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Chapter_153
Nellie remained silent, too intimidated by Dennis to argue. The weight of her guilt pressed on her, knowing that Zachary had never confided in her about his private dealings. How was she supposed to know that he had any connection to Howard?
Winona, sitting across the room, glanced up at Dennis’s furious expression. Despite her fear, she couldn’t help but notice the look of shrewdness in his eyes.
Gathering her courage, she spoke softly, “Grandpa, I believe the situation isn’t as dire as it seems. Someone like Howard wouldn’t act without a compelling reason. Zachary must have made him an offer, something that convinced Howard to step in. I suspect the Chambers Group may have promised him a significant stake in their equity. If we can offer something more enticing, there may still be a way to turn this around.”
Dennis turned his gaze toward Winona. His expression, though stern, softened a little.
Her words had hit a chord. Someone like Howard wouldn’t help Zachary without a reason, and perhaps Winona was right. Zachary had likely made Howard an offer too good to refuse. Whatever the Chambers Group could offer, the Smith family could match.
Dennis nodded slowly, his tone more measured now. “Your words make sense, Winona. Here’s what we can do. Tomorrow, I’ll pay Howard a visit, and you’ll come with me. Look your best. I’ve heard that Howard has a son. If you manage to catch his eye, even if marriage isn’t in the cards, becoming his mistress could be quite advantageous. It would raise your standing significantly.”
Winona’s expression shifted, a subtle discomfort crossing her features.
Meanwhile, Zeke stood off to the side, his head bowed. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of despair creeping in. Does Grandpa really see both of us as so insignificant? When he compared Winona to Yvette, he could see why Dennis might think she had value. But was that really the only way out?
A dangerous thought crossed Zeke’s mind. If Winona truly did manage to connect with the Yates family, would it change his own fate? He looked at her, a glint of calculation in his eyes.
Dennis, oblivious to Zeke’s thoughts, waved dismissively. “Go on, you two. Leave.”
After they had gone, only Dennis and Nellie remained in the room.
Nellie rose from her seat to help Dennis settle in more comfortably. After a brief silence, she hesitated before speaking. “Dad, if Winona does this and the Carters find out, her engagement could be in jeopardy. She’s my daughter; she can’t be reduced to a mistress.”
Dennis sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. “Do you still think Winona belongs to the prestigious Chambers family? After today, the truth will come out—everyone will know she’s an illegitimate child, the result of your affair with another man. What respectable family would want someone like that as a daughter-in-law? We managed to keep it hidden before, but now, with the DNA test results public, the Carters won’t want her. Honestly, if I didn’t have leverage over Claude, do you think he would allow Victor to marry Winona?”
His eyes darkened with cold reality. “Let’s be clear—Winona’s only worth now is her beauty. If it weren’t for that, no one would even consider her as a mistress. We’ve raised her to pay us back, Nellie. The Smith family doesn’t support freeloaders.”
The words stung, but Nellie knew he was right. Winona was just another pawn in the game now, and she had little choice but to use her as leverage for the family’s benefit.
With a forced smile, Nellie said, “I’ll do as you say, Dad. I’ll make sure Winona looks her best tomorrow.”
Dennis nodded in approval. “Good. Now, as for Hayden Johnson, I’ve handled him. Don’t worry—he’ll take the fall for everything. I had someone suggest he take full responsibility, and he agreed.”
Nellie couldn’t hide her pride. If not for Hayden’s blind loyalty, things might have gone differently. She had manipulated him for over a decade, and it was about time he returned the favor.
Dennis narrowed his eyes, his voice dropping to a warning tone. “Be cautious, Nellie. Zachary has substantial evidence about your affairs. I’ll instruct the Smith Group’s PR team to manage the fallout. But lay low until the storm passes. You’re not getting any younger—act accordingly, do you understand?”
Nellie nodded obediently, though her mind drifted. It might be time for a break, a chance to recover. A shame she’d have to stop seeing the young male escort she’d been enjoying lately—he’d been quite good at his job.
Meanwhile, in prison, Hayden sat motionless, staring at the TV screen, his mind racing. Has Nellie been deceiving me all this time? The images on the screen were of her with other men, and the realization hit him like a thunderclap. All these years, she claimed I was her only one—so who are these men in the photos?
His face turned red with fury. He had been made a fool, and when he got out, he vowed to make Nellie pay for her betrayal.
The next day, Dennis arranged for someone to find out where Howard was staying. Once they confirmed the location, he escorted Winona to the hotel, making sure she looked her best.
When they arrived, Howard was having breakfast with Yvette. As they entered, Liam knocked before stepping in, his eyes quickly noting Howard pouring juice for Yvette.
Liam had grown accustomed to seeing scenes like this. It wasn’t the first time he’d seen Howard’s fondness for Yvette, and by now, he was no longer surprised by it. He knew his place and didn’t let himself linger on things he shouldn’t.
He approached Howard with his usual professionalism. “Mr. Yates, Dennis Smith and his granddaughter are in the lobby and wish to speak with you.”
Howard turned to Yvette, waiting for her opinion. “Should I meet them?”
Yvette, seemingly lost in thought, paused before answering with a nonchalant air, “No.”
Liam blinked in surprise. What? he thought. Yvette had refused them so easily.
But what happened next left Liam even more stunned. Howard noticed him staring and frowned. “What are you still doing here? Didn’t you hear Yvette say no?”
Liam snapped to attention, immediately nodding, “Yes, Mr. Yates. I’ll show them out.”
After Liam left, Howard turned to Yvette, offering her a pork rib. “Ms. Zeller, what do you think of the Smith family’s situation? Any plans?”
Yvette lazily wiped the corner of her mouth, then leaned back, tapping her fingers on the table. A mischievous smile spread across her face. “In three days, there won’t be a Smith family left in Seacrity.”
