Richard put down his fork, and everyone at the table didnât even dare to breathe.
Only Yvette kept her head down, unaffectedly enjoying her meal This behavior showed a lack of concern in Nellieâs and the otherâs eyes, as Yvette heartlessly let Zachary take the heat for her without a second thought.
Nellie silently cursed Yvette, who sat across from her countless times.
Richard noticed it, too.
âMr. Zachary Chambers, since you donât appreciate my gesture, I have nothing more to say. But your daughter is already in her twenties. Bullying her own sister is inexcusable. Everyone is here today, so she should explain herself. Can she really rely on the Chambers family to protect her forever when she enters society?â His voice was upset.
Then, he stared at Yvette, indicating he wouldnât let her go until she explained.
Zacharyâs anger flared. He wondered what Richard was referring to by bullying. He knew Yvette wouldnât waste her time bullying Winona. âYou-â
âWho are you?â Yvette interrupted, her voice calm and steady.
Richardâs eyes widened in disbelief. âDoes she really not know me: She must be doing this on purpose, he mused. Doesnât she even know who her family invited? How is that possible? Sheâs clearly trying to insult me.
Winona stood up and nervously glanced at Yvette, looking scared. âMr. Griffin, it wasnât intentional. She just got back from the countryside and might not recognize you. Please donât be upset.â
Then, she glanced at Yvette again, her voice becoming softer. âYvic, please apologize to him. Donât make it difficult for Dad, okay? Please. Mr. Griffinâs health isnât good, so please donât anger him.â
Winona spoke with heartfelt sincerity and thoughtfulness. She appeared filial and kind, deeply touching Victor and the others.
It was clear to Nellie now that Winona was using Richard to pressure Yvette.
She, too, stood up and joined in the conversation. âYvette, Winonaâs right. Even if you donât know Mr. Griffin, heâs still an elder.
Just apologize, okay?â
Already displeased with Yvette, Victor desperately wanted Richard to teach her a lesson. âYeah, Yvette, you were out of line.
How could you disrespect Mr. Griffin?â
Zeke relished in the drama as Yvetteâs ingratitude led him to give up his concern for her.
Winona was right. For now, Yvette was their mutual enemy.
He glanced at her with glee, curious to see if she would apologize in this situation, musing, Didnât she always act tough? I wonder how sheâll maintain her bravado with so many against her.
âYvie, Mr. Griffinâs older than Dad. Surely, you understand the importance of respecting your elders. Just apologize already. Why make this more difficult for yourself?â Winona urged.
Richard flashed a smug smile. With so many backing him, he was sure Yvette would apologize to him. Then, he would humiliate her to vent his frustration So, the man stood there, waiting for Yvette to give in and apologize, with everyoneâs condemning gazes focused on her.
Yvette leaned back in her chair, casually crossed her arms and legs, and sipped her coffee. She lifted her cynical gaze and pressed her lips together, saying coldly, âYou want me to apologize?
Richard sneered. âAs your elder, if you apologize to me, Iâll graciously forgive you. Weâve all been young and reckless. Just say sorry to me and Winona, and we can move past this.â
Winona struggled to contain the excitement bubbling up inside her. She could already picture Yvette bowing her head, humbly apologizing.
Yvette scoffed, her expression turning frosty. She couldnât remember the last time someone had told her such a joke.
âDo you really think youâre worthy of my apology? A lot of people expect me to apologize, but...â she paused, a dangerous glint in her eyes.
The woman continued, âMost of them are dead now. If youâre willing, I wouldnât mind sending you their way.â
The others were stunned by the wild intensity in her eyes, briefly convinced that she was not lying and had actually taken at life.
Richard was so furious that his hands trembled. He pointed at Yvette while clutching his heart, looking like he was about to faint.
Seeing this, the two people with him quickly produced medicine bottles from their pockets, supported him, and fed him at few white pills.
Richard had a severe heart condition and almost always carried heart medication with him.
The two of them trembled with fear. If anything happened to Richard, they would lose their backing in Art Association.
Winona rushed over to him, helping him catch his breath while glaring at Yvette, dropping her niceties act Zachary massaged his temples, feeling an incoming headache. He mused, âYvette is determined to drive Richard crazy. Itâs also bad news for us if Richard suffers a mishap here.â
Neither Victor, Zeke, nor Nellie expected Richard to be so upset by Yvette. They gathered around the man with concern while Zachary remained by Yvetteâs side.
Once Richard calmed down, he glared at Yvette, wanting to tear her apart.
He couldnât believe that she not only refused to apologize but also mocked him, saying she could end his life.
Yvette stood up lazily, glancing at him and the others opposite her.
Her expression remained unchanged in response to their hostile glares as if she were looking at a crowd of the dead She turned to the side and raised a brow at Zachary. âAre we leaving or not?â
Zachary paused. He caught Yvetteâs gaze and understood what she meant. The choice was more than whether to leave.
Leaving would mean choosing Yvette while staying behind would mean giving up on Yvette in her eyes. Zachary smiled biuerly.
He mused. If that happens, she wonât attend the event tomorrow Zachary glanced at Nellie and Winona, seeing the hope and anticipation in their eyes.
Yvette glanced at Zachary, who seemed torn and indecisive, with irritation flickering in her eyes. She turned to leave.
Zachary gritted his teeth, decided, and looked at Yvette with determination. âYvette, letâs go. Letâs head home together,â he said.
The next moment, Nellie slumped onto the bench, her eyes red and frightening, showing signs of madness. Deep down, she still held onto a sliver of hope.
Even if he didnât choose me, he canât possibly leave Zeke and Winona behind, can he? They are his biological kids, too. Are they not more important than Yvette, who just returned to the family? she sobbed inwardly.
Meanwhile, Winona didnât react strongly, but the trembling in her left hand revealed her inner turmoil.
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