Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Chapter_8
In the tension-filled living room, all eyes were on Yvette. Winona’s act of contrition hung in the air, but Yvette remained silent, her faint smile betraying none of her thoughts.
Nellie, sensing the unease, was about to step in to diffuse the situation when Yvette unexpectedly smiled. For a fleeting moment, even Winona had to admit Yvette was stunning.
Zeke, standing nearby, found himself captivated. Despite knowing Yvette was his half-sister, his playboy instincts couldn’t help but stir. He had always lived a life of indulgence, collecting lovers like trophies—students, models, young stars, anyone who piqued his interest. The idea of pursuing Yvette, forbidden as it was, sent a thrill through him.
If I could have her… he thought, the idea of conquering someone as untouchable as Yvette filling him with excitement. He convinced himself that with his charm and wealth, she would eventually fall for him.
But Yvette’s mind was elsewhere. Her enigmatic smile hinted at an unseen strategy, one that would make the Chambers family pay dearly for underestimating her.
The silence broke when Yvette pulled an old black phone from her pocket. Its modest appearance drew curious glances from Zachary, Nellie, and Zeke. They dismissed it as unremarkable—until Yvette pressed play.
The room was suddenly filled with Winona’s voice, cruel and biting:
“Your mother is dead. Why even come back? This house has no place for you.”
The recording sent a chill through the room. The servants froze, their gazes darting to Winona in disbelief. The kind and gentle façade she had maintained shattered instantly.
Winona’s face turned ashen. Her mind raced, unable to process how Yvette had recorded her. Zachary’s expression darkened as he turned toward Winona, raising his hand to strike her.
Before he could, Nellie stepped in. Her hand flew across Winona’s face with a sharp slap, the sound echoing in the stunned silence. Winona let out a shriek, clutching her cheek in disbelief.
“You—Mother?” she stammered, tears spilling down her face.
Nellie’s face was a mask of fury, though her calculated move served more than one purpose. “Winona, how could you say such things? Haven’t I taught you better? Jealousy is no excuse for this kind of behavior!” she scolded sharply.
Her words painted Winona’s actions as immature and impulsive, subtly redirecting the blame onto her daughter.
Zachary, still fuming, began to calm at Nellie’s intervention. “Yvette has been through so much,” Nellie continued, her tone softening. “She’s your sister, and all she wants is a place in this family. How could you let jealousy cloud your judgment?”
The servants exchanged uneasy glances, the atmosphere heavy with discomfort.
Nellie turned to Yvette, her expression shifting to one of regret. “Yvette, please don’t take this to heart. Winona was just confused and acted rashly. If you need to punish her, do so as you see fit. I take full responsibility for not raising her better. I’m truly sorry.”
Yvette met Nellie’s gaze with calm defiance. “Do you think I’m so easy to push around?” she asked, her voice cold and deliberate.
Nellie faltered, her confident veneer slipping. “No, Yvette, that’s not what I meant,” she said hurriedly. “If you’re still upset, I’ll make sure it never happens again.”
Understanding the unspoken command in Nellie’s glare, Winona stepped forward, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry, Yvette,” she sobbed. “Please forgive me. I shouldn’t have let my jealousy get the better of me. I was just so scared you’d take Dad’s love away from me.”
Her words were calculated, a performance designed to appeal to Zachary’s emotions.
Zachary hesitated, torn between his affection for Winona and his growing awareness of Yvette’s strength. He remained silent, knowing that intervening now would only worsen the situation.
Seeing her father’s hesitation, Winona pressed on. “If you’re still angry, I’ll stand here until you forgive me,” she said, her voice trembling.
Yvette tilted her head, her expression unreadable. The balance of power had shifted, and everyone in the room knew it.
