Chapter 19

As soon as Patrick arrived at the Chambers residence, Lora, Nellie’s lookout at home, shot a message over to Nellie. Halfway through her coffee break. Nellie made an excuse to head back. Right at the door, she ran into Winona, who was coming back from piano class.

Even though they missed Patrick, Lora filled them in, saying he looked really angry and was cursing as he walked out, Nellie felt a wave of satisfaction. It seemed like Yvette must have done something to tick Patrick off. Maybe there was an issue with her getting into Argrol University. Either way, it was good news for Nellie.

Winona couldn’t help but enjoy it too upon hearing it When they got inside, Nellie and Winona had a hard time hiding their rejoicing. Zachary looked confused and asked. “What’s got you two so happy?”

Nellie leaned in linking her arm with Zachary’s. “Oh, honey, it’s nothing serious. I just got my hands on a limited-edition. handbag I’ve been waiting forever for.”

Zachary didn’t really understand why a handbag would make her this excited.

Winona jumped in, her tone adorable. “Dad, you just don’t get us women. A good bag can make everything right.”

Zachary shrugged, letting them have their moment. “Alright, if it makes you two happy, that’s what counts. By the way. Eve got some even better news to share. He glanced at Yvette, who was still glued to her phone, and sighed.

“What is it, honey?” Nellie asked, curious.

“Come on, Dad! Spill it. Don’t leave us in suspense.” Winona shook Zachary’s arm dramatically and shot a provoking look at Yvette Yvette didn’t even flinch, completely unfazed.

Lucas had just seen off Patrick, who had been grumbling all the whole way with a poker face, making Lucas very annoyed. Still sweating. Lucas hurried back and happened to interrupt Zachary, “Mr. Chambers, I’ve sent Patrick off.”

Zachary nodded. Even though the Chambers family wasn’t the top family in Seacrity anymore, he definitely wouldn’t let some school dean push them around Just as Lucas finished his sentence, he got a sharp eye roll from Winona. Did I say anything wrong? When did I ever offend Ms.

Chambers? he wondered.

Nellie exaggerated her tone. “Patrick? You mean the dean of Argrol University? Oh! Didn’t we just send him a gift recently to help Yvette get into the school? Why was he here?”

Winona gasped, covering her mouth like she’d just realized something. “Oh no, Dad, it can’t be about Yvette not being allowed to enroll at Argrol, right?”

She quickly added, seeming a little embarrassed, “Oops, never mind! I’m just talking nonsense. Yvette, don’t take me seriously Sering Zachary and Yvette both silent, Nellie thought Winona might actually have a point Glancing at Yvette, who was quiet and staring down. Nellie felt even more satisfied. “Honey, since Mr. Williams already said Yvette can’t go to Argrol, how about trying Baity University instead? It might not be as prestigious, but it could be easier for Yvette.”

With that, she turned to Yvette with a pretentious look. “Yvette, if you want to go to Baity University, I...”

“That’s not it. Patrick’s not here to talk about Yvette... Zachary interrupted her.

As Nellie was speaking taas spotted a piece of paper on the table. Even though it was only partly visible, the words “Adinusion Recommendation Letter” jumped out at him. No doubt about it-this letter had been delivered by Patrick, straight from Simon for Yvene.

Luca was taken aback. He realized he’d been right all along-Yvette wasn’t just any ordinary girl. When had anyone ever seen a country girl so unfazed by the luxury of the Clumbers family estate! She barely everlanced at the villa, the jewelry, or even the chance to attend Argrol University.

Just two days ago, he had been uncertain about Yvette, but now he was sure-he needed to treat her much better from now on.

Little did he know, this very decision would save his life down the line.

“Wait, this is about Wente getting into school? Nellie felt a wave of uncertainty. What else could it be? How does Patrick kriow Yvette!”

Winona’s mood plummeted with Zachary’s words-she’d been happy for nothing.

Zachary looked at Yvette softly and said with pride, “The principal of Argfol University. Simon, asked Patrick to deliver the Admission Recommendation Letter to Yvette”

Winona blurted out, “That’s impossible!”

Nellie was equally stunned. This just doesn’t make sense.

Taw the recommendation letter myself. It’s right there on the table. There’s no way it’s fake,” Zachary said The two finally noticed the letter on the table. Winona dashed over, picked it up, and examined it closely. When she saw the official seal from the Principal’s office, disbelief and disappointment filled her eyes. Nellie didn’t need to get any closer-she could tell from Winona’s face.

“You’re really awesome, Yvette. You know Mr. Sunderland? If your dad knew that, he wouldn’t have been so worried,” Winona smiled as she thought. How could a girl who hasn’t even finished elementary school have a connection like this? Something definitely doesn’t add up. It seems like I need to dig deeper into Yvette’s story Yvette stood up, her eyes cool and impatient. Without a word, she walked straight out.

Zachary felt pretty proud of her and didn’t even register whether she said goodbye. Just as Yvette reached the door, he called out, “Make sure to get home early”

Winona watched Zachary, who had never been this kind to her, and a wave of jealousy washed over her. “Why’s Yvette getting all this favor? When I was the only girl in the family, Dad just preferred me a bit. I have to find a way to kick Yvette out, no matter what. If things got desperate, I could kill her. Yeah, kill her! The thought thrilled her.

“Winona, watch your mouth around Yvette from now on. What do you mean ‘impossible? That’s completely out of line. It doesn’t look good for a young lady from a good family. You’re starting your apprenticeship next month. Mind your manners, Zachary scolded.

In the two days since Yvette returned, Winona had already faced several lectures. Why? Just because she’s the child of the woman Dad adored? So Yvette has the right to act so entitled? she asked bitterly in her mind Winona, just as selfish as Nellie, also thought it was Nellie’s fault for not being able to hold onto Zachary, dragging her into this mess.

Nevertheless, she lowered her head and replied with a pitiful voice, “I understand, Dad. I’m sorry”

Nellie leaned against Zachary while sending a glare at Winona, silently telling her to leave. “Honey, Winona was just too surprised. Please don’t be angry.