Chapter 116

The hustle and bustle began around 8 am on Saturday at the Chambers residence. Nellie was up early and donned the dark green gown tailored for her, adorned with her precious gemstone necklace worth millions, looking royally elegant.

Since that was the day the president of the Art Association, Richard, would be visiting Seacrity, Nellie had been getting ready since 7 a.m., despite the flight arriving at 10 am.

Once she finished preparations, she went downstairs, not seeing Zeke anywhere. The housekeeper told her that Zeke was still sleeping in Annoyed, Nellie went upstairs to drag her son out of bed.

What time is it already? Trying to pi** me off? Did you forget what day it is? I told you to turn in early. Why have you stayed up again? Look at you! The hell of an impression you’ll make on Mr. Grillin. Get up right now! You’ll have half an hour to prepare before we head to the airport to receive him, fumed Nellie.

Zeke impatiently ruffled his messy hair. Seeing how mad his mother was, he dared not argue as he crawled out of the covers.

Leave me. Mom. I have no clothes on. I promise I’ll be downstairs in half an hour.”

Nellie nagged at Zeke a bit before heading downstairs. Knowing how important the occasion was, Zeke dawdled no further and quickly washed up before getting dressed.

The night before at Victor’s condominium, Winona tossed and turned, having not slept a wink. When she went to the living room to get water, she passed by Victor’s room and noticed his light was still on, so she thoughtfully fetched him a cup of Just as she was about to knock on the door, Victor’s voice came. “Be good. I’ll come over next week. Didn’t you like that limited edition bag we saw the other day? I’ll get you that if you behave.”

Winona clenched the cup with her head down, Eyes clouded with grim, she paused for a moment, looked up, and emitted at snort before walking away. Inside the room was Victor, completely unaware as he continued flirting with that model.

Winona lay in bed, staring at the ceiling until dawn motionlessly like a corpse, her eyes filled with madness and hatred. Suddenly, the phone rang. The buzz went off and on repeatedly for a solid ten-minutes.

It was then that as if Winona finally heard it. Her fingers twitched as she stiffly got up to grab the phone from the table. Checking the caller ID, she paused, cleared her throat, and answered, “Hello, Mom”

Then came Nellie’s frustrated tone through the line. “Where’ve you been? You stayed out all night and never answered your phone this morning. Mr. Griffin’ll be landing soon, so where are you? Have I been too easy on you lately, Winona, letting you stay out without even calling home? Do you know how worried I was?”

Sarcasm marred Winona’s face. Worried? She? More like afraid I’d mess up and ruin the apprenticeship ceremony, then fail to pave the way for my dear brother, not to mention catering to her own dignity among Seacrity’s noblewomen, was her thought Winona might ponder that way, but she showed no hint of dissatisfaction toward Nellie. Drawing a deep breath, she cooed, “My bad, Mom. I’m at Victor’s place. I’ll be home in a minute. My phone’s out of juice, so I missed your messages.

Hearing that, Nellie probed in a jiffy, “Winona, did you... Did you and Victor ever... You know?”

Winona understood what Nellie meant. With a tinge of shyness, she replied, “Don’t worry, Mom. I... I haven’t done it with him.

We were in separate rooms.”

Only then did Nellie relax. She had faith that Winona would not bluff, considering how she had brought her daughter up. and that made Nellie’s tone turn pleasant.

“Alright, Winona, I’m just looking out for you. You should know that men won’t cherish what comes too easily. Only with some means to keep Victor intrigued will it make him treasure you. Trust me; I’d never lead you astray.”

Nellie’s speech seemed so sincere that those who did not know better might really think she was a good mother looking out for her daughter, but only Winona knew Nellie was selfish, looking out for nobody except herself The sneer on Winona’s face intensified. Never would she buy any of Nellie’s words, musing. ‘If she spoke the truth, she’d not have shared Dad’s bed and then used me and Zeke to blackmail Dad to wed her To think that Nellie spilled out those righteous words, it felt nothing more than a joke to Winona. The only reason Winona had yet to sleep with Victor was to keep her options open “I know you wouldn’t.” Winona paused for a moment and then asked, “Mom, is Lucas gonna bring Yvette home today?”

Nellie was seething on that note. “Yeah. Your dad asked the daughter of the Sterling family to custom-make a gown for her.

She’ll be delivering it personally later this afternoon for Yvette to try on.”

“The Sterling family? Winona secretly exclaimed, shocked, so she asked again to be sure, “Is she Sienna Sienna Sterling?”

Nellie had already confirmed time and again that it was indeed that very Sienna, wondering if Zachary had been suspicious of her, letting her in on it only the day before. She was also surprised when she first heard it.

Sienna was infamously a difficult person. In her teens, her family sent her abroad to study fashion design. It was only in recent years that she became internationally renowned and collaborated with somebody to create her brand. Vibe The second Vibe clothing line launched, it shot to fame worldwide, making 300 million dollars in sales in its first quarter The Sterling family was but an average family in Seacrity, yet with Sienna’s success, their status soared, propelling them into the upper echelon as a top-tier family.

“Yeah, it’s that same Sienna. Who knows what’s gotten into her? Usually, she’ll only make five custom gowns a year. This year, she’s already met her quota. Still, she accepted your dad’s order. He must’ve paid her a lot. I was hoping she’d make one for you but it’s too late now. No worries, though. I’ve already contacted Eminence Couture to design your custom gown. It’ll be just as stunning,” said Nellie.

Winona also thought Nellie had a point. Without reading into it, Winona only felt incredibly jealous, for her father had willingly spent on Yvette. It was then that she checked her watch.

“Mom. I’m gonna pack up now, I have some everyday cosmetics and clothes here at Victor’s place. Ill get everything ready here and meet you guys straight at the airport,” she suggested.

Nellie was so focused on advising Winona that she lost track of time. Realizing that Winona would be rushing back and forth, Nellie agreed with Winona’s plan to rendezvous at the airport. After Winona hung up, she went to wake Victor up.

Opening his eyes, Victor was astonished by Winona’s haggard look as she stood by the bed. “What’s wrong, Winona? Why do you look so tired? Those dark circles made you look worse!”

Winona was still holding a grudge about what happened the night before, thus being icy toward Victor’s concern, only nodding in return. “It’s nothing. Hurry and get ready. We’re gonna pick Mr. Griffin up at the airport.”

Of course, Victor knew exactly who Winona was talking about. He dared not take the matter lightly, so he got up in a heartbeat to tidy himself and even donned a formal suit.

Seeing Victor ready, Winona smiled with satisfaction as she stepped forward to help him with his tie. Her display of a perfect partner image made Victor feel appreciated.

Victor took it so seriously because he was aware of just how important Richard was-hardly anyone would be clueless about what the president of Art Association represented.