Chapter 85

“Yve, come here, there’s a seat, Bonnie called. Ruby had made her do the backstage cleaning early in the morning as payback for something she had done and had just finished. Bonnie had looked around for a seat, but the only available ones were in the second row.

As soon as Zachary heard Yvette’s name, he immediately looked toward the stage. Rebecca and Nellie, who had been chatting with Jaiden, stopped to look over. Curious, Jaiden followed their gaze and saw a gorgeous girl standing by the stage.

Yvette was still wearing her usual black tracksuit and canvas shoes, though they were new at the time, replacing the worn–out pair she used to wear. All eyes quickly fell on her. She frowned slightly, obviously annoyed by the attention.

When she looked up, the fierceness and defiance in her eyes were hard to miss–dangerous yet captivating. Zachary suddenly stood, saying, “Yvette, do you need a seat? Come sit here.”

The auditorium had quieted down upon the group’s arrival. Most of the students at Argrol University knew who Jaiden and the others were. They kept their voices low, hoping to make a good impression. Everyone knew that being on the right side of those people could lead to job offers after graduation.

After Zachary spoke, hushed whispers filled the room. Jaiden narrowed his eyes and asked. “Who’s that?”

Rebecca looked at Nellie, her tone mocking as she spoke. “You probably haven’t heard. She’s the daughter the Chambers family just found–the child of Mr. Zachary Chambers‘ ex–wife. Despite the irritation on Nellie’s face, Rebecca continued, “Mr. Chambers really dotes on her; she’s his beloved daughter”

Nellie forced a smile and thought, ‘What is Rebecca up to? Is she trying to embarrass me?‘ Then she replied, “You are right, Ms.

Carter. A daughter is the apple of her parents‘ eye. I hear you are even more treasured than Victor at the Carter residence.”

Nellie’s words struck a chord. Everyone knew that Rebecca’s high standing in the Carter family had little to do with parental love and everything to do with Claude. Matthew had often made it clear that girls should have stayed at home, supporting their husbands and raising children rather than pursuing careers.

Rebecca’s face immediately hardened, clearly indicating that Nellie had struck a nerve. Jaiden, however, was not interested in their bickering. His focus was on Yvette, who leaned casually against the wall, hands in her pockets, completely at ease. She looked so much like her mother, Lilian.

Jaiden remembered meeting Lilian at a banquet over 20 years ago–her beauty had been unforgettable. No wonder Zachary had fallen head over heels for her back then, even going so far as to cut ties with the Chambers family.

Yvette tilted her head slightly, giving Zachary a cold, assessing glance. Her voice was low and lazy as she said, “No need.”

Everyone had expected Zachary to be annoyed by her tone, but to their surprise, he smiled warmly and replied, “Yvette, how about I help you find a seat?” His words left the room in stunned silence.

Most of the students at Argrol University believed, based on Winona’s subtle gossip, that Yvette had been neglected by her family–unloved and sent to live in the dorms as an afterthought. However, Zachary’s reaction left them baffled and wondered, ‘Isn’t she supposed to be ignored? Look at Mr. Chambers. His tone and that warm smile–he can’t possibly dote on her any more than he already does!”

It became painfully clear that the rumors about Yvette being unloved were nothing but lies. Nellie, seething with jealousy, wondered, ‘Does Zachary not care about Zeke and Winona at all! Is Yvette the only one who matters to him? Nellie clung to Zachary’s arm and smiled sweetly, saying, “Darling, if Yvette doesn’t want to sit with us, that’s perfectly fine. The school has probably already arranged seats. No need to worry.”

Rebecca suddenly took Nellie’s side and sarcastically interjected. “Mr. Chambers, I’m sure the seats are already assigned. We’re just guests here; there’s no need to bother the school. Besides, look at Victor and Mr. Lewis–they’re sitting with the students. It wouldn’t be appropriate for Yvette to sit with us, dont you think?”

After Rebecca’s comment, Zachary found himself unable to argue any further. He shot Nellie a look of clear dissatisfaction, but she did not care. She couldn’t stand to see Zachary treat Yvette so well.

Meanwhile, Ruby was leading Simon and Andrew through the auditorium when she overheard someone mention Yvette. Andrew immediately picked up the pace, with Simon close behind. Ruby, not knowing why they were speeding up, had to practically jog in heels, which were three inches high, to keep up. A few moments later, Simon and Andrew entered the room. Ruby was no fool. She knew Andrew was someone important with only one look at him.

Anyone who could keep Simon at his side was no ordinary man. Ruby had already noticed Andrew’s shirt and jacket were the latest LV–luxury items that few people in Seacrity could obtain so quickly. Ruby had tried to engage him in conversation throughout the walk.

Andrew, however, was unimpressed. He had seen countless beautiful women and was not interested in Ruby. He only responded to her occasionally, enough to make her happy.

“What’s going on here? It looks lively,” Simon roared as he entered the room.

The students turned to greet Andrew and Simon as the doors swung open. “Good morning, Mr. Sunderland,” several students greeted.

*****

The students at Argrol University did not recognize Andrew, so they naturally greeted Simon instead. Andrew quickly spotted Yvette and Bonnie in the corner before glancing at the group in the front row. Except for Zachary, whom he had seen at the police station, Andrew did not recognize any of the others.

Before Andrew could say a word, Ruby, still in her high heels, stormed forward, ignoring any questions about what had happened and heading straight for Yvette in a huff. “Yvette, why do you always cause trouble wherever you go?” Ruby snapped, her irritation palpable.

Andrew’s expression darkened as he thought, ‘What is she doing? Who gave her the nerve to talk to Yvette like that?‘

Yvette lifted her gaze, her eyes icy and sharp. “Just remember to take your medications,” she shot back, implying Ruby was acting crazy.

Ruby froze, and the auditorium erupted in laughter. Yvette had put Ruby in her place with that one line. Andrew, who was about to intervene, stood still. He knew Yvette would not back down, but he had not expected her to be so sharp.

Andrew thought, ‘Impressive! She’s clearly Jeremiah’s partner–there’s a reason she’s at the top of her game. If she weren’t capable, the sharks at Betrico would have taken her down by now!

Simon cleared his throat, and the room fell silent again. “Can someone explain to me what just happened?” he asked, his voice calm but commanding.