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Novel Catalog
Chapter_130
The back garden was buzzing with activity as the guests began to arrive, their murmurs and laughter filling the air. It was a beautiful setting, with the sun beginning to dip low, casting a golden glow over everything. Zachary and Nellie were standing by the entrance, greeting the first arrivals, but there was an underlying tension that neither could shake.
Nellie adjusted her mismatched accessories one last time, her sharp gaze flicking over to the guests, making sure everything appeared just right. Her confidence was undeniable, but there was something in her eyes—something a little too calculating—as she scanned the crowd. She was waiting for a sign, or perhaps for someone. Her attention occasionally shifted to Zachary, but her thoughts seemed distant.
Zachary, on the other hand, stood with a quiet air of authority, a slight smile on his lips that was more polite than genuine. Despite the poise he displayed outwardly, inside, he was struggling with his emotions. The tie he wore, symbolic of Lilian, was a constant reminder of the past and the present—a connection to someone he could never forget. Even though he had moved forward in many ways, some part of him still clung to the memories of his late wife.
As the last few guests trickled in, the anticipation for the evening’s announcement grew. Everyone was talking about the big reveal, speculating on what Zachary had in store. Whispers of an important business deal, a family announcement, or even something personal about the Chambers family were circulating. Zachary had kept everything tightly under wraps, and the guests were dying to know.
Meanwhile, back inside, Sienna was having a far more casual time. She was lounging in front of the makeup mirror, her eyes occasionally flicking toward the door as she let Betsy work her magic. The intern was doing a great job, her hands steady and skillful as she applied the makeup with an intensity that spoke volumes about her desire to impress.
Sienna, of course, wasn’t as concerned with her appearance as much as she was with observing Yvette. The cool, collected woman who had caught her attention ever since they’d met was now sitting off to the side, engrossed in her phone.
Yvette was always so calm, so unruffled by anything. Even with all the drama happening around them, including the chaotic backstage moments with Tony and the intern, she remained unfazed.
Sienna was amused. Yvette had that effect on people—she made the world seem insignificant by simply existing in her calm orbit. It was clear to Sienna now that Yvette’s influence wasn’t something easily earned. It wasn’t just about wealth or status. There was something inherently magnetic about her—something that drew people in and made them want to follow her lead.
Sienna turned her attention back to Betsy, who was now diligently applying the finishing touches to her makeup. The intern’s concentration was admirable, and Sienna could tell that she had talent. Even if she wasn’t getting a chance to show off her skills on Yvette, at least she had the opportunity to prove herself with her.
“Alright, I’m all set,” Sienna said, standing up with a grin. “What do you think, Betsy? How do I look?”
Betsy’s face lit up as she took a step back, admiring her work. “You look amazing, Ms. Sterling! I… I really hope I didn’t overdo it.”
Sienna laughed, patting her shoulder again. “Trust me, you’ve done a fantastic job. Just the right amount of flair without going overboard. You’ve got the job down.”
Betsy’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and her smile was wider than before. She had made a lasting impression, even if she hadn’t had the chance to touch Yvette’s face.
As the clock ticked closer to 5 PM, Sienna gave a knowing glance to Yvette. “You sure you’re not coming downstairs for the big reveal? People are going to start arriving any minute.”
Yvette, still engrossed in her game, shrugged. “I’ll pass. You go on ahead, Sienna. You look great. Enjoy the show.”
Sienna laughed, an amused glint in her eyes. “It’s your party too, you know. People would love to see you. But fine, I’ll go and hold down the fort for you.”
With that, Sienna turned to leave, but before she did, she shot a teasing smile at Yvette. “Don’t forget, boss, your next makeup appointment is on me—when you change your mind about wearing makeup.”
Yvette’s lips curved into a small, wry smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
With that, Sienna exited the room, leaving Yvette alone with her thoughts.
Meanwhile, back in the garden, the guests were beginning to gather around, eager to hear Zachary’s big announcement. There was an air of expectancy, but also something else, something unsettling. The tension in the air was thick, and not just because of the family dynamics. Everyone could sense that something big was about to happen.
Nellie watched from a distance, her eyes narrowing slightly. She wasn’t just here for the event. She was here to see how the pieces would fall into place. The foundation for her own plans was being laid out in ways most people couldn’t see, but she could feel it—the moment was approaching.
Zachary, standing tall in the center of the gathering, raised his glass to signal the beginning of the announcement. His face was serious now, the weight of the moment finally hitting him. This wasn’t just a casual reveal. This was the turning point in everything.
And as he began to speak, the guests fell silent, eager to know what he would say next.
