Chapter 1667: Chapter 1667

Chapter 1667

Clearly, that was a jab at Nora.

Nora wasn’t used to taking flak like that, her temper flaring, “Zavier, you’re getting way too big for your britches!”

Zavier glanced up, his gaze icy, “Aunt Nora, if you acted the part of an elder, I’d naturally give you all the respect and love you deserve. But if you don’t even respect yourself and fail to set an example, how can you expect me to show you any respect?”

Nora retorted, “What about you? Do you act the part of the junior?”

Zavier replied coldly, “I’m still young, and I learn by watching my elders. If you show respect, I’ll follow suit. If you don’t, neither will I.”

Nora was speechless.

Skyler watched with wide-eyed fascination. Zavier’s arrogance wasn’t just directed at her or people at school. No matter who crossed him, he maintained that same haughty demeanor. He was much like her, a pawn in the family’s game.e2

She had no choice but to swallow her pride, but he seemed to do as he pleased. Skyler was dying to know his secret. When the opportunity arose, she was determined to get some tips from him.

“Zavier, that’s no way to talk to your aunt like that,” chided Kalene, who had just arrived. Her eyes briefly flitted over Skyler, wrapped in Zavier’s embrace before she addressed him, “You should apologize to your aunt Nora right this minute!”

Zavier cast a glance at Kalene but said nothing, simply leading Skyler away.

Nora watched their retreating figures, trembling with rage. Kalene quickly came to her side, comforting, “Nora, Zavier’s always been headstrong, even with me. Don’t stoop to his level.”

Nora struggled to suppress her anger, “Kalene, if it weren’t for Brodie’s sake, and out of respect for you and my brother Samuel, I’d never back that rascal Zavier.”

Kalene sighed, “I know. We’ve spoiled Zavier since he was a baby, so that’s why he’s turned out like this. But he’s not a bad kid at heart.”

Nora grumbled, “Who knows what kind of love potion that Blue girl has fed him? He’s fiercely protective of her, and he hasn’t even touched her once. Kalene, Zavier is meant to take over Rivera Inc. We can’t have him led astray by a woman.”

Kalene assured her, “Zavier knows his limits.”

Nora countered, “He’s still young, sometimes those limits blur.”

Kalene pondered, “I think it’s not about being smitten; it’s more about him staking his claim. Remember when he was a kid, and Joshua accidentally broke a toy Zavier was about to toss? If it were you or me, we’d have let it slide. But not Zavier. He still gave Joshua a thrashing. His things are his, whether he wants them or not, and no one else is allowed to touch.”

Nora considered this perspective but remained wary, “You’re too soft-hearted, always looking on the bright side. That Blue girl is not as innocent as she seems. The more pitiful she acts, the more she triggers Zavier’s protective instinct. We need to keep a closer eye on her, and make sure she doesn’t get a hold on Zavier.”

Kalene agreed, “I’ll take your advice. I’ll have someone watch over her. She won’t get out of line.”

Nora warned, “Don’t blame me for meddling. I don’t want to see the empire that Brodie and Hudson, and your husband worked so hard to build fall into the hands of schemers.”

Kalene assured her, “How could I blame you? With Brodie’s accident, Hudson and your brother were devastated. Zavier was too young. If it weren’t for you, the Rivera family would have already been devoured by the others.”

Nora was resolute, “With Hudson’s health failing and Samuel still mourning Brodie, Zavier is our only hope. We can’t afford any missteps with him.”

Kalene nodded in understanding, “I get it.”

The Rivera family had a strict routine. Everyone was up and gathered in the living room, waiting to have breakfast with Hudson.

When Zavier descended the stairs with Skyler, all eyes instantly turned their way.