Chapter 13

Nathan paused re you really going to go that continued with a harsh tone. “Yvette, you’re really ruthless. If I can’t stop Brayde you Yvette let out a cold laugh. Nathan should have known her answer.

“Fine, I’ll do my best to keep Braydon away, I promise he won’t show up in front of you within a year,” Nathan said.

Yvette hang up the phone without hesitation. What a c**g guy! A year? Playing word game with me, huh?”

Meanwhile, in Winona’s room. Nellie was administering medicine to Winona silently with a straight face, making Winona feel a knot tightening in her stomach.

Everyone had always said Nellie was kind and gentle, raising her kids well. Crowing up, Winona had to learn piano, dance.

calligraphy, horseback riding, and art. Nellie claimed Winona could follow her passions, but that was a lie. She forced Winona to learn and never fall behind any other noble girl, or there would be consequences.

Thinking back to those years sent chills down Winona’s spine. She remembered a dance competition against Rebecca whose skills were just incredible. Nellie dunked her in cold water for half the night. She cried and pleaded, but it didn’t work. Finally, she had a high fever that night, and Nellie used it as an excuse to drop her out of the competition Her fever had lasted for an entire week. Only when Zachary got home at night did Nellie gently stroke her head. She realized she was merely a tool for her mother to maintain appearances and win her dad’s favor. So since childhood, she understood that some things had to be fought for, no matter the cost, if not, the consequences would be even worse.

You did something s**id today, you know?” Nellie asked.

Winona’s heart sank, her nerves kicking in. “I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to. I just couldn’t hold back.”

y the second.

Nellie stared at her for a long moment. Under that gaze, Winona felt more suffocated by Finally, Nellie softened. “Forget about today. That b**h isn’t so easy to deal with. We need to plan carefully. Next time, do anything s**id without confidence. I’ve been teaching you all these years, yet you haven’t made any progress at all.”

don’t Seeing that Nellie wasn’t angry anymore, Winona felt a bit relieved and finally voiced her worries. “Mom, I’m worried that Victor...”

Seeing Winona’s fearful expression, Nellie rolled her eyes. “Are you worried he’ll be attracted to Yvette and won’t want you anymore?”

Winona nodded. She had to admit that Yvette was too stunning Nellie smirked dismissively. “Winona, relax. As long as I’m a Smith and you’re still your grandfather’s favorite, he won’t have the guts to look elsewhere. Even if his engagement was set up by Mr. Carter and Lilian, what does that matter? Those years are long gone, and I’m the lady of the Chambers family now. Nobody’s taking your spot!”

With total certainty, Nellie continued, “Gather yourself. Next month is your apprenticeship ceremony. You must show Yvette the difference between a noble girl and a country bumpkin like her. She might be pretty, but what else does she have that compares to you? Once Victor sees the gap between you two, he’ll understand who he should marry.”

Winona felt her confidence soar with Nellie’s words. She had been thrown off by Yvette’s beauty, and her mom was right— the Carter family wouldn’t marry someone like Yvette, who was all looks and no talent.

Before leaving, Nellie asked about Zeke’s whereabouts. Winona hesitated and, after her mother pressed her, finally admitted he was at a nightclub. Nellie was furious. Zeke never listened to her and chose foolish adventures right before exams. She 1/2 11:42 Sat, Oct 5 u Chapter 13 needed to figure something put for him.

As Nellie stormed out, Winona lifted her head slowly, a sinister smile creeping onto her face.

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In the nightclub, Zeke was having a wild time with his buddies, downing drinks and laughing. Lately, he had been spoiling a C-list celebrity. When they first started hanging out, she seemed innocent and didn’t care much for money. But in just three months, she was driving the luxury car he bought her, living in a mansion, and flaunting designer clothes that used to be out of her reach-

she had corrupted completely.

Zeke knew there was something twisted in him. He got a kick out of ruining beautiful things. That feeling filled a void inside. him that he couldn’t shake.

He leaned back in his chair, taking in the celebrity dancing on a pole in the private room. He lighted a cigarette, and the smoke curled around his face, trying to hide the darkness within. Yet, his mind kept wandering back to Yvette and her icy, alluring smile.

When the celebrity finished her dance and walked over to charm him, Zeke simply said, “This woman’s for you guys to enjoy.”

His friends quickly jumped on board.

Thanks, Zeke!”

“You’re such a nice guy, Zeke!

The celebrity’s eyes went wide in shock as she lunged for Zeke, trying to grab his leg. But with a swift kick, he sent her sprawling to the floor.