, after all. Let’s not blow this out of proportion.”
Zachary exhaled sharply, lowering his hand with visible reluctance. “Fine,” he muttered. “But if it happens again, Yvette, I won’t hold back. Now, apologize to your sister.”
Yvette tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. “Apologize?” she asked, her tone casual.
Winona forced a smile, though her fury simmered beneath the surface. “I know you didn’t mean it,” she said sweetly. “But if you don’t apologize, people might think Dad isn’t raising his daughter well. For his sake, I’ll accept it.”
Yvette’s lips curved into a faint smile as she stepped forward. Her eyes bore into Winona’s, unflinching and piercing. “You think I owe you an apology?”
Winona’s heart raced, her carefully constructed façade threatening to crack. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if provoking Yvette had been a mistake.
