“It’s none of my business. The Chambers family letting her run her mouth will only make them look bad,” Yvette said, brushing off the two blushing faces and getting into the car.
Lucas was speechless. Yvette’s response was razor-sharp—she deflected the blame effortlessly. All he could do was signal the bodyguards to take Tina away.
Zachary had sent a fleet of luxury cars to pick up Yvette, a display sure to turn heads. He clearly wanted to show how much he valued his long-lost daughter, but whether his feelings were genuine was another matter.
Once inside the car, Yvette closed her eyes. Just as Lucas glanced her way, she opened them, a glint in her eyes. “Just spill it,” she said.
Recalling Zachary’s instructions, Lucas began carefully. “There are four major families in Seacrity, with the Lewis family at the top. They control three leading laboratories, each headed by a senior official. There are also two major factions and countless wealthy families, all with complex ties. The Chambers family is currently ranked fourth. Years ago, when Mr. Matthew Chambers was alive, we were at the top, but now…”
“Over the years, Mr. Zachary Chambers has struggled with his health while searching for you. He's thrilled to have found you; it has even improved his condition. He’s eagerly awaiting your return home. Your mother would rest in peace knowing this.”
As Lucas delivered the last line, a chill ran through him. When he looked up, the feeling vanished. He wondered, “Am I seeing things?”
Yvette remained silent, gazing out the window.
Lucas continued. “Mr. Zachary Chambers hopes that, upon your return, you can avoid conflicts with other family members. After all, your identity as his daughter is established. He will also do his best to find a suitable match for you.”
Yvette didn’t look up, making Lucas feel like he was giving a solo performance.
Lucas had researched Yvette’s background. Compared to Zeke and Winona, she had seemed rather ordinary growing up. But aside from her resemblance to photos, her personality and presence were vastly different from the information he’d gathered.
With years of experience as a butler in a wealthy family, Lucas prided himself on his ability to read people. Yet, he couldn’t understand the source of Yvette’s confidence. In truth, Yvette’s return was something she desired. Without her own plans, Zachary wouldn't have found her. And any conflicts? Those were part of her plan.
Zachary’s current wife, Nellie, was no pushover. As the cherished daughter of the Smith family—the second most powerful family—she was known for her poise and charm. After marrying Zachary, she managed their home impeccably and became known in Seacrity as the ideal wife.
Without the information she possessed, Yvette might have believed Nellie’s good reputation. But the truth was, over the years, any woman who tried to get close to Zachary had met an unfortunate end.
Lucas often employed a carrot-and-stick approach. First, he threatened Yvette, then dangled the promise of a bright future. He thought something had to sway her.
Yvette turned from the window and pulled out a piece of candy. The moment she opened it, a rich, creamy aroma filled the car.
Lucas swallowed hard—the candy smelled incredibly tempting.
“Is this from Zachary?” Yvette asked.
Lucas nodded, a headache forming at Yvette's casual address of Zachary. “He just wants what’s best for you,” he explained.
How long had it been since anyone had warned Yvette? She could barely remember. Maybe five years? And where were those people now? One might find their remains in some random mountain.
“If they don’t mess with me, I won’t do anything. But if they…” Yvette trailed off, returning to the window.
Lucas rubbed his temples, wondering if bringing Yvette back was a good idea. He had a strong feeling the Chambers family's peaceful life was about to end.
If they cross me… I’ll make the whole family pay, Yvette sneered silently.